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Vegan

Seared Watermelon ‘Tuna’ Salad

Refreshing seasonal watermelon replaces seared ahi tuna in this creative, flavor-packed dish.

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Peter O’Sullivan

When marinated, watermelon takes on the texture of tuna. The taste is unexpected and exquisite! Make sure to get a nice caramelization on the “tuna” before serving. Whether you’ve just gone meatless, are trying to cut down on animal products, or are a long-term vegan, you can create beautiful, tasty recipes that are simple to make. Here’s a perfect one for summer, excerpted with permission from Plants Only Kitchen by Gaz Oakley.

Servings
8

Ingredients

  • 1 medium watermelon, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick steaks
  • 1 Tbs. sea salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Marinade

  • 2 tsp. tahini
  • 6 Tbs. soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
  • 2 Tbs. rice vinegar
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1 tsp. dried chili flakes
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 Tbs. Sriracha sauce
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
  • 2 spring onions (scallions)
  • 3 Tbs. sesame oil

Salad

  • ½ cucumber, cut into batons
  • 5 spring onions (scallions), finely sliced
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas, finely sliced length-ways
  • 10.5 oz. rice noodles, cooked according to the packet
  • Handful of Thai basil leaves

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F, and line a deep baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange watermelon steaks in single layer on baking sheet, lightly salt, and bake 1 hour, or until tender.

2. Meanwhile, combine marinade ingredients in blender. Remove watermelon from the oven. (It will shrink down and have a lovely, deep red color.)

3. Pour marinade over cooked watermelon. Allow watermelon to cool, then place in fridge to marinate at least 2 hours. When watermelon has marinated, toss salad ingredients together with a few tablespoons of watermelon marinade.

4. Heat non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add a little oil, and sear watermelon steaks 2 minutes each side. Divide noodle salad among four plates, and top with sliced watermelon to serve.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories 380
  • Carbohydrate Content 80 g
  • Cholesterol Content 0 mg
  • Fat Content 7 g
  • Fiber Content 4 g
  • Protein Content 6 g
  • Saturated Fat Content 1 g
  • Sodium Content 1110 mg
  • Sugar Content 37 g