Watermelon Rind Appetizer
47 kcal
Watermelon rind appetizer – an unexpected watermelon rind appetizer may surprise you a little. However, it is worth cooking. Crispy and juicy, spicy and salty watermelon rinds are simply delightful. Rice, noodles, meat, or fish. Watermelon rind appetizer complements and suits absolutely everything. The dish belongs to Chinese cuisine and is a vivid example of Snacks with expressive flavor.
Ingredients for Watermelon Rind Appetizer
How to Cook Watermelon Rind Appetizer
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Prepare the Watermelon Rinds
Cut the watermelon in half. Remove the flesh and use it separately. Trim off the green skin from the watermelon rind using a vegetable peeler, leaving only the light dense part.
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Slice the Rinds
Cut the prepared rind into strips about 1 cm thick. Cut long strips into pieces about 5 cm long so they cook evenly.
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Salt and Prepare
Rinse the slices, sprinkle with 1 tsp. of salt, and mix thoroughly. Leave for 10 minutes so the rinds release excess moisture and become firmer.
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Prepare the Aromatic Base
Peel the garlic and chop it coarsely. Slice the sweet pepper into thin strips, cut the hot pepper diagonally without removing the seeds. Cut the dried hot pepper with scissors into small pieces.
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Fry with Garlic
Pour vegetable oil into a pan. Once heated, add the dried pepper and garlic. Cook over high heat until a pronounced aroma appears, then add the well-rinsed watermelon slices and mix.
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Bring to Doneness
Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the slices begin to turn translucent. Add the sweet and hot pepper, pour in the soy and oyster sauces, add 2 tsp. of salt. Mix and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Cool before serving.
Tips for Watermelon Rind Appetizer
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Choose a watermelon with a firm light rind without excessive softness. Thick rinds retain better texture after cooking and do not become too soft during frying. Before slicing, carefully trim off the green skin, as it is tough and may spoil the overall impression of the dish.
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Cook the dish over high heat and stir quickly. Short intense heat treatment helps preserve crispness and natural juiciness. Prolonged stewing will lead to loss of texture and excessive softening of the rinds.
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Adjust the spiciness according to personal preference. The amount of hot pepper can be reduced or increased while maintaining a balance between the saltiness of the sauces and the natural sweetness of the watermelon. It is important to add the sauces at the end so the aroma remains expressive.