Description
Watermelon Fries are a refreshing and delightful summer snack featuring crisp watermelon cut into fry-like strips, marinated in a zesty lime and honey dressing with a hint of sea salt and optional chili powder. Garnished with fresh mint and basil, these fruit fries offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors, ideal for hot days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 small seedless watermelon
- 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, fine grain
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Wash the Watermelon: Thoroughly rinse the watermelon under cold running water to clean the exterior before cutting.
- Trim the Ends: Using a large, sharp knife, carefully slice off both ends of the watermelon to create stable, flat bases for standing.
- Remove the Rind: Stand the watermelon upright on one flat end and carefully slice downward to remove all the green and white rind, rotating as you cut to remove it completely.
- Inspect for White Parts: Trim away any remaining white or pale pink parts to reveal only the juicy red flesh.
- Cut into Slabs: Lay the watermelon on its side and slice it into 1-inch thick slabs for manageable size.
- Cut into Fries: Cut each slab into 1-inch wide strips resembling fries.
- Pat Dry: Gently pat the watermelon fries with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better marinade absorption.
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, honey (or agave nectar), sea salt, and optional chili powder until well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the marinade and tweak the balance of lime, sweetness, or salt to your preference.
- Place Fries in a Bowl: Put the watermelon fries into a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag to prepare for marinating.
- Pour Marinade Over Fries: Evenly pour the marinade over the fries, ensuring all pieces get coated thoroughly.
- Marinate in the Refrigerator: Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 1 hour to develop flavors.
- Gently Toss Occasionally: During marinating, gently toss the fries a couple of times to redistribute the marinade evenly.
- Drain the Fries: Before serving, gently drain the watermelon fries to remove excess marinade.
- Arrange on a Platter: Neatly place the fries on a serving platter for presentation.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle finely chopped fresh mint and basil leaves over the fries for added aroma and flavor.
- Serve with Lime Wedges: Offer lime wedges alongside for an extra splash of citrus when eating.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve the watermelon fries right away, as they are best enjoyed fresh after marinating.
Notes
- Use a seedless watermelon for easier cutting and eating.
- Patting the watermelon dry before marinating helps the flavors soak in better.
- Adjust chili powder quantity or omit for a milder taste.
- Substitute honey with agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version.
- Consume promptly after marinating to enjoy peak freshness and texture.
- These fries are best served chilled and do not reheat well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
