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 golden Thai-style chicken and vegetable bake straight from the oven, with rice, broccoli, red pepper, and kumara in a coconut milk sauce, topped with fresh basil and a wedge of lime.
Thai-Style Chicken & Veggie Bake

One pan, no fuss. Chicken (or chickpeas), rice, and a coconut-curry sauce baked together for a weeknight win that doubles as meal prep.

Golden pan-fried halloumi slices glazed with hot honey arranged over cubed melon, cherry tomatoes and black olives, finished with torn fresh basil leaves on a large serving plate
Melon & Hot Honey Halloumi Salad

Salty, sticky, sweet — hot honey halloumi over juicy melon and cherry tomatoes is the salad that actually earns its place at the table.

Charred cabbage wedges on a serving platter drizzled with melted garlic butter, topped with grated Parmesan and toasted pine nuts
Basil & Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage

Char cabbage wedges until sweet and tender, then drown them in basil garlic butter. Simple winter cooking that tastes expensive.

Golden puff pastry envelope filled with mixed stone fruit and blueberries, topped with fresh mandarin segments and pastry heart decorations
Valentine's Fruit Envelope

Fold pastry around jammy stone fruit for a simple, shareable dessert that looks far fancier than the effort suggests.