Crisp and Spicy-Sweet Watermelon Rind Salad
A Unique Summer Side Dish Using Watermelon Rinds: Spicy & Sweet Watermelon Rind Salad
Watermelon is a quintessential summer fruit, but it often leaves us with a lot of rind waste. Don’t throw them away! Transform these rinds into a delicious side dish with a variety of recipes. This spicy and sweet salad offers a delightful crisp texture and a refreshing taste that will invigorate your appetite.
Main Ingredients- 150g watermelon rind (mostly the white part)
- 1 Korean chili pepper (Cheongyang chili)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the watermelon rinds thoroughly. Peel off the tough green outer skin, then slice the white part into desired pieces, about 0.5 cm thick and flat. Finely chop the Korean chili pepper, removing the stem. If you prefer it spicier, you can leave the seeds in.
Step 2
Place the sliced watermelon rinds in a bowl and add 1 tsp of salt. Mix well and let it sit for about 10 minutes to salt and draw out moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crisp texture.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp of sugar and 2 Tbsp of vinegar. Whisk until well combined to create the sweet and sour dressing base. Feel free to adjust the sugar and vinegar ratios to your preference.
Step 4
After salting, rinse the watermelon rinds lightly under running water to remove excess salt. Then, squeeze out as much water as possible using your hands. Properly draining is key; otherwise, the salad will taste diluted.
Step 5
Add the prepared dressing and the chopped Korean chili pepper to the well-drained watermelon rinds. Gently mix everything together until the rinds are evenly coated with the sauce. Your delicious watermelon rind salad is ready to be served. It’s great immediately, or chilled in the refrigerator for an even more refreshing taste.
