Cut off the stem of each artichoke close to the base of the artichoke. Rinse off artichokes. Add about an inch of water to a large pot and insert the steamer basket. You want the water to almost be touching the bottom of the steamer basket.
Add artichokes to steamer basket. If you have more than four artichokes, you'll want to cook those artichokes in a separate batch.
Cook artichokes for 30 minutes. Put lid on pot and turn stove on high. Once pot reaches boiling, lower heat to a simmer.
After 30 minutes, check artichokes for doneness. Use a fork on the bottom of an artichoke. If you can easily insert the fork, the artichoke is done, if it doesn't, set the timer in increments of 5 minutes, checking for doneness after each 5 minutes.