Watermelon Rind Stir Fry

Name: Watermelon Rind Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2-3 cups of watermelon rind, pink flesh removed (and eaten, obviously); 2-3 large carrots; 1 TBS neutral, high heat oil (like avocado); 2 scallions; 3 TBS peanut butter; 1 inch knob of fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp dried); 1 TBS maple syrup; 2 TBS soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free; Juice from 1/2 medium lime; 1 TBS rice vinegar, optional; Pinch of red pepper flakes; 1 TBS sesame oil, optional; Water to thin; Lime wedge; Peanuts; Fresh basil and/or mint; Sesame seeds; Cooked grain of choice (I like white or brown rice)

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Watermelon rind is fully edible, so enjoy it in this easy weeknight stir fry recipe! It tastes like a cucumber and is perfectly complemented with a satisfying peanut sauce. Reduce food waste and have dinner ready in just 20 minutes!

a bowl of watermelon rind stir fry with rice and peanut sauce

Watermelon Rind Recipe FAQ

Wait, is watermelon rind edible?

Yes, you can eat watermelon rind! Both the white rind and green skin of a watermelon are completely edible. There are some general health benefits and it is a good source of fiber. The green skin can be a bit tough, so some people prefer to peel it prior to consuming. This is also an important consideration if you are not able to purchase a pesticide-free fruit.

What does watermelon rind taste like?

It tastes like the combination of a jicama, carrot, and cucumber. Watermelon rind is fairly crunchy, with a mildly refreshing flavor. Given that it is from the same plant family as a cucumber (the cucurbits/gourd family) this tracks.

What can I do with watermelon rind?

Outside of stir fry (detailed in the recipe below), watermelon rind can also be pickled or used in a gazpacho soup. Anywhere you can use a cucumber (like this cucumber salad), a watermelon rind would also be appropriate!

overhead shot of a pan with stir fried watermelon rind and carrots with peanut sauce

Ingredients Needed for Stir Fried Watermelon Rind with Peanut Sauce

For base:

2-3 cups of watermelon rind, pink flesh removed (and eaten, obviously)
1 cup of carrots, thinly sliced into matchsticks
2 scallions

For peanut sauce:

3 TBS peanut butter
1 inch knob of fresh ginger (or 1 tsp dried)
1 TBS maple syrup
2 TBS soy sauce or tamari
Juice from 1/2 medium lime
1 TBS rice vinegar, optional
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 TBS sesame oil
Water to thin

To serve the stir fry, add:

Lime wedge
Fresh basil and/or mint
Sesame seeds
Cooked grain of choice (I like white or brown rice)

a spoon with rice next to watermelon rind stir fry

Other Simple Watermelon Recipes to Try Next:

Looking for a way to use up your watermelon, so you can try this recipe with the rind? Try these Salted Watermelon Margaritas.

I would also consider trying this Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with Vegan Feta. Perfect for a picnic, alongside many of these other summer dinner favorites!

I do not have a recipe for pickled watermelon rind yet but would love to try it. Always remember, if you can’t use all of your rind in one recipe, check our this guide to Small Space Composting.

Other Peanut Butter Dishes:

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