Baked Watermelon Sashimi with Sesame Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Watermelon sashimi is a unique and refreshing dish that transforms juicy watermelon into a savory treat. Baked until tender and served with a flavorful dipping sauce, it’s perfect for a light appetizer or an unexpected party starter.
Ingredients
- 1 watermelon, peeled
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp mixed sesame seeds
- 4 tbsp soy sauce (for dipping sauce)
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for dipping sauce)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4. Halve the watermelon and cut it into ½cm or 1cm thick slices.
- Step 2: Arrange the watermelon slices in a deep baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Pour over 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil, then toss gently to coat the slices evenly.
- Step 3: Bake the watermelon for 40 minutes until it becomes soft. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Step 4: While the watermelon cools, mix 4 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sriracha, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl to make the dipping sauce.
- Step 5: Arrange the cooled watermelon slices on a serving plate and sprinkle the mixed sesame seeds evenly over the top. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smokiness, toast the sesame seeds lightly before sprinkling them on the watermelon.
- Substitute apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar for a milder acidity.
- Add thinly sliced fresh chili to the dipping sauce for more heat.
- Try garnishing with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for added freshness.
Storage
Store any leftover watermelon sashimi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled but can be brought to room temperature before serving. The dipping sauce can be refrigerated separately and stirred before use.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of watermelon?
While this recipe highlights watermelon’s juicy texture, you could experiment with other firm fruits like cantaloupe or honeydew, though the flavor will differ.
Is it necessary to bake the watermelon?
Baking softens the watermelon and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving it a sashimi-like texture. Raw watermelon can be used, but the dish will have a fresher, crunchier bite.
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Baked Watermelon Sashimi with Sesame Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Watermelon Sashimi recipe transforms juicy watermelon slices with a savory marinade and a flavorful dipping sauce, creating a delightful fusion dish that offers a refreshing yet umami-packed culinary experience. Baked until soft and served with a zesty soy-sesame dipping sauce, it’s a unique twist on traditional sashimi perfect for summer gatherings or a light appetizer.
Ingredients
Watermelon and Marinade
- 1 watermelon, peeled
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Sesame Seeds Topping
- 2 tbsp mixed sesame seeds
Dipping Sauce
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4 to prepare it for baking the watermelon.
- Prepare the watermelon: Halve the peeled watermelon and slice it into ½ cm or 1 cm thick slices. Arrange these slices in a deep baking dish, slightly overlapping each other to fit snugly.
- Marinate the watermelon: In the baking dish, pour over 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Toss the slices gently to coat them evenly with the marinade.
- Bake the watermelon: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the watermelon becomes soft and infused with the marinade flavors. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the dipping sauce: While the watermelon cools, mix together 4 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sriracha, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl to create a spicy-sesame dipping sauce.
- Serve: Once the watermelon slices have cooled, arrange them on a serving plate. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of mixed sesame seeds over the top for a crunchy garnish. Serve alongside the dipping sauce for guests to enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the watermelon is fully cooled after baking to enhance its texture and flavor before serving.
- Adjust sriracha in the dipping sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Mixed sesame seeds add both flavor and texture, but you can substitute with black or white sesame seeds only if desired.
- This dish can be served as a unique appetizer or a refreshing side at summer parties.
- Use a deep baking dish to prevent marinade from spilling and to allow watermelon slices to marinate evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, Japanese-inspired
Keywords: watermelon sashimi, baked watermelon, vegan appetizer, fusion dish, soy sauce dipping, sesame seeds
