Grilled Watermelon Steaks? Yep! It is the newest food craze and I decided to give it a whirl.
Grilled Watermelon Steaks with balsamic reduction and feta cheese are an easy BBQ side dish. Caramelized, juicy watermelon with savory cheese and sticky reduction is delicious!
I’m still not quite sure why they Grilled Watermelon “Steaks”. Grilled Watermelon would have sufficed.
Some folks claim that a juicy slice of hot watermelon is similar to a grilled steak. I think that is a bunch of stink. Nothing will ever replace a nice steak.
Nothing.
I WILL say that cooked watermelon is delicious and shouldn’t be discounted. In fact, you should pair your watermelon steak with a real steak!
Double STEAK!
Using everyday ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, Maldon sea salt, freshly ground pepper, Balsamic Reduction Sauce and a sprinkle of feta make this a side dish winner! Almost like a charred watermelon feta salad.
Winner, winner, watermelon dinner!
The natural juices juices and sugars of the watermelon caramelize on the grill, leaving it even more sweet than a freshly cut slice. Although, some recipes also add a little sugar to help bring out the grill marks, I’ve never found it necessary.
Salt is commonly used on fresh watermelon to enhance flavor, but even further exceienatues the natural flavor when heat is applied.
Balsamic Sauce adds acidity, as does the cheese while also adding salt. A well-balanced side dish that plates beautifully as well! I like to plate mine with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella as well.
Some folks will ask how to grill watermelon. It is really easy! A little bit of oil just to prevent sticking and then place on direct heat for a few minutes per side.
The goal is to have glorious grill marks and a caramelized outside, but a juicy, cool center. Like a medium rare steak.
There are also numerous health benefits to watermelon. Here are a few:
- Keeps you hydrated because it is so packed with water.
- Contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamins B1, B5 and B6.
- Has been linked to compounds that prevent cancer.
- Has been linked to lower inflammation.
- It tastes delicious and makes you happy.
- Helps you feel full with low calories.
- Citrulline, an amino acid in watermelon, reduces muscle soreness.
- Improves heart health.
Want your Grilled Watermelon Steaks to be a sweet dish? No problem!
Slice and grill thick slices of Vanilla Pound Cake and omit the feta cheese. Voila! Dessert is served!
If you liked this grilled side dish, try some of these too!
Grilled Corn, Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Grilled Peaches
Grilled Watermelon Steaks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 inches watermelon wedges , 1-2 thick
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Maldon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic Reduction Sauce
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese , crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil , cut into thin strips
Optional Pairings
Instructions
- Baste watermelon slices with extra virgin olive oil.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat, cleaning and oiling grates.
- Place watermelon slices on to direct heat, leaving in place to get grill marks and a good caramelization. Grill for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Remove from the grill and season with Maldon sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, drizzle with balsamic reduction, crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!
Such a great idea. I had never thought to grill watermelon, but it was so good.
The write-up says indirect heat, recipe says direct heat. Which is incorrect?
Direct- to get those nice char marks. I’ll go fix it- thanks for letting us know!
thanks for providing such a great recipe- they turned out fantastic. Way better than I thought they would!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed them!
This was a fabulous recipe. I was skeptical at first, but ended up loving it.
Never thought to grill watermelon. It was amazing! Used the balsamic reduction and feta cheese.
This is incredible! I am blown away at how delicious grilled watermelon is!
LOVED THIS SO MUCH! Thank you for sharing!
I made your recipe for a gathering the other day and everyone kept asking for the recipe. It was totally a hit!
What a unique side dish! I love my grill and I love watermelon so this is a definite must try for me! It’s easy yet elegant so it makes the perfect side dish at a party as well!