Rice Free Cilantro-Lime Steamed Artichokes
Steamed artichokes are one of those dishes that feel almost luxurious despite being incredibly simple, and this cilantro-lime version takes the whole experience up a notch. The steaming liquid is loaded with smashed garlic, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, so the artichokes absorb bright, herby flavor from the inside out before they even hit the plate. Pulling each leaf through that zesty avocado oil dipping sauce — built with fresh lime juice, cumin, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes — is genuinely one of the more satisfying things you can do at the dinner table. Every single ingredient here is naturally grain-free and starch-free, so there's no need to audit labels or swap anything out to keep this meal on track. The technique is straightforward: trim, rub with lime to prevent browning, steam until a leaf pulls away easily, and whisk the sauce together while you wait. It's an elegant, hands-on dish that works beautifully as a starter or a light main, and the vibrant green dipping sauce is bright enough to make the whole plate look like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the artichokes
- 4 large artichokes
- 1 lime, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- ½ cup fresh cilantro stems and leaves, loosely packed
- ½ tsp salt
For the dipping sauce
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water. Add the smashed garlic cloves, cilantro stems and leaves, the juice of half the lime (squeeze it directly into the water), and 1/2 tsp salt. Set a steamer basket inside the pot — the water should sit just below the basket.
- 2
Trim the artichokes: slice off the top 1 inch of each artichoke with a chef's knife, then snip the sharp tips from the outer leaves with kitchen shears if desired. Rub all cut surfaces immediately with the remaining lime half to prevent browning.
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