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Grilled Watermelon and Shrimp Skewers





Yields
Serves 4




Total Time
1 hr 30 mins

Grilling watermelon adds a smoky note to the fruit and gives it a slightly meaty texture that matches well with shrimp. Cooking takes only a couple of minutes, so have both sets of skewers ready before you start. You'll need 12 flat metal skewers (12 in. long) or 18 skewers (8 in. long)--or use bamboo skewers of the same size, soaked in water for 30 minutes.

su- Grilled Watermelon Shrimp Skewers Image




Photo: Iain Bagwell

 1/3 cup plus 1 1/2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  Zest of 1 lime
 3 tablespoons lime juice
 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, plus 1/4 cup mint leaves, torn
 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. red chile flakes
 1 garlic clove, minced
 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
 1/2 teaspoon pepper
 1 pound jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp (21 to 26 per lb.), thawed if frozen
 1/2 small seedless watermelon (about 2 lbs.)
Step 1
1

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup oil, the lime zest and juice, chopped mint, thyme, chile flakes, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour half into a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2
2

Add shrimp to remaining marinade mixture in medium bowl and chill, covered, about 1 hour.

Step 3
3

Meanwhile, cut peel from watermelon, then cut fruit into chunks about 3/4 in. by 1 in. Heat a grill to very high (550° to 650°).

Step 4
4

Thread watermelon onto six to nine skewers (8 to 12 in. long) so pieces lie flat. Brush on both sides with remaining 1 1/2 tbsp. oil. Thread shrimp onto six to nine more skewers, piercing each through its top and bottom to form a C (so shrimp lies flat).

Step 5
5

Grill watermelon on one side only until grill marks appear, 1 minute. Transfer to a platter. Grill shrimp, turning once, just until pink, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes total; set on platter.

Step 6
6

Drizzle skewers with reserved marinade and sprinkle with torn mint.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0


Amount Per Serving
Calories 250Calories from Fat 44
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 1.9g10%
Cholesterol 172mg58%
Sodium 409mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 11g4%

Dietary Fiber 0.8g4%
Protein 24g48%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.