Keep summer on tap throughout the winter and #EatMoreWatermelon with these fun, Watermelon Tropical Sushi, starring deliciously crisp, juicy watermelon!
Who said everything we love about summer has to disappear once the chill sets in? Watermelon is one of those things that is synonymous with summer and guess what? They are readily available year-round! So, to the tune of JT's Sexy Back...I'm bringing summer back... with these fun Watermelon Tropical Sushi!
The weather goddesses are looking kindly upon us northern folk this winter. The unseasonably warm weather we have seen so far this season makes it easy to put thoughts of snowstorms and sub-zero temps way, way to the back of mind. Of course, with my luck, we will be hit with a snow storm immediately after I press the schedule button for this post...
Snow storm or not, you will find watermelons stocked at your local grocer, both the small and jumbo variety. Due to the short growing season in the northern climate, local watermelons are nowhere to be found. Some make it here via a small trip from south of the border and others make a longer trek from Mexico and Central America.
To be completely honest with you - I had not realized, until recently, that watermelons were stocked throughout the year. So when I went shopping for this post and found the mini variety staring up at me, I had to take two home. I wasn't overly pleased with what my particular grocer charged, but I do love me some watermelon, especially in smoothies. And why wouldn't I?
They are a pretty pink (thanks to the antioxidant, lycopene), refreshing (92% water), super versatile (see some other ways to enjoy them below) and simply good for you (fat, sodium and cholesterol-free, low calorie, vitamin A, C and potassium and the melon and rind contain the amino acid citrulline, which supports muscle recovery). A perfect post-run or workout snack.
If none of that means anything to you, I think we can all agree that it is simply delicious! From cocktails to desserts, to appetizers - like these Watermelon Tropical Sushi - watermelon goes a long way, making it just the perfect thing to feed the many visiting mouth this holiday season.
Watermelon Tropical Sushi not your thing? Below are some other fun and refreshing ways we like to enjoy watermelon at I Sugar Coat It. Visit the National Watermelon Promotion Board to learn more about the benefits of watermelon and other creative ways to #EatMoreWatermelon!
Watermelon Spinach Spirulina Smoothie
Watermelon Coconut Lime Popsicle
Watermelon Coconut Cucumber Chillers
{Disclosure: I received compensation for this post; however, all opinions and content are my own, unless otherwise noted. Thank you for supporting the brands that help to make I Sugar Coat It possible.}
Ingredients
Mango Coconut Rice:
- 315 grams Japanese rice 1 ½ cups, uncooked
- 500 milliliters water 2 cups
- 250 milliliters coconut milk 1 cup
- juice of one half lime
- 12 grams sugar 1 tablespoon
- 120 grams mango puree ½ cups
Sushi:
- 3-5 sheets of nori you can omit and wrap fruits in rice only, roasted seaweed
- watermelon
- mango
- pineapple
- vegetables optional
- black sesame seeds
Instructions
To make the rice:
- Wash rice, drain and let dry.
- Whisk together the sugar and lime juice and set aside.
- Add rice, water and coconut milk to a heavy duty saucepan and bring to a boil, uncovered.
- Cook for 5 minutes on medium heat, or until the liquid is at a level equal to that of the rice.
- Cover, reduce heat to low and allow to cook for 10-15 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand for about five minutes, covered.
- Stir in sugar and lime mixture and mango puree. Let cool.
Assembly:
- Julienne the watermelon.
- Chop the mango and pineapple into small cubes.
- Cover a bamboo mat with plastic wrap and lay the nori on top, textured side up.
- Spread some rice on the sheet and press into the sheet. Leave some of the sheet uncovered at one end to allow the roll to seal.
- Add fruit, as shown in the photo above and roll, using the bamboo mat.
- Cut the roll in half and then each half in half again to your desired size.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve chilled.
Regina says
Ooii...now that's the kind of sushi I like! I've never had this kind of fruity dessert rolls, but I am loving the idea sooo much!