Summer Delight! Crisp and Refreshing Watermelon Rind Salad
Recipe for a Sweet and Tangy Watermelon Rind Salad, a Summer Delicacy
Transform leftover watermelon rind into a delicious salad! This watermelon rind salad captures the fresh taste of summer with its crisp texture and refreshing sweet and tangy flavor. It’s the perfect side dish when your appetite is low, and a real treat with rice. Make a delightful dish using the rind you might usually discard after eating watermelon. Thinly slice the white inner part of the rind and toss it with various seasonings to create a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Main Ingredients- 1 whole watermelon (only the rind will be used)
- 2 Tbsp salt (for salting the watermelon rind)
Seasoning Ingredients- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for color and mild heat)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, for savory depth)
- 3 Tbsp vinegar (for a tangy flavor that cuts through richness)
- 2 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract, for subtle sweetness and aroma)
- 2 Tbsp oligo syrup (for glossiness and smooth sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 3 cheongyang peppers (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 green onion (approx. 20g, for fragrant freshness)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (for enhanced flavor)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish and nutty flavor)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for color and mild heat)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, for savory depth)
- 3 Tbsp vinegar (for a tangy flavor that cuts through richness)
- 2 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract, for subtle sweetness and aroma)
- 2 Tbsp oligo syrup (for glossiness and smooth sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 3 cheongyang peppers (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 green onion (approx. 20g, for fragrant freshness)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (for enhanced flavor)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish and nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the watermelon rind thoroughly. Using a knife, peel off the thick, hard green outer skin. You want to prepare only the white, firm inner part of the rind for use.
Step 2
Thinly julienne the prepared watermelon rind into approximately 5cm lengths. Slicing it thinly is crucial for a pleasant texture; if cut too thick, it won’t be as enjoyable. Thin slices will absorb the dressing better and maintain a crisp bite.
Step 3
Add 2 Tbsp of salt to the julienned watermelon rind and mix well. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to salt and soften the rind. This step helps draw out moisture, making the rind crispier, and also removes any slight bitterness.
Step 4
After 30 minutes, firmly squeeze the salted watermelon rind with your hands to remove as much excess water as possible. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this might affect the flavor. Removing excess water ensures the dressing clings to the rind and doesn’t become watery.
Step 5
Wash the green onion and mince it finely. This will be added to the dressing for its aromatic quality. Finely mincing helps distribute its flavor evenly.
Step 6
Remove the stems from the cheongyang peppers, deseed them if you prefer less heat, and mince them finely. If you enjoy spicier food, you can leave some of the seeds in when mincing.
Step 7
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed watermelon rind with all the prepared seasoning ingredients: gochugaru, gochujang, vinegar, maesilcheong, oligo syrup, and minced garlic. Add the minced green onion and cheongyang peppers. Gently mix everything with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the rind. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra nutty aroma. Your delicious watermelon rind salad is now ready to serve!
