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Sweet-Heat Watermelon Poke

Category: Celebrate with Classic American Holiday Dishes

Enjoy an easy fusion appetizer of vibrant watermelon cubes tossed in a zesty soy, sriracha, and maple sauce, delivering balanced sweet-heat flavors. Black sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while crispy fried onions offer irresistible texture. Garnish with fresh herbs or scallions for added brightness. This dish shines as a light starter or salad and can be made heartier with tofu, edamame, or paired with greens. With quick prep and no cooking required, it's ideal for sunny days when you crave something cool and bold on the table.

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Updated on Sun, 08 Jun 2025 07:09:55 GMT
A bowl of watermelon with black seeds on top. Save
A bowl of watermelon with black seeds on top. | krispyrecipes.com

Sweet-Heat Watermelon Poke is the ultimate summer refresher that reimagines classic poke using juicy watermelon cubes in a tangy-sweet spicy sauce. The quick toss of sriracha, soy, maple, and citrus wraps the fruit with umami depth, while black sesame and crispy onions bring savory crunch. Every bite is cool bright and delivers a little heat for those days when you want something light but full of flavor.

The first time I made this for a picnic, friends raved and not a single bite was left by the end. The sweet and spicy combo makes it totally crave worthy.

Ingredients

  • Seedless watermelon: This makes the base and must be fresh choose one with a uniform dark green rind and a hollow sound when tapped for max juiciness
  • Low sodium soy sauce: Adds a rich umami note look for naturally brewed for best flavor
  • Pure maple syrup: Gives a silky sweetness balancing it all real pure syrup works best
  • Sriracha: Packs a touch of heat start light if you are spice sensitive
  • Toasted sesame oil: Delivers a nutty aroma to the dish cold pressed oil gives the deepest flavor
  • Fresh lime juice: Brightens up the sauce always use freshly squeezed
  • Black sesame seeds: Bring a toasty earthy crunch choose seeds with a glossy finish
  • Crispy fried onions: Offer irresistible texture store bought works fine but homemade takes it up a notch
  • Scallion: Sliced thin for an optional pop of sharpness pick firm and perky stalks
  • Fresh cilantro or mint: Brings herby freshness snip just the leafy tops for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the soy sauce maple syrup sriracha toasted sesame oil and fresh lime juice until the mixture is smooth and blended well
Coat the Watermelon:
Add the watermelon cubes to the bowl Pour the sauce over and toss very gently to make sure every piece is evenly coated without crushing the fruit
Plate and Garnish:
Spoon the dressed watermelon into your serving dish or individual bowls making sure to drizzle any extra sauce over each portion
Add the Crunch:
Sprinkle a generous amount of black sesame seeds and crispy fried onions on top so each bite gets a bit of everything
Garnish and Serve:
Top with scallion slices and more fresh herbs if you like Serve right away for the freshest flavor and best crunch
A bowl of watermelon with a spoon in it. Save
A bowl of watermelon with a spoon in it. | krispyrecipes.com

I am obsessed with fresh watermelon in savory dishes It was my grandmother who taught me to sprinkle salt on fruit The first time I made this poke for family dinner it disappeared in minutes even my spice shy uncle wanted seconds

Storage Tips

Sweet-Heat Watermelon Poke is best served right after making it as the watermelon releases more juice over time. If you need to prepare ahead keep the sauce and toppings separate Store watermelon cubes and sauce in the fridge for up to eight hours but do not mix until ready to serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap the maple syrup for agave nectar or honey if not vegan. If you do not have black sesame seeds plain white sesame seeds work. For more protein add cubes of tofu or shelled edamame which both soak up the punchy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this poke as a bright appetizer or a side at a barbecue. Spoon it over chilled rice or leafy greens to create a poke bowl. For cocktail hour serve it in small cups with picks for easy snacking.

Cultural Context

This dish is inspired by Hawaiian poke which usually features raw fish but here ripe watermelon stands in for the traditional ingredient. Fusion approaches like this are common in modern poke shops allowing for playful plant-based takes without losing the essence of the dish.

A bowl of watermelon with onions and mint. Save
A bowl of watermelon with onions and mint. | krispyrecipes.com

Recipe FAQs

→ How does the watermelon hold up with the sauce?

Watermelon absorbs the tangy-sweet flavors without becoming soggy. Toss gently and serve immediately for best freshness and texture.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, cubed tofu or edamame are great options for added protein. They blend well with the sauce and keep the dish vegan and satisfying.

→ What are alternatives to maple syrup?

Agave nectar provides a similar sweetness and keeps it vegan. For non-vegan options, a squeeze of honey also works well in the sauce.

→ Are there any allergens in this dish?

The dish contains soy (from soy sauce) and sesame. Fried onions might have gluten; always check packaging labels and substitute as needed.

→ How should I serve this watermelon poke?

It stands out as an appetizer or salad, served chilled. For a heartier dish, serve over steamed rice or fresh greens and garnish with herbs.

Sweet-Heat Watermelon Poke

Watermelon cubes tossed in soy-sriracha-maple sauce, finished with crispy onions and black sesame for fresh, bold flavor.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Time
15 min

Recipe Category: Holiday Favorites

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: Fusion

Recipe Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Options: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Watermelon

01 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 2.5 cm cubes

→ Sauce

02 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
03 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
04 1 teaspoon sriracha, or to taste
05 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
06 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

→ Toppings

07 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
08 80 ml crispy fried onions, store-bought or homemade
09 1 small scallion, finely sliced (optional)
10 Fresh cilantro or mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, and lime juice until smooth.

Step 02

Add the watermelon cubes to the bowl and gently toss until evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 03

Transfer the marinated watermelon to a serving dish or divide among individual bowls.

Step 04

Sprinkle generously with black sesame seeds and crispy fried onions.

Step 05

Garnish with sliced scallions and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Additional Notes

  1. For additional protein, add cubed tofu or shelled edamame.
  2. Maple syrup can be substituted with agave nectar; use honey if vegan is not required.
  3. Adjust the quantity of sriracha to customize spice level.
  4. For a heartier starter or meal, serve over steamed rice or fresh salad greens.
  5. Pairs beautifully with a chilled Riesling or sparkling rosé.

Required Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Serving dish or bowls

Allergen Information

Make sure to review each ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce).
  • Sesame seeds are present.
  • Fried onions may contain gluten and wheat; check packaging for gluten-free suitability.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 110
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 2 g