When you think of grilling season, you probably imagine burgers, ribs, or maybe vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
But what if we told you there’s an unexpected star waiting to shine on your grill—one that’s juicy, bold, and surprisingly savory?
Enter grilled watermelon steaks with a fiery, smoky RoboFood Harissa glaze.
This vegan centerpiece transforms a fruit often reserved for salads and mocktails into a rich, complex dish that’s just as thrilling on the palate as it is on the plate.
Why Watermelon Belongs on the Grill
Grilling isn’t just about meat and vegetables—grilling watermelon brings out a hidden depth of flavor.
When exposed to high heat, the natural sugars in watermelon caramelize, creating a subtly smoky, dense texture that resembles a steak.
The fruit’s high water content evaporates slightly, concentrating the flavor and firming up the flesh.
The result?
A tender, slightly charred slab with a surprising meatiness that’s perfect for plant-based dining.
But what takes this concept over the top is pairing it with RoboFood Harissa Seasoning.
This bold North African blend—made with chili peppers, smoked paprika, garlic, cumin, and coriander—adds a vibrant punch of heat and aroma that contrasts beautifully with the watermelon’s natural sweetness.
The combination is unexpected, exciting, and utterly delicious.
The Magic of Harissa in Modern Plant-Based Cooking
Harissa has long been a staple in Tunisian cuisine, used to season meats, soups, and stews.
Its fiery, slightly earthy profile brings warmth and complexity to dishes.
But in recent years, chefs and home cooks alike have begun experimenting with harissa in new and creative ways—one of the most daring being its use in fruit-based savory dishes.
RoboFood Harissa Seasoning is particularly well-suited for this application because it’s balanced—spicy but not overwhelming, smoky but not bitter.
When mixed with a simple glaze of olive oil, lemon, and a touch of maple syrup, it clings beautifully to the surface of watermelon steaks, creating a crust that’s both glossy and flavorful.
Choosing the Right Watermelon
Not all watermelons are created equal when it comes to grilling.
You’ll want a firm, ripe but not overripe watermelon.
Look for one with a creamy yellow spot on the bottom (the ‘ground spot’)—this indicates it ripened fully on the vine.
Avoid watermelons with soft spots or cracks.
For this recipe, seedless varieties are ideal.
Cut your watermelon into thick 1-inch slices, then trim them into 4- to 5-inch rounds resembling steaks.
Aim for at least four evenly sized steaks so they grill consistently.
Preparing the Harissa Glaze
The glaze is where RoboFood Harissa truly gets to shine.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons RoboFood Harissa Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or agave)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked sea salt
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
The maple syrup helps create a beautiful caramelized crust, while the lemon juice cuts through the richness.
Taste and adjust—add more harissa if you like it hotter, or a touch more syrup for balance.
Grilling Techniques for Perfect Watermelon Steaks
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Place the watermelon steaks directly on the grill and brush generously with the harissa glaze.
Let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes—just enough time to develop dark grill marks and a slightly firm texture.
Turn the steaks carefully using a wide spatula, then brush the other side with more glaze.
Grill for another 3 minutes.
Avoid overcooking, as the watermelon can become too soft and fall apart.
You’re aiming for a tender yet defined structure—like a rare steak but from fruit.
Pro tip: If you’re using a charcoal grill, add a few wood chips (like hickory or cherry) for an extra layer of smokiness that complements the harissa beautifully.
Serving Suggestions: Building a Complete Dish
Grilled watermelon steaks are a showstopper on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments elevates them into a full meal.
Here are a few ideas:
- Minty Couscous Pilaf: Toss cooked pearl couscous with chopped fresh mint, parsley, diced cucumber, and a lemon-tahini dressing. The light, fluffy grains contrast perfectly with the bold steak.
- Feta & Olive Tapenade: Crumble tangy feta over the warm watermelon, then top with a spoonful of briny olive tapenade. The saltiness enhances the sweet-heat dynamic.
- Grilled Halloumi Skewers: Thread cubes of halloumi cheese onto skewers and grill until golden. Serve alongside the watermelon for extra protein and texture (easily made vegan by substituting smoked tofu).
- Pickled Red Onions: Thinly slice red onions and quick-pickle them in red wine vinegar, sugar, and salt for 20 minutes. Their sharp tang balances the richness of the harissa.
Wine and Drink Pairings
You might wonder what to drink with a dish this adventurous.
A chilled, off-dry white wine like a Riesling or Gewürztraminer works beautifully—its floral notes and light sweetness complement both the fruit and spice.
For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling hibiscus iced tea with a slice of lime.
The tartness refreshes the palate between bites.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
While grilled watermelon steaks are best served immediately, you can prep the harissa glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Let it come to room temperature before using.
The watermelon steaks themselves shouldn’t be pre-cut more than an hour ahead, as they can start to weep moisture.
If needed, wrap them in paper towels and refrigerate until grilling time.
Leftovers?
While uncommon (this dish tends to disappear quickly!), you can store leftover steaks in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
They’re delicious chopped into a grain bowl or blended into a spicy gazpacho.
Nutritional Benefits of This Bold Dish
Beyond flavor, this recipe brings real nutritional value.
Watermelon is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health and anti-inflammatory benefits.
It’s also hydrating, low in calories, and packed with vitamin C.
RoboFood Harissa Seasoning adds a metabolic boost—chili peppers contain capsaicin, which may help increase calorie burn and reduce appetite.
Together, they form a dish that’s not only bold and creative but also nourishing and light—ideal for warm-weather dining.
Vegan, Vibrant, and Unforgettable
Grilled watermelon steaks with harissa glaze redefine what’s possible in vegan cuisine.
They push boundaries, challenge expectations, and delight the senses.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, exploring plant-based eating, or simply looking for a conversation-starting dish, this recipe delivers.
RoboFood Harissa Seasoning makes it easy to bring authentic North African flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum impact.
Its balanced heat and smoky depth elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Final Thoughts
Cooking should be fun, experimental, and delicious.
This recipe celebrates all three.
It proves that innovation in the kitchen doesn’t require rare ingredients—just a willingness to think differently.
So fire up your grill, slice that watermelon, and brush on that harissa glaze.
You’re not just making dinner—you’re creating a moment.
And who knows?
This might just become your new signature summer dish—one that has guests asking, ‘Wait, is this really watermelon?’ with every delicious bite.
Pro Chef Tip: For an Instagram-worthy finish, drizzle a little extra harissa glaze over the plated steaks and sprinkle with microgreens or edible flowers.
A dusting of sumac adds a vibrant red hue and a citrusy zing that ties everything together.
