How to grill watermelon
We’ve all had our fill of cold, refreshing watermelon in every form imaginable, but there’s one watermelon dish you probably haven’t eaten yet.
Grilled watermelon sounded strange to me at first, too, but the grill caramelizes the melon’s sweetness and gives it a subtle, smoky flavor. Paired with a sweet and spicy seasoning, grilled watermelon can be an intriguing side dish or a surprising dessert.
WEDGES, NOT STEAKS
Watermelon for grilling should be cut into triangles with the rind attached, as steaks of watermelon tend to fall apart when flipped and turned with tongs on the grill. A mini watermelon (something under 5 pounds) provides the perfect amount of watermelon for four to six people.
SWEET AND SPICY SEASONING
A slightly sweet rub helps give the watermelon beautiful grill marks. Flavor the sugar with salt, some lime zest and red-pepper flakes, and sprinkle this on the watermelon before and after grilling. You can mix up the seasoning however you see fit; another one of my favorite combinations is brown sugar, lime and cumin.
SERVING GRILLED WATERMELON
Grilled watermelon alone is a standout side dish. Chop it up and toss it with crumbled feta and mint, serve it with thick Greek yogurt for dipping as a side dish, or go completely sweet for dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
GRILLED WATERMELON Serves 6 Ingredients:
1 personal-sized watermelon
(about 3 pounds)
1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest
(from 1 medium lime)
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes Lime wedges from zested lime,
for serving
Equipment:
Knife
Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons Gas or charcoal grill Tongs
Directions:
Prepare a grill: Heat an outdoor gas grill to high, or prepare a charcoal grill for direct heat grilling.
Cut the watermelon: Trim the ends off the watermelon. Stand the watermelon on one cut end. Cut in half; then cut each half in half again. Cut the quarters into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Season the watermelon:
Combine the sugar, lime zest and redpepper flakes in a small bowl. Sprinkle the watermelon slices on both sides with the sugar mixture; then rub the sugar mixture in to create an even coating.
Grill the watermelon: Grill the watermelon until grill marks appear and the watermelon is warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
Serve the grilled watermelon on its own with lime wedges, topped with feta cheese or Greek yogurt, or as dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
Recipe notes: Grilled watermelon is best eaten immediately.