A vibrant bowl of cubed watermelon, thinly sliced red onion, and golden toasted sesame seeds coated in a glossy, sweet and spicy dressing.
WRITTEN BY
SERVES:
2
Prep Time:
10 MINUTES
Cook Time:
10 MINUTES

Here’s a juicy way to shake up your summer salads! This Sweet & Spicy Watermelon recipe is a fast, flavour-packed dish that’s great for BBQs, picnics, or when you’re staring down a watermelon that needs using up. The combo of soy sauce, chilli oil, and sesame gives it a bold umami kick - think of it as watermelon with a twist! Made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes, this is a must-try way to rescue your fruit from languishing in the fridge.

INGREDIENTS:
  • ½ large watermelon or 1 small watermelon
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp chilli oil (available in most supermarkets)
  • 2 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 4 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Salt, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. Remove the skin from the watermelon and cut it into cubes. Place in a large bowl.
  2. Add the sliced red onion and a pinch of salt. Toss to combine.
  3. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden brown. This happens quickly, so keep an eye on them.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce, chilli oil, sesame oil, sugar, and rice vinegar until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the toasted sesame seeds.
  5. Pour the dressing over the watermelon and onion, then gently toss to coat.
  6. Let it marinate for 10 minutes before serving.
wonkybox

Sweet & Spicy Watermelon

Our take on the viral cucumber salad—juicy watermelon meets soy, chilli, and sesame for a bold, Asian-inspired twist.
WRITTEN BY
ABOUT
ABOUT

tell us what you think

tempting recommendations

A colourful zero-waste grazing board with crispy tempura veggies, cheese crisps, roasted courgette ends, and a vibrant green dip.
Odds and Ends Grazing Board

No rules apply here! This zero-waste grazing board turns your veggie odds and ends into a crunchy, crispy, compost-saving feast.

Golden spiced pear hand pies dusted with icing sugar, fresh from a toastie maker - a delicious food rescue twist on dessert.
Spiced Pear Hand Pies

Cosy up with these spiced pear hand pies - made in a toastie maker using Wonky fruit. A 15-min dessert that celebrates pear season!

A rich, aromatic mushroom masala curry with tender mushrooms, green beans, and spinach, served alongside fluffy rice and naan bread.
Mushroom Masala Curry

A rich, creamy Mushroom Masala Curry with mushrooms, green beans & spinach in a spiced tomato sauce. Easy, hearty, and vegan-friendly!

Close-up of crispy, golden smashed potatoes topped with melted cheese and sweetcorn, served with a dollop of sour cream.
Cheesy Smashed Potatoes with Corn & Sour Cream

The viral crispy smashed potatoes, golden cheese, and sweetcorn - topped with sour cream.A seriously easy and versatile side.