grilled artichokes are so tasty that they barely need a squeeze of lemon on top, but this soy garlic mayo doesn't hurt!
this not being in school thing is more strange than i thought it would be. for the first time in forever (or 17 years), there's no autopilot of mandatory classes and homework and grades. i'm not hurtling towards a huge goal of getting into college and landing a job. sure, there's guidelines and best practices and career paths at work, but this environment and these goals are so much more fluid. i've never have to rely on myself so much to reach for variety and challenge, since these were served up on a platter so tidily before.
even in my free time, i'm craving new experiences.
i ended up grilling for the first time a few weeks ago, yielding some smoky artichokes with plenty of creamy soy garlic mayo.
i was cocky and naive, thinking they'd be equally as glorious as (yet much cheaper than) the grilled artichokes i had at the dorian. did you know, however, that unless you're trying to make crispy artichoke leather, you have to boil them before you grill them? 🤦
the second time was a lot smoother, though the soy garlic mayo was great both times. i'm sure no one's surprised that mayo is made even tastier with a dash of soy sauce, and a little chopped garlic.
and if you want another easy little mayo-based dip, how about this kimchi mayo?

- 4 artichokes
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 garlic clove chopped
- lemon wedges for serving
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Peel away the outer layer from the artichoke stem. Cut the top quarter off of the artichokes, then halve lengthwise.
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In a medium pot, add the artichokes and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until you can easily peel a leaf off of an artichoke. Cool until you can easily handle them, then use a small paring knife to remove (and discard) any prickly bits and the inner purple leaves.
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Preheat your grill to 350F-400F. Over direct heat, place the artichokes cut side down and grill for 10-15 minutes, or until the artichokes are crispy around the edges and you see grill marks. Remove the artichokes from heat and cool slightly.
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In a small bowl, mix the mayo, soy sauce and garlic. Serve alongside the artichokes and lemon wedges.
mimi rippee says
Wonderful. I've never added soy sauce, but I love the idea. I usually do butter, mayonnaise and a little Dijon. Congratulations on being done with school!!!
Heather says
ooh, butter + mayo + dijon sounds delicious too! i'll have to try that next time.
Maria | kitchenathoskins says
I'm trying this recipe this weekend!!! My fridge is stocked with artichokes from Costco and this is such a delicious way to use them.
[email protected] is How I Cook says
I do love artichokes and I've done the leather thing too because it seems so many recipes say low and slow and they are WRONG! Your method is RIGHT! And very tasty I bet!
Kelly | Foodtasia says
Oh yum! These look delicious! I've been eating a lot more artichokes lately and I can't wait to try these. Thanks for the tip on avoiding artichoke leather 🙂 and the soy garlic mayo sounds perfect!
Nancy says
I felt the same my first year after graduating from college. DOESN'T IT FEEL GREAT NOT TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH THOSE SCHOOL VIBES? Oooh, I LOVE grilled artichokes. Oh man, the soy garlic mayo sounds like a big hit. I like the combination, with a hint of asian while eating your veggies, hehe. (Mostly said this because I had soy garlic korean fried chicken earlier).
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
GiGi Eats says
I absolutely, positively ADORE artichokes!!!!!! I haven't had any is so so so so so long though !!
Heather says
trader joe's (at least in the bay area) has them for pretty cheap!! time to treat yourself (;
Kankana Saxena says
YUM!! If only my husband could enjoy artichoke just as much as I do!