Watermelon tuna is the latest healthy and trendy recipe that mimics tuna steak. Learn how to make it with our easy guide.
Jump straight to:
Watermelon Tuna: A Trendy, Tasty Twist on Plant-Based Eating
Imagine telling your friends you're cooking tuna, only for them to arrive at your place and discover that the meal's star is… a watermelon? It might sound strange, but trust me, watermelon tuna is the new sensation in plant-based cooking that everyone is talking about.
It's vegan, healthy, and surprisingly tasty. Let's dive into this delicious watermelon tuna recipe, perfect for those seeking a trendy, fit, and diet-friendly meal.
What is Watermelon Tuna?
If you're looking for a recipe that will make your friends and family question reality, watermelon tuna is the one. It's a clever twist on traditional tuna steaks that offers a delightful texture and flavour while being completely plant-based.
Watermelon, with its vibrant red hue and succulent flesh, is the perfect stand-in for tuna – especially when you season it right.
The dish involves marinating and baking watermelon to give it that melt-in-your-mouth feel you'd expect from tuna. This vegan recipe doesn't just look like tuna; it mimics the texture and flavour, especially when paired with complementary ingredients like sushi rice or a creamy tahini sauce.
But don't worry, no fish were harmed while making this dish!
Why Watermelon Tuna is Trending
"Watermelon tuna? Isn't that just for vegans?" Well, not anymore! Even meat-eaters are hopping onto this plant-based trend. Why? It's a healthy recipe and a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your craving for something meaty without the actual meat.
More and more people are looking for sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives to animal products. Watermelon tuna is one innovative dish that surprises and delights with every bite.
It's perfect when you want to impress someone at a dinner party or try something new that's still good for your health. Plus, it's a fit recipe that's light on calories but full of flavour.
The Health Benefits of Watermelon: More Than Just a Summer Treat
As summer draws close, there's no better time to indulge in the last of the season's local watermelons. Not only are they refreshing, but they're also packed with nutrients that you might not expect from such a light and hydrating fruit.
One of the standout features of watermelon is its vibrant red flesh, which comes from lycopene. You might recognise lycopene as the same powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes. However, here's a fun fact: watermelons contain more lycopene than raw tomatoes!
While tomatoes develop more of this compound when cooked into sauces, watermelon is a raw, healthy option perfect for a diet-conscious meal.
Lycopene has been linked to a number of health benefits, including cardiovascular protection and antioxidant properties that help fight off free radicals. So the next time you bite into a juicy slice of watermelon, you can feel extra good about your choice, knowing you're doing something kind for your heart and body.
But be honest – buying a watermelon can sometimes feel like a gamble. Is it ripe? Will it taste as sweet as it looks? While you won't know until you cut into it, there's a trick to help you pick the perfect one. Look at the rind – most watermelons have a dark green exterior, but if you spot some yellow patches, you've likely got a winner.
As watermelons ripen, the green chlorophyll in the rind starts to break down, revealing yellow tones underneath. This is your sign that the watermelon has matured and is ready to enjoy.
Now that you're armed with watermelon wisdom, you can confidently choose the juiciest, ripest ones to use in your watermelon tuna recipe!
What You'll Need for This Watermelon Tuna Recipe
Before we learn how to make watermelon tuna, let's gather our ingredients. Here's what you'll need to create this flavour-packed meal. And don't worry—you'll be amazed at how simple this is!
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized watermelon, cut into thick tuna steak-like slices
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon agave syrup (or maple syrup)
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for a bit of heat)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, finely grated
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: sliced spring onions, fresh coriander, sesame seeds, and a wedge of lime.
.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F). While it heats up, let's prepare the watermelon.
Prepare the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into thick slices, aiming to mimic the size and shape of tuna steaks. Once done, pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, agave syrup, sriracha (if you like it spicy), grated ginger, and minced garlic.
Marinate the watermelon: Place the watermelon steaks into a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak in the flavours for at least 30 minutes, or if you have more time, overnight in the fridge.
Bake the watermelon: Once marinated, place the watermelon steaks on a lined baking tray. Bake in the oven for around 45 minutes or until they begin to caramelise and become slightly translucent. This cooking time gives the watermelon the perfect texture – soft yet firm like a tuna steak.
Serve and enjoy: Garnish with sesame seeds, spring onions, and fresh coriander, and serve on a bed of sushi rice or with a drizzle of tahini for an extra creamy touch.
Watermelon Tuna: Healthy, Delicious, and Perfect for Diets
Watermelon tuna is not just a pretty face. It's also a powerhouse in terms of nutrition. Watermelon is low in calories and rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve heart health. So, if you're looking for a recipe for your diet that is low in fat but still packed with flavour, this one ticks all the boxes.
The added benefit of baking the watermelon is that it transforms its texture, making it resemble the flakiness of a tuna steak. When paired with sushi rice or even quinoa, you have a healthy and satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is good for you.
How to Serve Watermelon Tuna
There are so many ways you can enjoy watermelon tuna. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing:
Watermelon Tuna Steak: Serve your watermelon tuna as a steak on a bed of greens or alongside roasted vegetables for a light and healthy dinner.
Watermelon Tuna on Sushi Rice: Want to make it feel like sushi night? Serve the baked watermelon on a bed of sushi rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a side of soy sauce.
Watermelon Tuna with Tahini: Drizzle some creamy tahini over your watermelon tuna steak for a flavourful, Middle Eastern-inspired twist. The nuttiness of the tahini pairs wonderfully with the sweet and salty watermelon.
Watermelon Tuna Poke Bowl: Build a poke bowl with cubed watermelon tuna, avocado, cucumber, edamame, and your favourite sauce for a fresh, trendy recipe that looks as good as it tastes.
Why You Should Try Watermelon Tuna Today
If you're looking for a dish that's fun, healthy, and perfect for impressing your dinner guests, watermelon tuna is the answer. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or someone who loves trying new recipes, this trendy recipe will become a favourite in your kitchen.
Plus, it's a sustainable alternative to fish, helping you reduce your environmental footprint while still enjoying a delicious meal.
So, next time someone asks, "What's for dinner?" – surprise them with watermelon tuna! They won't believe how delicious it is until they try it.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Watermelon Tuna
How do you make watermelon taste like tuna?
The secret is in the marinade and the baking process. Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic infuse the watermelon with umami flavours while baking, giving it that firm yet tender texture you'd expect from tuna.
Can you cook watermelon tuna in the oven?
Absolutely! Baking the marinated watermelon in the oven helps it caramelise. It gives it a unique texture that closely resembles cooked tuna. You can also try searing it on the stove for a quicker version.
Is watermelon tuna good for weight loss?
This recipe is a great option if you're following a fit or diet-friendly diet plan. Watermelon is low in calories but high in nutrients, making it a filling yet light meal option.
Can I make watermelon tuna ahead of time?
Definitely! Marinating the watermelon overnight will enhance the flavour, so feel free to prep it beforehand. Just bake it when you're ready to eat.
Sign up for our newsletter to receive every update from OMG Food Malta.
Comments