Steaming Artichokes: Using Rice Cooker For Quick, Easy Prep

Artichokes are a delicious and healthy treat, and steaming is one of the best ways to cook them. It brings out their delicate, nutty-yet-sweet flavour, and it's easy to do. You can steam artichokes on the stovetop, in a pressure cooker, or even in a rice cooker. But how long do you steam artichokes in a rice cooker? Well, it turns out that the cooking time is similar to steaming them on the stovetop: around 20 to 25 minutes. So, if you're looking for a convenient way to cook artichokes without taking up a burner on your stove, steaming them in a rice cooker is a great option!

Artichoke preparation

Firstly, make sure you have the right equipment. Artichokes start to brown as soon as you cut them, so you will need a lemon to rub on the cut surfaces to prevent oxidation. You will also need a cutting board, a knife (preferably stainless steel), a peeler, and a steamer basket. If you are using a rice cooker, you don't need the steamer basket.

Now, it's time to start preparing the artichoke. Begin with the stem. Peel off any tough, small petals or leaves on the artichoke stem. Then, trim the end of the stem—you only need to cut off a little bit, as the stem is edible and has a wonderful meaty texture. You can also gently score the stem to help it cook more quickly. Rub the cut surface with lemon to prevent browning.

Next, use your peeler to trim away the tough outer skin of the artichoke stem. Then, rub the peeled sides of the stem with lemon juice.

After that, it's time to prepare the artichoke leaves. Slice off the top of the artichoke, cutting 1/2-1 inch from the top. At this point, your artichoke will have a flat top with a few rows of pointy leaves around the sides. Rub the cut, flat leaves with lemon juice, and use kitchen shears to trim off the pointy tips of the lower leaves.

Finally, it's time to cook! If you are using a rice cooker, pour 1/2 cup of water per artichoke into the cooker. Place one or two artichokes, stem side down, in the rice cooker. Cover and turn on the cooker. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes. The artichokes are done when a leaf from the center pulls out easily, and you can slide a sharp knife into the stem end without resistance.

If you are using a stovetop, add 1 inch of cold water to a large pot, and squeeze in lemon juice. Drop the juiced lemon segments into the water, too. Place a steamer basket inside the pot and put the artichokes in the basket. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 35-45 minutes, or until the artichoke stem is fork-tender and you can easily peel away the outer leaves.

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy your perfectly steamed artichokes. Don't forget to serve them with a tasty dipping sauce or melted butter!

Rice cooker setup

To steam artichokes in a rice cooker, start by preparing the artichokes in the same way you would if you were cooking them on the stovetop. Cut off the stems and the top third of each artichoke. Trim the sharp tips and peel off the tough outer leaves. Brush the cut surfaces of the artichokes with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Next, set up your rice cooker by pouring in half a cup of water per artichoke. Place one or two artichokes, stem side down, into the bowl of the rice cooker. Cover the rice cooker and turn it on.

Cook the artichokes for 20 to 25 minutes. To check if they are done, pull a leaf from the center; if it comes out easily, the artichoke is fully cooked. You can also slide a sharp knife into the stem end; if you don't feel any resistance, the center is soft.

Finally, remove the artichokes from the rice cooker using tongs and serve immediately.

Cooking time

Steaming artichokes in a rice cooker is a convenient way to prepare this vegetable without occupying a stovetop burner. The cooking time for artichokes in a rice cooker is generally between 20 and 25 minutes. However, it's important to note that using a rice cooker does not reduce the cooking time compared to other steaming methods.

To steam artichokes in a rice cooker, start by preparing the artichokes in the same way you would for stovetop cooking. Cut off the stem and the top one-third of each artichoke, trim the sharp tips, and remove the tough outer leaves. It is also recommended to brush the cut surfaces with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Once the artichokes are prepared, pour half a cup of water per artichoke into the rice cooker. Place one or two artichokes, stem side down, in the bowl of the rice cooker. Cover the cooker, turn it on, and let it steam.

After the suggested cooking time of 20 to 25 minutes, you can perform a couple of tests to check if the artichokes are done. First, try pulling a leaf from the center; if it comes out easily, the artichoke is fully cooked. Another test is to slide a sharp knife into the stem end; if you feel no resistance, the center is soft, and the artichoke is ready to be served.

It's important to use tongs when removing the artichokes from the rice cooker, as they will be extremely hot. You can serve artichokes warm or at room temperature with various dips, such as melted butter, hollandaise sauce, or mayonnaise-based sauces.

How to test if artichokes are done

There are a few ways to test if your artichokes are done. The first is to pull a leaf from the center of the artichoke. If it comes out easily, the artichoke is fully cooked. You can also try sliding a sharp knife or skewer into the stem end. If you don't feel any resistance, the center is soft and the artichoke is done. Another way is to pierce the bottom of the stem with a skewer. If it penetrates easily, the artichoke is cooked. It's important to note that the cooking time for artichokes can vary depending on their size and the method used, so it's always a good idea to test them frequently as they cook.

• Artichokes take on a brighter color the closer they are to being done.
• Artichokes should be tender when pierced with a knife or skewer.
• There should be some resistance when pulling on a leaf, but not a lot.

Now, onto the topic of how long you should steam artichokes in a rice cooker. Using a rice cooker doesn't speed up the cooking time, but it does free up a burner on your stove. The process is similar to simmering artichokes on the stovetop, which takes around 25 to 40 minutes. When using a rice cooker, it's recommended to cook the artichokes for 20 to 25 minutes. However, it's always a good idea to test them to ensure they are fully cooked.

Serving suggestions

Steaming artichokes is a great way to prepare them for a variety of serving options. Here are some ideas for how to serve steamed artichokes:

Appetizers and Sides

Steamed artichokes make a wonderful appetizer or side dish, especially in the spring when they are in season. Simply prepare the artichokes by steaming them in a rice cooker or on the stovetop, and then serve them with a variety of dipping sauces. Melted butter is a classic choice, but you can also try creamy sauces like Caesar dressing, tartar sauce, or a simple vinaigrette. You can also get creative with your dipping sauces by mixing in ingredients like balsamic vinegar, fresh dill, lemon juice, or garlic powder.

Main Courses

Artichokes can also be incorporated into main course dishes. Try pairing steamed artichokes with pasta, such as in a spinach and ricotta pasta or a pesto pasta. You can also add them to a spring recipe like tagliatelle with asparagus and peas. For a heartier option, try an asparagus and artichoke soup, or pair steamed artichokes with any type of protein.

Salads and Other Recipes

Artichokes are versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. Try adding them to a salad, either on their own or with other ingredients like spinach or asparagus. You can also get creative with recipes like a warm white bean salad, Roman-Style Artichokes, or artichoke salad with a warm tomato vinaigrette. Other options include baking, grilling, or stuffing artichokes, or even serving them raw in a salad.

No matter how you choose to serve them, steamed artichokes are a delicious and healthy option that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Frequently asked questions