Break culinary boundaries with this Miso-Glazed Watermelon Steak topped with Wasabi Pea Dust and Pickled Daikon! This most unusual recipes elevates watermelon to savory heights, blending miso’s umami depth with the heat of wasabi and the tang of pickled daikon for a dish that’s bold, balanced, and surprisingly satisfying. Perfect for food adventurers and gourmet lovers alike!

Miso-Glazed Watermelon Steak with Wasabi Pea Dust and Pickled Daikon
Discover a culinary masterpiece with this Miso-Glazed Watermelon Steak recipe! Topped with a sprinkle of Wasabi Pea Dust and served alongside tangy Pickled Daikon, this inventive dish reimagines watermelon with savory umami flavors, creating a truly unique dining experience.
Ingredients
For the watermelon steak:
- 1 small seedless watermelon (about 2kg)
- 100g white miso paste
- 50ml mirin
- 30ml rice vinegar
- 20g honey
- 10ml sesame oil
For the wasabi pea dust:
- 100g wasabi peas
- 5g nori sheets
For the pickled daikon:
- 200g daikon radish, thinly sliced
- 100ml rice vinegar
- 50g sugar
- 5g salt
For garnish:
- 20g black sesame seeds
- Fresh microgreens
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into 4 "steaks" about 3cm thick. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for 2 hours to dry out slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, mirin, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil to make the glaze.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Brush both sides of the watermelon steaks with the miso glaze. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the glaze is caramelized and the watermelon is slightly softened.
- While the watermelon is roasting, prepare the wasabi pea dust. In a food processor, pulse the wasabi peas and nori sheets until they form a fine powder. Set aside.
- For the pickled daikon, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves. Pour over the sliced daikon in a heat-proof container and let cool to room temperature.
- To serve, place a watermelon steak on each plate. Sprinkle generously with the wasabi pea dust. Arrange pickled daikon slices around the steak.
- Garnish with black sesame seeds and microgreens.
Notes
Here are some creative variations for the Miso-Glazed Watermelon Steak with Wasabi Pea Dust and Pickled Daikon recipe:
- Teriyaki Watermelon Steaks
- Replace the miso glaze with a teriyaki sauce made from 100ml soy sauce, 50g brown sugar, and 30ml mirin.
- Grill the watermelon steaks instead of pan-searing for a caramelized finish.
- Serve with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Spicy Chipotle Watermelon Steaks
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle powder to the miso glaze for a smoky kick.
- Top with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro for a Mexican-inspired twist.
- Serve with avocado slices on the side.
- Balsamic Glazed Watermelon Steaks
- Use a balsamic reduction instead of miso glaze; simmer 150ml balsamic vinegar until thickened.
- Drizzle the reduction over the watermelon steaks after cooking.
- Garnish with goat cheese crumbles and fresh basil.
- Mediterranean Watermelon Steaks
- Marinate watermelon in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano instead of miso.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes after grilling.
- Serve on a bed of arugula for added freshness.
- Coconut Curry Watermelon Steaks
- Replace the miso glaze with a coconut curry sauce made from 200ml coconut milk, 1 tablespoon curry powder, and salt to taste.
- Brush the sauce on the watermelon before grilling.
- Serve with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
- BBQ Watermelon Steaks
- Marinate watermelon in your favorite BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Serve topped with coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
- Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce before serving.
- Honey-Lime Glazed Watermelon Steaks
- Create a glaze using 50g honey, juice of 2 limes, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush this mixture onto the watermelon steaks before grilling.
- Top with chopped mint and lime zest for freshness.
- Asian Sesame Watermelon Steaks
- Marinate watermelon steaks in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
- After cooking, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
- Serve alongside a cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar.
- Smoky Paprika Watermelon Steaks
- Mix smoked paprika into the miso glaze for an added depth of flavor.
- After cooking, serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt mixed with lime juice.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
- Fruit Salsa Topped Watermelon Steaks
- Grill the watermelon steaks as directed, then top with a fresh fruit salsa made from diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice.
- This adds a refreshing sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 220 | 11% |
Total Fat | 6g | 9% |
Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
Sodium | 980mg | 41% |
Total Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
Dietary Fiber | 3g | 12% |
Sugars | 34g | – |
Protein | 5g | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.