February 17, 2024

Grilled Watermelon Steak with Balsamic Glaze

With summer in full swing, I’m always on the lookout for unique and refreshing dishes to enjoy during those warm, sunny days. And let me tell you, I’ve stumbled upon something truly spectacular: Grilled Watermelon Steak with Feta and Balsamic Glaze. Yes, you heard that right – grilled watermelon! Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking – grilled watermelon? How does that even work? Well, let me tell you, it’s absolutely fantastic. The natural sweetness of the watermelon gets intensified on the grill, creating this juicy, caramelized masterpiece that’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.

But wait, it gets even better. Once you’ve got those beautiful grill marks on your watermelon steaks, you top them with creamy feta cheese and drizzle them with a luscious balsamic glaze. The combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors is nothing short of perfection.

Ingredients:

Seedless Watermelon: The star of the show, watermelon becomes even sweeter and takes on a delightful smokiness when grilled, creating a unique and unexpected flavor profile.
Balsamic Vinegar: Reduced to a glaze, balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the grilled watermelon, elevating the dish to a whole new level of sophistication.
Honey: Used to sweeten and thicken the balsamic glaze, honey adds depth of flavor and helps balance out the acidity of the vinegar, resulting in a rich and luxurious topping for the watermelon steaks.
Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty, feta cheese provides a delicious contrast to the sweet and smoky grilled watermelon, adding a burst of flavor and a satisfying richness to every bite.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Chopped and sprinkled over the finished dish, fresh mint leaves impart a refreshing and herbaceous note that complements the sweetness of the watermelon and ties all the flavors together beautifully.

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Slicing the Watermelon into Steaks

Alright, let’s talk about how to slice that watermelon into those gorgeous steaks that are going to steal the show on your grill:

Start with a Whole Watermelon: First things first, you’ll need a nice, ripe watermelon. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a deep, hollow sound when you tap on it. That’s how you know it’s full of juicy goodness!
Cut Off the Ends: Place the watermelon on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice off both ends. This will give you a stable base to work with.
Slice into Thick Rounds: Stand the watermelon upright on one of the flat ends you just created. Now, carefully slice the watermelon into thick rounds, about 1 inch thick. These are going to be your “steaks,” so aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
Remove Any Seeds: Once you’ve got your rounds, take a moment to check for any seeds. If you come across any, simply use a knife or spoon to scoop them out. We want our watermelon steaks to be seedless for the ultimate grilling experience!
Pat Dry with Paper Towels: To ensure that your watermelon steaks get a nice sear on the grill, it’s important to remove as much moisture as possible. Use paper towels to pat the watermelon slices dry on both sides before grilling.

Creating the Balsamic Glaze

Now, let’s talk about that irresistible balsamic glaze that takes these grilled watermelon steaks to the next level. Here’s how to whip it up:

Gather Your Ingredients: First things first, you’ll need some balsamic vinegar and honey. These two ingredients are going to come together to create a sweet and tangy glaze that’s the perfect finishing touch for our watermelon steaks.
Simmer, Simmer, Simmer: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure that the honey is fully dissolved into the vinegar.
Reduce to Perfection: Once the mixture starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it continue to simmer gently. You’ll want to let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This is what we’re looking for – a luscious, syrupy glaze that’s going to add a burst of flavor to our grilled watermelon.
Set Aside to Cool: Once your balsamic glaze has reached the perfect consistency, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. As it cools, it will thicken up even more, so don’t worry if it seems a little runny at first.

Cooking on the Stove: A Handy Alternative

Now, if you don’t have access to a grill or you’re simply looking for a quick and easy indoor cooking option, fear not! You can still enjoy the deliciousness of grilled watermelon steaks by cooking them on the stove. Here’s how to do it:

Use a Grill Pan or Skillet: Instead of firing up the outdoor grill, grab a grill pan or a non-stick skillet. These will allow you to achieve those beautiful grill marks and caramelization right on your stovetop.
Preheat Over Medium-High Heat: Place your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and let it preheat for a few minutes. You want it to be nice and hot before you add your watermelon slices.
Brush with Olive Oil: Just like on the grill, lightly brush both sides of your watermelon slices with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote that lovely char.
Cook in Batches: Depending on the size of your grill pan or skillet, you may need to cook the watermelon slices in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until you’ve got those beautiful grill marks and the watermelon is slightly softened.
Follow the Same Topping Steps: Once your watermelon steaks are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a serving platter and top them with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, just like you would if you were grilling them outdoors.

Flavor Explosion with Health Benefits

Let’s talk about flavor, shall we? Because let me tell you, this Grilled Watermelon Steak is like a flavor explosion in your mouth. You’ve got the natural sweetness of the watermelon, intensified and caramelized on the grill, paired with the tangy richness of the balsamic glaze. And let’s not forget about the creamy saltiness of the feta cheese – it’s the perfect finishing touch that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

But here’s the thing – it’s not just about taste (although that’s definitely a big part of it). This dish is also packed with health benefits that make it a win-win in my book:

Nutrient-Rich Watermelon: Did you know that watermelon is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants? It’s true! This juicy fruit is packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that’s been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved heart health.

Balsamic Vinegar: Not only does balsamic vinegar add a delicious tangy sweetness to this dish, but it also offers some surprising health perks. It’s rich in antioxidants and contains acetic acid, which may help regulate blood sugar levels, aid digestion, and promote weight loss when consumed in moderation.

Feta Cheese: While cheese often gets a bad rap when it comes to health, feta cheese is a different story. It’s lower in calories and fat than many other cheeses and is a good source of calcium and protein. Plus, a little goes a long way in terms of flavor, so you can enjoy that creamy goodness without overdoing it.