Picture this: it’s a warm summer evening, the sun is slowly setting, and you’re gathering with friends and family for a delightful outdoor barbecue. As the tantalizing aroma of sizzling hamburgers and hotdogs fills the air, there’s one dish that is sure to steal the show – a perfectly grilled watermelon. Yes, you read that right. Grilling watermelon may seem unconventional, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. This unexpected twist elevates the melon’s natural sweetness, creating a unique and refreshing treat that will leave everyone craving for more. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this summertime delight – a grilled watermelon recipe that is simple to make, yet bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients
To make this delicious summertime treat, you will need the following ingredients:
- Watermelon
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Lime juice
- Salt
- Fresh mint leaves
These simple and refreshing ingredients come together to create a unique and flavorful dish that is perfect for hot summer days.
Preparation
Before we dive into the recipe and grilling process, let’s go over the preparation details to ensure that everything is ready to go.
Preparation time
The total preparation time for this grilled watermelon recipe is approximately 15 minutes.
Cooking time
The cooking time for grilling the watermelon wedges is about 8-10 minutes.
Serving size
This recipe yields about 4 servings, but you can easily adjust the quantities to cater to your needs.
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
The first step to creating the perfect grilled watermelon is to prepare your grill. Follow these simple steps:
Choose a grill
You can use either a charcoal or gas grill for this recipe. Choose the one that you are most comfortable using.
Preheat the grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the watermelon cooks evenly and caramelizes beautifully.
Oil the grill grates
To prevent the watermelon from sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grill grates with some olive oil. This will also add a subtle flavor to the watermelon.
Step 2: Slice the Watermelon
Now it’s time to prepare the star of the dish – the watermelon. Follow these steps to slice the watermelon into wedges:
Select a ripe watermelon
Choose a ripe watermelon that is firm and heavy for its size. This will ensure that it is sweet and juicy.
Cut the watermelon into wedges
Slice the watermelon into wedges, about 1.5 inches thick. Remove the rind, and make sure to remove any seeds if present.
Step 3: Grill the Watermelon
With the grill and watermelon ready, it’s time to start grilling. Follow these steps:
Preheat the grill
Make sure your grill is still preheated to medium-high heat.
Grill the watermelon wedges
Place the watermelon wedges directly on the grill grates. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the watermelon has slightly softened.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
To enhance the flavor of the grilled watermelon, we will prepare a delicious glaze. Here’s how:
Mix olive oil, honey, lime juice
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. This combination will add a sweet and tangy flavor to the watermelon.
Season with salt
Add a pinch of salt to the glaze mixture to balance out the sweetness and enhance the overall taste.
Chop fresh mint leaves
Finely chop a handful of fresh mint leaves. This will add a refreshing and aromatic element to the glaze.
Step 5: Brush the Glaze
Now that the glaze is ready, it’s time to brush it onto the grilled watermelon:
Brush the watermelon with glaze
Using a basting brush, generously coat each side of the grilled watermelon wedges with the glaze. Make sure to cover all sides evenly.
Coat all sides
To ensure maximum flavor, make sure to coat all sides of the watermelon wedges, including the edges.
Let it marinate
Allow the watermelon wedges to sit for a few minutes, allowing the glaze to penetrate and infuse its flavors into the fruit.
Step 6: Grill for a Second Time
To further enhance the flavors and create a delicious caramelized crust, we will grill the glaze-coated watermelon wedges for a second time:
Preheat the grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat once again.
Grill the glaze-coated watermelon wedges
Place the glaze-coated watermelon wedges back on the grill grates. Grill each side for another 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze begins to caramelize and the watermelon becomes tender.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
The grilled watermelon is now ready to be enjoyed. Follow these steps to serve and enjoy this delectable summertime treat:
Remove from the grill
Carefully remove the grilled watermelon wedges from the grill using tongs, as they will be hot.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves
Sprinkle some freshly chopped mint leaves on top of the grilled watermelon wedges. This will add a pop of color and an extra burst of freshness.
Serve immediately
Serve the grilled watermelon wedges immediately while they are still warm. The combination of the caramelized glaze and the juicy watermelon is simply irresistible.
Enjoy!
Take a bite and savor the explosion of flavors in your mouth. The sweetness of the watermelon, the tanginess of the glaze, and the refreshing mint come together to create a summertime treat that is both unique and delicious.
Tips and Variations
To take this grilled watermelon recipe to the next level, here are some tips and variations you can try:
Try different glaze variations
Experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like balsamic vinegar, chili powder, or even a splash of rum to the glaze mixture. This will add a unique twist to the recipe and allow you to personalize it according to your taste preferences.
Add spices for extra flavor
Add a pinch of your favorite spices, such as cinnamon or cayenne pepper, to the glaze mixture to give the grilled watermelon an extra kick.
Pair with other grilled fruits
Create a stunning and flavorful fruit platter by grilling other fruits like peaches, pineapples, or even strawberries alongside the watermelon. The combination of different grilled fruits will create a medley of flavors and textures that is sure to impress.
Give this grilled watermelon recipe a try and discover the incredible flavors that grilling can bring out in this summertime favorite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking to enjoy a refreshing treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So fire up your grill, slice that watermelon, and get ready to savor the taste of summer!