Grilled watermelon steaks bring fresh twist to summer BBQ

Summer is the time for grilling, and the aroma of grilled dishes fills backyard gardens and makes your stomach growl. In my kitchen, I focus not only on meat dishes but also on surprising treats.

Grilled fruits are not a novelty—probably everyone has heard of the trick of putting chocolate in a banana and grilling it. But I opt for something entirely different. On the summer table, I serve a watermelon steak. Initially, it may cause some confusion, but after tasting, it turns out that this flavour combination is simply delicious.

Plant-based cuisine can be not only tasty but also primarily interesting. When I want to surprise my friends with something special, I reach for a recipe for watermelon steaks. They sound unusual, but combined with the right sides and a simple salad, they become a delicious dish perfect for hot days.

Watermelon has much more to offer than it might seem. It's not only a quick dessert or a base for ice cream. This recipe unlocks completely new flavours, making it a delicious curiosity for the grill.

Ingredients

• ¼ watermelon,
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika,
• ¼ teaspoon pepper,
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes,
• 2 cloves garlic,
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce,
• 80 millilitres vegetable oil.

Salad:

• 110 grams arugula,
• ½ red onion,
• 240 millilitres cherry tomatoes,
• 80 millilitres sunflower seeds,
• 75 millilitres olive oil,
• salt and pepper to taste.

Extras:

• balsamic cream.

Preparation:

Step 1. Cut the watermelon into rectangular pieces, removing the rind and seeds.

Step 2. Prepare the marinade. Combine sweet paprika, pepper, chili flakes, and pressed garlic. Add soy sauce and vegetable oil and mix well. Spread a little marinade on the bottom of a dish, lay the watermelon pieces, and coat them well with the marinade so that it covers the fruit thoroughly. Set aside for at least an hour.

Step 3. In the meantime, prepare a light salad. Add cherry tomatoes cut into smaller pieces, red onion slices, and sunflower seeds to the arugula. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and mix.

Step 4. Grill the marinated watermelon on both sides for about 5 minutes until slightly charred. Drizzle with balsamic cream and serve with the prepared salad. Enjoy!