Grilled watermelon is a unique and delicious way to enjoy this refreshing fruit during the summer months. Grilling watermelon brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor to the juicy and tender fruit. It's a great side dish or appetizer for barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor gatherings.
A piece of grilled watermelon will have smoky undertones and flavors of lime, honey, and fresh cilantro. It has increased sweetness. And basically, everything you want in a summertime side dish at a BBQ. Hence, instead of presenting a watermelon feta salad, suggest this grilled version. The outcomes are equally delectable.
Ingredients
The spice is the secret to extra scrumptious grilled watermelon. A simple formula to keep in mind is to combine sugar and citrus. Citrus flavors assist to brighten everything up while sugar caramelizes to provide lovely grill marks.
- Watermelon: To put things in perspective, a 3-pound watermelon will roughly feed 6 people. Hence, if there will be a larger group, choose a larger watermelon or grill two smaller ones.
- Lime: For maximum lime goodness, both juice and zest are used!
- Honey: This brings out the inherent sweetness of the watermelon. Who doesn't adore the flavor combination of honey and lime?
- Cilantro: To add a burst of freshness to every bite, thinly sliced fresh cilantro leaves.
How to cut watermelon for grilling
It is better to cut the grilled watermelon into thick triangle pieces before serving. There are several ways to accomplish this, but I've found that the one listed below is the simplest and most effective.
Pro tip
Use a chef's knife or carving knife for the easiest possible passage through your watermelon.
- The watermelon should be trimmed at the ends and seated upright.
- The watermelon should be cut in half, then again into quarters.
- Cut the quarters into triangle pieces that are 1 inch thick.
How to grill watermelon
Create the honey-lime concoction. Mix lime juice, lime zest, and honey in a small bowl.
Watermelon should be cut. An indoor or outdoor barbecue should be hot. Then cut the watermelon into triangle slices that are 1 inch thick using the technique described above. Each watermelon slice should be brushed with the lime juice mixture on both sides.
The watermelon is grilled. Grill each piece for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the watermelon is just beginning to soften.
Serve. Before serving, top with fresh cilantro that has been finely chopped.
A GUIDE TO GRILLING WATERMELON
PERFECTLY
- Make sure the heat is high on the grill. This won't overcook the watermelon to mush, but it will almost immediately produce those Instagram-worthy grill marks.
- To keep the watermelon from sticking to the grill, oil it.
- Slices of cooked watermelon should be placed on a baking sheet with a wire rack. This will collect all the surplus liquids and prevent your serving plate from becoming soggy
How to cut watermelon
- Watermelon must be washed. Because we will be leaving the peel and rind on, wash the watermelon thoroughly before slicing.
- Watermelon should be cut in half.
- Half each piece in two. To create four watermelon quarters, place the halves flat side down and cut them in half once more.
- Each quarter should be cut into triangles. To create eight thick watermelon wedges, cut the quarters again in half. After that, cut them into triangles that are 1 ½ inches thick. As the triangles will be huge, cutting them in half will create smaller wedges that are simpler to handle.
IDEAS FOR SEASONING WATERMELON
Spicy: To this dish, add two tablespoons of tan, cayenne, or chili powder. A delightfully seasoned cilantro and lime combination will result!
Sweet: Use granulated sugar in place of honey like coconut sugar. The surface of the watermelon will become more caramelized as a result.
SERVING OPTIONS FOR GRILLED WATERMELON
As a starter or side dish. Serve them stacked high on a dish with some lime wedges and cilantro that have been cut.
The salad. To make a grilled watermelon salad, cut them into cubes! Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice should be added to the serving.
WHAT IS THE PERIOD OF GRILLED WATERMELON?
The best way to eat grilled watermelon is right off the grill. But, if you do have any leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days in an airtight container.
Tips
Choose a little watermelon. A 2 12-pound "personal" sized watermelon will produce enough grilled watermelon for a small group of people.
The melon should not be overcooked! On the barbecue, watermelon cooks quickly. You don't want to overcook the watermelon, even if grill marks or even a little charing are
GRILLED WATERMELON
Ingredients
- 1 medium seedless watermelon (3 pounds)
- 2 limes, juiced and zested (about 2 tablespoons of juice and 2 teaspoons of zest)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
Instructions
- Make the lime mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, zest, and honey.
- Cut the watermelon. Heat an outdoor or indoor grill to high. Trim the ends off the watermelon, sit it upright, and cut into two halves. Then cut the halves into quarters and slice into 1-inch triangles with the rind still attached.
- Grill the watermelon. Brush the lime mixture on both sides of each watermelon wedge and place on grill. Cook until grill marks form and the watermelon is slightly soft, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Serve. Sprinkle with cilantro and fresh squeezed lime juice before serving.
LISA’S TIPS
- This recipe makes about 20 watermelon pieces
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