Watermelon: The New “Steak” on the Menu

Move over steak, there’s a new dinner entrée in town – Watermelon! Everyone’s favorite summertime snack has taken a star turn at dinner tables across the country, transforming from an after-lunch treat to an ultra-trendy replacement for beef and seafood. So why is the mighty watermelon suddenly stealing the spotlight from the classic meat dishes? Read on in this article to find out this juicy new way to fight the dinner-time blues.

1. Nibble Away at the Latest Craze: Watermelon as “Steak”

The buzz around watermelon as an appetizing steak alternative is only getting louder. With its deep red center and refreshing taste, watermelon is the perfect way to switch up your menu and tantalize your guests’ taste buds.

Here’s how to use watermelon to make an indulgent, entrée-style dish:

• Marinade: Mix up your favorite seasonings, zests, and herbs in a shallow bowl. Gently place watermelon slices in the bowl, letting them soak in the flavorings.
• Cook it up: Pop the marinated watermelon steak onto a hot grill and let cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.
• Ready to serve: After your watermelon is hot grill-finished, you can dress it up with a variety of colorful and flavorful toppings. Consider a creamy sauce or rustic olive tapenade.

Bon Appetit! Who knew that watermelon could adapt so well to a savory summer entrée?

2. A New Twist on an Old Favorite

It’s often said that there’s nothing new under the sun, but when it comes to classic dishes, a creative twist can often lead to something dazzlingly delicious. Why stick with the same flavors and ingredients of your favorite meals when you can take it up a notch and reinvigorate your taste buds with something unique?

To start, why not use different spices or sauces to switch up the flavor of your dish? Think about adding zesty zing to your meal with just one extra ingredient. Alternatively, why not switch up the cooking method? Transform your favorite meat recipe into a light, flavor-filled low-carb soup or stir-fry? Mix and match different vegetables or switch up the shape of your dish – try spiralizing squash or carrots to make fancy ‘noodles’! Spruce up your dish with a delicious side or garnish, like a zesty green salad, a crunchy coleslaw, or a flavorful chutney.

3. Taking a Bite Out of Summer

The summer sun is quickly on the rise. With its warmth comes the feeling of adventure. Heading outdoors and is just what’s needed.

Exploring rivers, lakes and oceans can be just as rewarding as taking a leisurely day hike. Here are some of the activities you can try:

• Fishing
• Canoeing
• Boating
• Surfing

Going off the beaten path is all part of the summer fun. Get together with a few friends and rent a boat to head out on the lake or take an extended surf session in the open ocean.

You never know what you’ll find and who you’ll meet along the way. Simple moments like these can last a lifetime, and savoring it to the fullest.

4. Health Benefits of Digesting Watermelon

Watermelon makes for a delightful summer snack or an excellent addition to a fruit salad. But did you know that watermelon also offers a range of health benefits?

Digesting watermelon helps reduce inflammation and keeps body organs healthy. Not only that, but watermelon can also reduce risks of diseases such as heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer. Here are some of the key health benefits that come along:

• Hydration – With its high water content, watermelon keeps the body adequately hydrated while also getting rid of toxins.
• Rich nutrition – Watermelon is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and A, folate, magnesium and calcium.
• Cholesterol-reducing properties – The antioxidants present in watermelon can help reduce bad cholesterol, while also boosting good cholesterol.
• Diuretic and digestive properties – Watermelon can act as a natural diuretic, helping to promote kidney health.

It also helps in regulating high blood pressure, providing relief from inflammation and providing building blocks for muscle growth. So, it’s time to include watermelon in your daily diet and reap the health benefits!

5. Savory Ways to Serve Watermelon

Watermelon is one of summer’s greatest pleasures, and with a few simple ingredients and some creative thinking, you can create a variety of refreshing and savory dishes.

Start by thinking beyond the usual morning salad – try grilling wedges or cubes of watermelon to bring out its sweet and smoky flavours. Consider adding it to a homemade vinaigrette for a unique twist. It’s also a delicious addition to a charcuterie board. Here are some other saucy suggestions to help you get inspired:

• Roll it up to make a delicious wrap filled with your favorite greens, nuts, and feta
• Slice it thin and add it to a cold noodle salad
• Combine it with figs and Gorgonzola cheese for a sweet and savoury salad
• Top it with a sprinkle of smoked paprika, feta, and a drizzle of olive oil
• Toss it into a hot and sour soup

You can also get creative with cocktails – try infusing vodka or citrus and then adding wedges of watermelon for a light and summery drink. There’s no limit to what you can do with watermelon – get creative and enjoy!

6. Juicy Tips for Picking the Perfect Watermelon

Know What You Want
Before you head to the market, do a bit of research so you know what kind of watermelon you’re looking for. Are you looking for a juicy, sweet watermelon or one with a more tangy flavor? Is it for eating right away or pickling? Knowing what you are looking for will help you pick the perfect one.

Look for the Signs
Look for a symmetrical watermelon that is firm and heavy for its size. It should also have a rich green rind with no soft spots. It should also have a full, yellow spot where it sat on the ground while ripening in the sun. It’s also a good idea to give it a little tap to make sure it has a deep, hollow sound. These are all telltale signs of a ripe and ready-to-eat watermelon.

• Check for symmetrical shape and color of the rind
• Feel for firmness and heft
• Look for a yellow spot, indicating where it sat in the sun
• Give it a good thump and listen for a deep, hollow sound

7. Feasting Like a Champion on Watermelon “Steak”

No summer feast is complete without watermelon! With its refreshing, juicy sweetness and satisfying crunch, this magical fruit always hits the spot. And now, with this recipe, it’s never been easier to enjoy the classic favorite in a brand-new way.

Watermelon “steak” is an incredible way to enjoy the beloved fruit! The recipe is simple: cut the watermelon into two inch thick slices. Grease a pan with olive oil, place the watermelon slices on the pan and season generously with salt, pepper and more olive oil. Grill each side 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear.

• No pre-cooking – This is an easy recipe that requires no pre-cooking. Simply cut, season, and grill!
• Healthy & Delicious – It’s no secret that watermelon is a healthy food, and with a bold seasoning like salt and pepper, it’s also incredibly tasty.
• Shareable – Serve each watermelon slice as its own “steak” and watch everyone dig in!

8. Substituting Watermelon for Meat: The Pros and Cons

Gone are the days where a vegan lifestyle was seen as outlandish or frivolous. More than ever, people are becoming mindful of the food they eat and the environment they live in. This has caused the demand for plant-based, health friendly foods like watermelon to skyrocket. But, is it a good substitute for meat? Let’s break down the pros and cons of eating watermelon as a meat substitute.

The Pros:

• Watermelon is low in calories, fat, and sugar
• Full of beneficial nutrients and vitamins
• Provides an affordable, clean protein source
• Easy to cook and can be used in a variety of dishes

The Cons:

• Not widely available or easy to find
• Perishable, with a relatively short shelf life
• Nutrient-dense, but not calorie-dense
• May require additional fat and calories from other sources

Ultimately, it’s up to individuals to determine if watermelon is an adequate replacement for meat in their diets. For those transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, the benefits of adding watermelon to the diet may outweigh any potential drawbacks.

9. Crafting Whopping Good Recipes with Watermelon

Watermelon is a surprisingly satisfying sweet treat that can fly off the table during a summer gathering. It’s much more than just a refreshing snack; with a bit of willing, watermelons can be turned into some mighty tasty dishes that are sure to impress. Here are some top tips for making a whopping good recipes with watermelon!

• Cut it into bite-sized pieces and make a sweet-tart salsa. This can be used as a colorful topping on tacos or fish, or enjoy it as a refreshing dip with tortilla chips. Choose mango, onion and mint as tasty accompaniments.
• Rotate it into a summer fruit salad. Layer various fruits in a bowl, then add some lightly-dressed watermelon cubes. This will really bring out the delicious sweetness in the other juices.
• Make a delicious snack with nuts. Combine small cubes of watermelon with your favorite nuts, some shredded coconut and a little lemon for a fun and healthy bite.

Finding crispy watermelons is a good starting point to ensuring your recipes pack a flavorful punch. Experiment with different flavors and textures to create dishes that suit everyone’s tastes. A pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon, a drizzle of lemon or a sprinkle of feta are all great ways to bring out hidden flavors.

10. The Scoop on Watermelon: Where to Get Yours

Summertime Produce From Your Local Grocery Store

When looking for your favorite summertime treat, head to your local grocery store first. The classic picnic favorite, fresh, juicy watermelon, is a staple produce item you can find in most major stores. Supermarkets also carry GMO- and seedless varieties of the sweet fruit. Look around carefully, because you don’t want to pass up the perfect melon!

Farmer’s Markets and CSA Boxes

For locally-grown watermelons with all the flavor of a summertime picnic, visit your local farmer’s market. On a hot day, you’ll even see the farmer selling freshly cut melon on the spot. From there, you can also pick up other tasty fruits for a complete summertime feast. Nearby farms may also offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes, which deliver an array of greens and local produce perfect for enjoying on a lazy summer afternoon.

From salads to desserts and even breakfast options – watermelon is a versatile fruit that can be added to every meal. For those looking to explore new flavors and nutrition options, this tart and juicy delight is as enjoyable and nutrient-rich as any steak. Embrace an alternative summertime steak adventure and explore all the juicy possibilities that this tantalizing, flavorful fruit has to offer!