Baked Watermelon Sashimi with Sesame Seeds and Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe
This Watermelon Sashimi recipe transforms fresh watermelon into a savory, tender dish by baking it with soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Served with a flavorful dipping sauce of soy, sriracha, and sesame oil, and garnished with mixed sesame seeds, it offers a unique and refreshing twist on sashimi with a delicate umami flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 watermelon, peeled
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For the Dipping Sauce
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Garnish
- 2 tbsp mixed sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Watermelon: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4. Halve the peeled watermelon, then slice it into ½cm to 1cm thick slices.
- Arrange and Marinate: Place 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. Toss gently to evenly coat all the slices.
- Bake the Watermelon: Bake the watermelon in the preheated oven for 40 minutes until the slices become soft and tender. After baking, remove from the oven and allow them 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 and savory dipping sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Once cooled, arrange the baked watermelon slices on a serving plate. Sprinkle the 2 tbsp mixed sesame seeds evenly over the top. Serve the dish with the prepared dipping sauce on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- Baking the watermelon softens its texture and intensifies its flavor, contrasting with its usual crispness.
- Adjust the sriracha amount in the dipping sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
- This dish is a creative vegetarian appetizer or side, perfect for summertime entertaining.
- Ensure to cool the watermelon completely before serving to allow the flavors to meld well.
Keywords: Watermelon sashimi, baked watermelon, watermelon appetizer, vegetarian appetizer, summer recipes, savory watermelon
