Grilled Watermelon Recipe

Watermelon: A whole seedless watermelon cut into wedges, providing the base for this grilled dish.

Olive oil: Used to brush the watermelon wedges, helping to prevent sticking and adding a subtle richness.

Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon and balances the flavors.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity to the grilled watermelon.

When grilling watermelon, make sure to cut the wedges thick enough to hold their shape on the grill, ideally around 1 inch thick. This ensures they won't fall apart and will develop those beautiful grill marks. Additionally, using a basting brush to apply the olive oil evenly can help achieve a consistent char and prevent sticking.

• watermelon - Substitute with pineapple: Pineapple has a similar texture and sweetness when grilled, making it a great alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar salty taste but with a slightly different mineral profile that can enhance the flavor.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, which can create an interesting contrast with the sweetness of the grilled fruit.

• Allow the grilled watermelon to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the fruit soggy.

• Place the watermelon wedges in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The grilled watermelon will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For freezing, arrange the cooled watermelon wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other.

• Freeze the watermelon wedges for about 2 hours or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together when stored.

• Once frozen, transfer the watermelon wedges to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the grilled watermelon in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Note that the texture may change slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.

• For a refreshing twist, serve the thawed grilled watermelon with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of feta cheese.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the grilled watermelon wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the wedges with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the grilled watermelon wedges in the skillet.
  4. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
  5. Remove from the skillet and serve immediately.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the grilled watermelon wedges on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Remove from the microwave and serve immediately.

• Grill Reheat Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Place the grilled watermelon wedges back on the grill.
  3. Grill for about 1-2 minutes on each side, just until warmed through.
  4. Remove from the grill and serve immediately.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the grilled watermelon wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even heating.
  4. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.

• Grill: A cooking device that provides direct heat for grilling the watermelon wedges, giving them a smoky flavor and grill marks.

• Basting brush: Used to brush olive oil evenly on both sides of the watermelon wedges to ensure they don't stick to the grill and to enhance flavor.

• Tongs: Essential for safely flipping the watermelon wedges on the grill without breaking them apart.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the watermelon into wedges.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife used to cut the watermelon into even wedges.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper accurately.

• Serving platter: A dish to place the grilled watermelon wedges on for serving immediately after grilling.

Pre-cut the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into wedges ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save time when you're ready to grill.

Use a brush: Use a brush to quickly and evenly coat the watermelon wedges with olive oil.

Preheat the grill: Make sure to preheat the grill before you start preparing the watermelon to ensure it’s ready when you are.

Season in advance: Mix the salt and black pepper in a small bowl and season the watermelon all at once to streamline the process.