Watermelon Steak Juicy Summer (Print Version)
Thick grilled watermelon steaks seasoned with balsamic, smoked paprika, and fresh mint for a savory summer delight.
# What You Need:
→ Main
01 - 2 thick slices seedless watermelon, about 1 ½ inches thick
→ Marinade
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
04 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt
06 - Pinch of black pepper
07 - ½ teaspoon fresh lime juice
→ Garnish
08 - 2 teaspoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
09 - 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
10 - 1 tablespoon crumbled vegan feta (optional)
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Pat the watermelon slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
03 - Brush both sides of each watermelon steak with the marinade, ensuring an even coating.
04 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
05 - Place the watermelon steaks on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the flesh is slightly caramelized, but still firm.
06 - Transfer to serving plates. Sprinkle with chopped mint, flaky sea salt, and vegan feta if using. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way heat transforms watermelons cooling crispness into something warm and savory is absolutely magical
- Your dinner guests will stare in disbelief when you tell them what theyre eating
- It comes together in under 20 minutes but looks like something from a restaurant menu
02 -
- Watermelon releases a lot of water when grilled, so dont overcrowd your cooking surface or youll end up steaming instead of searing
- The texture change is dramatic but if you overcook it, the fruit will become mushy and fall apart completely
03 -
- Room temperature watermelon grills more evenly than cold straight from the fridge
- Clean your grill grates thoroughly beforehand because the sugar in watermelon sticks aggressively