Slicing Up Watermelon: The New “Steak

Is watermelon the new steak? It’s no surprise that the juicy, sweet treat of summer is gaining popularity as the new alternative to traditional cuts of beef. From backyard BBQs to fine-dining restaurants, watermelon is popping up everywhere – proving that steak may not be the only way to slice it.

1. Watermelon: The Sweet “Steak”

Watermelon season is one of the best parts of the summer. Its flavor doesn’t disappoint – sweet and satisfying, everyone’s a fan! But did you know you can also cook them? Watermelon can be eaten as a steak, a savory version of its traditional self. Though it may sound strange, the whole watermelon becomes tender and juicy when prepared like a piece of beef. Yum!

The preparation for the watermelon steak is easy.

• Cut the watermelon into thick slices of roughly the same size (1-2 inches thick).
• Season the slices with salt and pepper.
• Grill each side of the slice for 2-3 minutes.

Afterward, enjoy the juicy, slightly smokey steak. Serve it with a side of chips and your favorite dipping sauce. It definitely isn’t the usual watermelon experience, but it’s definitely something to try!

2. Discovering the Different Slicing Styles

There are tons of ways to slice a pizza, each one as delicious as the last. From the classic slices to the more innovative takes, here’s a guide to discover some of the most popular slicing styles.

• The Classic Slice: A household favorite, the classic slice is cut in an angle and gives you three crisp edges and one curved side. It’s the perfect tool for quick and easy pizza consumption.
• The Party Slice: Looking to make a statement? Then try this square-shaped slice. It’s a great way to mix up the traditional triangle slices and is the perfect option if you have a large gathering that needs to be fed quickly.
• The Strips Slice: If you want to avoid the awkwardness of the typical slice, this style of pizza is the way to go. Thin strips give everyone the freedom to grab their pizza with ease.
• The Deep Dish Slice: This thicker-than-usual slice is for those pizza-loving connoisseurs. Don’t forget to add a ton of extra cheese and toppings so you get that extra yumminess.

There are even unique and innovative “slices” that don’t require any cutting at all. Take for example the rolled slice, or the stuffed crust – both creative and delicious. Experiment with different styles and see which one you like best!

3. Slicing: A Peek at Watermelon’s Innards

When indulging in such a satisfying summer fruit, it’s hard to consider there is anything better than gnawing away at a crisp, sweet watermelon. But slicing into a watermelon provides the opportunity to enjoy its innards the same way. Beneath its bright-green rind waits a beautiful symphony of red, pink, and yellow hued triangles – its inner workings when cut correctly exposing hidden secrets that are closest to its sweetest core.

• It’s critical however to practice cutting into a watermelon correctly.
• Find a large enough cutting board and a well-honed knife will make the technical process easier.
• If the watermelons are allowed to be softened in the sun for a few days, the melon’s flesh will be the sweetest.

Once assured with the proper materials, slice watermelon in thick half-inch slabs and then cut those slabs into triangle-shaped slices. Following a pattern of rectangular slices throughout the watermelon will further your chopping capabilities, and eventually with perfection, you will have a plate of colorful fruit ready to enjoy. Bon Appetit!

4. A Simple Technique to Perfectly Cut a Watermelon

Cutting Watermelon Without Making a Mess:

Watermelons often prove difficult to cut and serve, given their shape and size. This is especially true if you want to make clean, perfectly-shaped slices. Fortunately, this little trick makes slicing watermelon incredibly easy.

• Slice off the top and bottom of the watermelon.
• Sit the watermelon upright, so the flat end of the fruit is now at the base.
• Cut the watermelon in half.
• Reserve one of the halves aside.
• Cut the other half into skewer-like slices.

Now that you have one side of the watermelon cut into neat slices, save the other half for later. Place the slices you’ve cut onto a tray or platter, and repeat the process with the remaining half of the watermelon. Voila; now you are ready to serve, without a single mess. Enjoy!

5. Submerge in the Juices – The Slice and Dip

Slice and Dip to your heart’s content! There’s nothing quite like taking a big, juicy slice of your favourite food and submerging it into a delicious dip of your choice. Whether it’s chips and salsa, pretzels and peanut butter, bread and olive oil, or celery and ranch; however you choose to slice and dip, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.

From sweet to savoury, spicy to plain, there’s no shortage of flavours to explore – pair it with your favourite drink, and you have a heavenly combination! Here are just a few tantalising combinations that you should try:

• Apples and caramel sauce
• Hummus and roasted red pepper slices
• Nuts and honey
• Cheese and pepperoni slices

Fancy a different way to enjoy your favourite dip? Slice up a bagel, fill it with your preferred topping then dip it in the juice – it’s an exciting combination that you won’t forget anytime soon! If you’re not in the mood for a bagel, try dipping a biscuit or even a cracker – this unconventional approach to snacking is sure to excite your taste buds.

6. Making Watermelon Steaks Out of Watermelon Slices

Watermelon steaks are fun and unique way to serve watermelon at a summer barbecue. They look great on a plate and the sweetness of the melon pairs well with the salty, smoky flavors of the grill. If you want to experiment with this watermelon trend, it’s not as hard as it looks.

Start by cutting your watermelon slices into brick-shaped “steaks”. If you want, you can use cookie cutters to give them interesting shapes. Then, lightly brush the slices with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill each side on a hot barbecue for 3 minutes, or until the steak has nice grill marks and the watermelon is heated through. To serve, top with feta cheese crumbles, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. These delicious watermelon steaks will be a memorable treat all summer long.

• Tools Needed: Cutting board, knife, cookie cutters (optional)
• Ingredients: Watermelon slices, oil, salt, pepper, feta cheese crumbles, mint leaves, balsamic vinegar

7. Solutions to the Healthier Barbecue

Barbecuing doesn’t always mean making unhealthy food choices. Here are 7 ways to bring a healthier edge to your next grill feast.

• Substitute meats: Swap traditional burgers or steak for leaner cuts of meat, such as skinless chicken or turkey. Or, consider going totally vegetarian by choosing tofu, black bean, or mushroom burgers instead.
• Load up on fresh vegetables: Vegetables not only pair great with grilled meats and burgers, but they can also be the centerpiece of a dish. Kebabs are a great way to use up those extra veggies, and are the perfect way to add flavor to the grill.
• Flip out the breads: Eliminate unhealthy carbs and calories by swapping out your traditional buns for whole wheat varieties, or go bun-less altogether and wrap your ‘burger in lettuce leaves.
• Try healthy sides: Potatoes are a common go-to when it comes to grilling, but there are plenty of options when it comes to side dishes. Try something lighter like grilled zucchini, roasted corn, or a quinoa salad.
• Get the right fats: Spinach or kale salads are an easy and flavorful way to get in some nutritional fats. To switch things up, you can also add slices of avocado, nuts, or olives to your burger, or use nut butter or mustard as a lighter topping.
• Don’t forget the spices: Spices are a great way to flavor dishes without loading up on unhealthy fats and sauces. Try infusing things like olive oil, vinegar, or yogurt with herbs like cilantro, garlic, or coriander.
• Watch that liquid: BBQs often center around alcohol and sugary drinks. Instead, opt for unsweetened iced tea or a Virgin Margarita for a refreshing beverage that won’t weigh you down.

With a few simple substitutions and additions, you can create a healthier and more flavorful grilling experience. So the next time you’re ready to fire up the grill, don’t forget these 7 tips for creating a healthier barbecue.

8. Garnishing Up – Topping off the Treat

The art of garnishing can make any ordinary dish look appetizing! You don’t need to be an experienced chef to spice up your treats, a few simple ingredients like chopped herbs and nuts can add an extra dazzle.

Here are some ideas for garnishing up your desserts:

• Fruits: citrus fruits, pomegranate, dried fruits, and berries can add a refreshing twist to your dessert.
• Chocolate: this is a classic topping for ice creams, cupcakes, and brownies.
• Candy: sprinkles, mini-marshmallows, gummy worms, and candy-coated chocolates can make your creations look absolutely irresistible.
• Nuts: toasted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are a crunchy addition to your desserts.

Be creative and think outside the box when garnishing up your desserts. Use your imagination to come up with exciting combinations. With a little bit of planning, you can make your desserts stand out from the rest.

9. Sharing the Delight – Eating Watermelon with Friends

There’s nothing like sharing a bite of juicy watermelon with your closest friends on a hot summer day. Eating watermelon with friends is an enriching and enjoyable experience that brings with it the sensation of delight.

The seed-spitting contests, the loud yum sounds, and the challenge of cutting – these are a few elements that characterize sharing this colorful fruit. Besides offering a moment of joy and sweet refreshment, watermelon is known for its health benefits: it has antioxidants, lowers inflammation, and is high in vitamins A, B6 and C.

• Antioxidants in watermelon reduce free radicals and inflammation from the body.
• Vitamin A helps improve vision and skin health.
• Vitamin B6 helps keep our brain working at an optimal level.
• Vitamin C boosts the immune system and helps us resist diseases.

But beyond the health benefits, perhaps the most rewarding part of enjoying a watermelon with your friends is the laughter, conversations, and bond that come out of that experience. When the watermelons are cut and the juice runs down your chin, be sure to savor the moment—eating a watermelon with friends is one of life’s simple pleasures!

10. Enjoying the Fruity Steak in a Variety of Ways

Steak is one of those dishes that can go from the fanciest setting to the most casual and still come out tasting great. The fruity steak is a particular delight, with its perfect blend of sweet and savory that beckons you with its aroma. If it’s been a while since you’ve had this delightful combination, here is a handful of ways to make it your own:

• Grilled – One of the most common methods of steak preparation is on the grill. Start with a marinade of your favorite flavors and let it sit in the steak overnight. The next day, fire up the grill, and place the steak on the flame and cook to your desired doneness. You will enjoy the savory and sweet flavor of the fruity steak.
• Fried – Does fried steak sound a bit strange? Think again! A simple pan-fried preparation can take your fruity steak to the next level. Heat a fry pan to medium-high heat and add some oil. Sear the steak on each side until it’s golden-brown and then finish off in the oven at a low temperature to keep it juicy.
• Casserole – For a comfort-food style way to enjoy the fruity steak, make a delicious casserole. Begin by cutting the steak into thick slices and setting aside. Sauté some onions in the same pan until lightly browned, then add in garlic, bell peppers, and other desired aromatics. Finally, add back in the steak and cook for a few more minutes. Top with cheese and bake for about half an hour to get a delicious creamy casserole.

These are just a few of the ways to experience the flavorful goodness of the fruity steak. Whichever way you choose, one thing is for sure – you won’t be disappointed!

This summer, why not try something totally new and cool – watermelon steak! It’s a delicious way to add a unique twist to dinner without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. You can follow simple steps or get creative with flavors and toppings – either way, watermelon steak is sure to be a hit!