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How To Grill Watermelon (Easy 5-Step Recipe) | The Kitchn

Summer’s arrival not only heralds the sun’s warmth but also the allure of outdoor cooking and vibrant flavors. While grilling conventionally involves meats and vegetables, culinary aficionados continuously push boundaries by experimenting with unconventional ingredients.

One such innovative trend that has taken the gastronomic realm by surprise is the concept of grilled watermelon. Yes, you heard that right – watermelon on the grill.

This article delves into the intriguing world of grilling watermelon, uncovering the “how” and why it’s a culinary experience worth exploring.

1. Can you Grill Watermelon?

Watermelon, known for its juicy sweetness, might not immediately come to mind for grilling. However, grilling watermelon metamorphoses its texture and flavor in captivating ways.

The grill’s heat caramelizes the fruit’s inherent sugars, intensifying its sweetness and infusing smoky undertones. The outcome is a symphony of flavors that can steal the spotlight at your summer gatherings.

2. How to Grill Watermelon

Embarking on your grilled watermelon journey begins with selecting the perfect watermelon. Opt for a ripe, firm, and evenly-shaped fruit with a uniform color.

A hollow sound upon tapping signifies ripeness. Slice the watermelon into thick wedges, ensuring they’re substantial enough to endure the grilling process.

3. Mastering the Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

 Igniting the Grill

Kickstart the process by preheating the grill to medium-high heat. For gas grills, oil the grates to prevent sticking, while charcoal grills should have ashed-over coals before grilling the watermelon.

 Enhancing Flavor

Apply a light brush of olive oil to the watermelon wedges to prevent sticking and enhance grilling. Elevate the taste by seasoning with a dash of salt to accentuate the fruit’s inherent flavors.

 Grilling Finesse

Position the seasoned watermelon wedges directly onto the heated grill grates. Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until distinct grill marks manifest.

Use tongs to flip the wedges, ensuring equal grilling time on both sides. The grill’s warmth will soften the watermelon while infusing it with smoky richness.

4. Culinary Alchemy: Elevating Grilled Watermelon

Grilled watermelon’s natural appeal is further enriched by pairing it with complementary flavors. Consider topping the warm wedges with crumbled feta cheese to contrast flavors, drizzling balsamic reduction for tanginess, or garnishing with fresh mint leaves for herbal freshness. Imagination is the only limit.

5.  Presentation and Enjoyment: A Visual and Palate Feast

As the perfectly grilled watermelon wedges emerge, bedecked with enticing embellishments, the moment of indulgence arrives.

That initial bite is revelatory – the marriage of succulent watermelon, smoky allure, and diverse flavors creates an exquisite burst of tastes and textures.

Generally, In the realm of culinary exploration, grilling watermelon stands as a testament to innovation and creativity infused into traditional cooking.

Blending the familiar with the unconventional yields a dish that tantalizes taste buds and sparks culinary curiosity. This summer, as the grill beckons, consider adding watermelon to your repertoire of grilling escapades – an adventure promising a refreshing and delectable experience beyond compare.

 

Read Also: What are The Signs Of Overripe Watermelon?