Grilled Watermelon: The Ultimate Summer Grilling Guide

Grilled Watermelon: Prepare to have your summer barbecue game completely revolutionized! Forget everything you thought you knew about this juicy fruit because we’re about to introduce you to a smoky, sweet, and surprisingly savory sensation. Have you ever considered grilling watermelon? If not, you’re in for a treat that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests begging for more.

While grilling fruit might seem like a modern culinary adventure, the practice of cooking with fire has ancient roots. Cultures around the world have long utilized open flames to enhance the natural flavors of various fruits and vegetables. This technique adds a depth and complexity that simply can’t be achieved through other cooking methods. In recent years, chefs and home cooks alike have rediscovered this technique, leading to innovative dishes like our star of the show: grilled watermelon.

So, why is grilled watermelon such a hit? It’s all about the transformation. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the watermelon, creating a delightful sweetness that’s balanced by a subtle smoky char. The texture also changes, becoming slightly firmer and more satisfying. It’s a refreshing, unexpected, and incredibly easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight treat. Plus, it’s a fantastic conversation starter! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and delicious twist on a classic summer favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 small seedless watermelon, about 10-12 pounds
• 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, fine
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• Optional toppings: crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, basil leaves, chili flakes, balsamic glaze

Preparing the Watermelon:

1. Choose your watermelon wisely! Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a dull, not shiny, rind. A yellow spot (where it sat on the ground) is a good sign of ripeness.
2. Wash the watermelon thoroughly. Before cutting into it, give the watermelon a good scrub under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. This is important because the knife will drag anything on the rind into the flesh.
3. Cut the watermelon into rounds. Place the watermelon on a large cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, carefully cut off both ends of the watermelon. Stand the watermelon upright on one of the cut ends. Slice downwards, removing the rind in strips, following the curve of the watermelon. Make sure to remove all the white part of the rind.
4. Slice the watermelon into wedges or steaks. Once the rind is removed, you have a few options for cutting the watermelon. You can cut it into 1-inch thick rounds and then cut each round into wedges. Alternatively, you can cut the watermelon into 1-inch thick “steaks.” I prefer the steak method as it gives you a larger surface area for grilling.
5. Pat the watermelon dry. Use paper towels to gently pat the watermelon slices dry. This will help them caramelize better on the grill. Excess moisture will steam the watermelon instead of grilling it.

Making the Balsamic Glaze:

1. Combine the ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, sea salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk until emulsified. Continue whisking until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified. This will ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Taste and adjust. Give the dressing a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more honey for sweetness, lime juice for tanginess, or salt and pepper to taste.

Grilling the Watermelon:

1. Preheat your grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean. You can use a grill brush to scrub them clean.
2. Oil the grill grates. Lightly oil the grill grates with cooking oil to prevent the watermelon from sticking. You can use a grill spray or brush the grates with oil using a heat-resistant brush.
3. Brush the watermelon with the balsamic glaze. Using a pastry brush, generously brush both sides of the watermelon slices with the balsamic glaze. Make sure to coat them evenly.
4. Grill the watermelon. Place the watermelon slices directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the watermelon is slightly softened. Be careful not to overcook the watermelon, as it can become mushy.
5. Watch for flare-ups. The honey in the balsamic glaze can cause flare-ups on the grill. Keep a close eye on the watermelon and move it to a cooler part of the grill if necessary. You can also use a spray bottle filled with water to dampen any flare-ups.
6. Remove from the grill. Once the watermelon is grilled to your liking, carefully remove it from the grill using a spatula. Place the grilled watermelon slices on a clean platter.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Optional toppings. While the watermelon is still warm, sprinkle it with your desired toppings. I love crumbled feta cheese for a salty and tangy contrast, fresh mint or basil leaves for a refreshing flavor, and a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat. You can also drizzle with additional balsamic glaze for extra flavor and sweetness.
2. Serve immediately. Grilled watermelon is best served immediately while it’s still warm and the grill marks are visible. The flavors are most vibrant when the watermelon is freshly grilled.
3. Serving suggestions. Grilled watermelon can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light dessert. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. You can also add it to salads for a sweet and savory twist.
4. Storage. If you have any leftover grilled watermelon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the texture will change slightly as it sits. It’s best to consume it within a day or two.

Tips and Variations:

• Experiment with different herbs and spices. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the balsamic glaze. Rosemary, thyme, or oregano would all be delicious additions. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Use a different type of vinegar. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
• Add a citrus zest. A little lemon or orange zest can add a bright and zesty flavor to the balsamic glaze.
• Make it vegan. To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Grill other fruits. You can use this same method to grill other fruits, such as pineapple, peaches, or nectarines.
• Add a scoop of ice cream. For a decadent dessert, top the grilled watermelon with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sorbet.
• Make a watermelon salad. Cut the grilled watermelon into cubes and toss it with feta cheese, red onion, mint, and a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
• Use a grill pan. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Just make sure to preheat the pan well and oil it before adding the watermelon.
• Consider the thickness. The thickness of your watermelon slices will affect the grilling time. Thicker slices will take longer to cook, while thinner slices will cook more quickly. Adjust the grilling time accordingly.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill. Avoid overcrowding the grill with too many watermelon slices at once. This will lower the temperature of the grill and prevent the watermelon from browning properly. Grill the watermelon in batches if necessary.
• Use a meat thermometer. While not necessary, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the watermelon. It should reach around 135°F (57°C).
• Get creative with toppings. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try adding toasted nuts, seeds, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! Grilled watermelon – a surprisingly delicious and incredibly easy way to elevate your summer snacking game. I know, I know, grilling watermelon might sound a little…out there. But trust me on this one. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, intensifying the sweetness and adding a subtle smoky char that’s simply irresistible. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget, and honestly, it’s become a staple at my summer barbecues.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer novelty and “wow” factor, it’s incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic appetizer, a refreshing side dish, or even a light and unexpected dessert. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for almost any dietary need. And did I mention how quick and easy it is? Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 15 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to order takeout!

But the best part? The possibilities are endless! Want to take it to the next level? Try these serving suggestions and variations:

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

* Feta & Mint: Crumble some salty feta cheese over the grilled watermelon and sprinkle with fresh mint leaves for a sweet and savory combination that’s absolutely divine. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds another layer of complexity.
* Chili Lime: For a spicy kick, brush the watermelon with a mixture of lime juice, chili powder, and a touch of honey before grilling. The heat complements the sweetness perfectly.
* Grilled Watermelon Salad: Cube the grilled watermelon and toss it with mixed greens, red onion, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and vibrant salad.
* Watermelon Pizza: Cut a thick round slice of watermelon and use it as the base for a “pizza.” Top it with yogurt, berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey for a healthy and fun dessert.
* Grilled Watermelon Skewers: Thread cubes of grilled watermelon onto skewers with other fruits like pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries for a colorful and portable treat.
* Prosciutto Wrapped: Wrap thin slices of prosciutto around grilled watermelon cubes for a salty-sweet appetizer that’s sure to impress.
* Ice Cream Topping: Dice the grilled watermelon and use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream or sorbet. The warm watermelon contrasts beautifully with the cold ice cream.

I truly believe that once you try grilled watermelon, you’ll be hooked. It’s a simple yet sophisticated way to enjoy this summer fruit, and it’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up that grill and give this recipe a try! I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do. And please, don’t be shy! I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a comment below. Let me know what variations you tried and what you thought of the recipe. I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy grilled watermelon, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy grilling!