Ingredients

1 1/2 cups seasoned rice vinegar
2 pieces fresh ginger root , peeled and lightly crushed
2 shallots , chopped
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes , or to taste
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups watermelon rind , white part only , cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 package thick cut bacon
1/2 cup peeled and chopped fresh ginger root
2 cloves garlic , peeled
4 limes , juiced
1 cup seasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 bunch cilantro , stems and leaves separated
12 cups chilled seedless watermelon , peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 bunch green onions , chopped
Malaysian Watermelon Salad is a refreshing and flavorful mix of sweet and spicy flavors that's perfect for hot summer days. The salad is made with fresh watermelon cubes, marinated watermelon rind, crispy bacon bits, and sautéed ginger and garlic. The salad is dressed with a tangy and spicy sauce that cuts through the sweetness of the watermelon and ties all the flavors together. The use of watermelon rind in this recipe is a nod to the food waste reduction movement, as it’s often discarded even though it’s both tasty and nutritious. This salad is a great way to use up every part of the watermelon and create a unique and delicious dish for lunch or dinner.

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, combine the seasoned rice vinegar, ginger, shallots, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and salt.
2.Add the watermelon rind to the bowl and toss to coat in the dressing. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3.Meanwhile, cook the bacon until crisp in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove from the skillet and let cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
4.In the same skillet, sauté the chopped ginger and garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5.In a separate large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, seasoned rice vinegar, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.
6.Add the chilled watermelon cubes, cilantro leaves, green onions, and bacon crumbles to the bowl and toss to coat in the dressing.
7.To serve, portion the watermelon salad into bowls and top with the marinated watermelon rind, sautéed ginger and garlic, and cilantro stems.

PROS

This salad is a great way to use up the often-discarded watermelon rind, which is both flavorful and nutritious.

The dressing is low-fat and low-calorie, making this salad a healthy and refreshing option for a hot summer day.

CONS

The preparation for this salad can be time-consuming, especially if you’re starting with a whole watermelon.

The spicy dressing may not be to everyone’s taste.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Watermelon is low in calories and has a high water content, making it a great choice for hydration and weight management.
The rind is rich in nutrients like citrulline, which has been linked to improved blood flow and heart health, and lycopene, which has been studied for its cancer-fighting properties.
Ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, while cilantro is thought to aid digestion and promote detoxification.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.