Try something new this summer with Grilled Watermelon topped with Caribbean Shrimp. The shrimp are coated in Jerk seasoning and topped with coconut, red onion, macadamia nuts, and a citrusy vinaigrette.
Grilling watermelon gives it beautiful char marks.
But you know what?
I didn’t like it.
This was the first time I’ve made grilled watermelon. I had such high hopes for it.
But one bite into the grilled watermelon and I realized grilling it ruins all that I love most about watermelon. It completely changes the texture, taking it from a crisp, watery texture to a texture that’s almost meaty.
I also found the watermelon soaked up a few off-tasting flavors from my grill pan, which I will admit is a gazillion years old and obviously not as well cleaned as it maybe should be.
Plus I like watermelon best when it is super cold from the refrigerator. It’s so cool and refreshing and that to me is what makes watermelon the perfect summer treat. Especially during August in South Carolina when any and every measure to cool off is needed.
Warm watermelon? Not so refreshing.
But worst of all, the exterior of the watermelon developed a slimy coating. Completely unappealing. I’m not sure if there is something I could have done to prevent this.
Have you ever grilled watermelon before? Did it get slimy? Did you like it?
I’m still posting the recipe beacause grilled watermelon aside, I really liked it. And if you like grilled watermelon or you’ve been curious about it, you should definitely try it. Grilled watermelon absolutely has its fans out there, so maybe it’s just me. I’ve finally found something besides grapefruit I don’t like.
Plus, I’ve discovered this recipe is perfectly delicious with a slice of UNGRILLED watermelon- fresh and cold from the refrigerator. 🙂
Grilled Watermelon with Tropical Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp,, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon jerk seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 half-moon slices of watermelon
- olive oil
- 1/2 small red onion,, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted macadamia nuts,, chopped
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Toss shrimp with jerk seasoning, paprika, and salt. Grill shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes each side, or until cooked through. Set aside.
- Brush each side of watermelon with a little olive oil and grill on each side for 1 minute. Sprinkle with a little salt. (Grill watermelon on opposite side of grill from shrimp so it won't taste like shrimp. Or grill it first.)
- Place each piece of watermelon on a plate. Top with grilled shrimp, red onion, macadamia nuts, and coconut.
- To make dressing, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Drizzle dressing over shrimp and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
ooh this looks delicious! never thought of grilling watermelon before.. awesome idea!
I agree. Cold watermelon is just so refreshing. The only way I’ve ever eaten watermelon is cold from the fridge and rubbed with salt. I have to give grilling a try though maybe I’ll like that too! 😀 Those grill marks make it look really tempting and I bet they taste good with the onions!
Love watermelon cold and straight up too! I’ve never tried grilling it before either but it looks delicious with the char marks and shrimp 🙂
This recipe looks AWESOME! I love this combo watermelon and shrimp. I think they go really well together.
I’m glad you agree! 🙂
I know a lot of people think it’s a strange combination!
Whoa! This is one creative twist on watermelon, Christin! I have never tried grilled watermelon before, but now you’ve got me intrigued! Totally gorgeous photos too, girl. 🙂
Christin, the shrimp looks amazing (and your photos are gorgeous!). I personally am not a fan of watermelon, so I can’t imagine it grilled, but I have to tell you – the shrimp and those toppings look great together!!!
I’ve had grilled lettuce and I was hesitant about it, but really liked it. Not sure about the watermelon, since I’m not a huge watermelon fan anyway. I like that you posted about something that turned out unexpected. I think there’s a tricky tendency to assume that bloggers have to post the best of something and that takes away from having fun and experimenting in the kitchen.
You are totally right. Watermelon is best cold and crisp!! But that shrimp looks delicious and I love the pairing of the tropical flavors of the shrimp and watermelon!
It looks delicious but I am not sure about that one! 🙂
Check out my Rich Dark Chocolate Homemade Ice Cream recipe!
http://michaelswoodcraft.wordpress.com/2014/08/08/rich-creamy-dark-chocolate-ice-cream/
Have a great weekend Christin!!
Wow, Christin! Your recipes always impress me, but this one I will be thinking about all day. The combination of the grilled watermelon and tropical shrimp is incredible!