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
Scale
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
