Crisp and Refreshing Watermelon Rind Salad (Namul)
Cool and Zesty Watermelon Rind Salad Recipe to Beat the Summer Heat
Watermelon is incredibly refreshing in the summer and excellent for quenching thirst. Don’t throw away the leftover watermelon rind! You can transform it into a surprisingly crisp and delicious ‘Watermelon Rind Salad’ (Namul). This recipe is so easy that anyone can make it. Enjoy the crisp, cool texture – it’s a perfect dish for when you lose your appetite in the hot summer weather. Make this fresh and crunchy watermelon rind salad to enjoy both health and deliciousness!
Main Ingredients
- 600g watermelon rind (primarily the white part)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- A little cooking oil (for stir-frying)
- A pinch of sesame seeds or ground sesame
Watermelon Rind Brining Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (myeolchi aekjeot)
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- A little cooking oil (for stir-frying)
- A pinch of sesame seeds or ground sesame
Watermelon Rind Brining Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (myeolchi aekjeot)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thinly peel off the thick green outer skin of the watermelon rind. Then, julienne the white part and any very thin green parts. It’s okay if a tiny bit of the red flesh is attached; you can use it too, as it will add flavor when stir-fried.
Step 2
Lightly rinse the julienned watermelon rind once. Gently squeeze out excess water, then add 2 tablespoons of anchovy sauce and mix well. Let it marinate for 10 minutes. This brining process helps the rind release its moisture and become crispier. After marinating, rinse it lightly about twice under running water to remove excess saltiness, and then squeeze out as much water as possible by hand.
Step 3
Heat a little cooking oil in a pan. Add the drained watermelon rind and 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Stir-fry over low heat, covered, for about 3 minutes. During this time, the watermelon rind will release its own moisture, making it tender. After 3 minutes, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Continue to stir-fry until the moisture evaporates and the rind becomes crisp.
Step 4
Once the watermelon rind is stir-fried to your desired crispness, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of perilla oil. Stir-fry quickly together to ensure the seasonings are well incorporated. Taste and if you find it needs more seasoning, you can add a tiny bit more salt or anchovy sauce according to your preference.
Step 5
Finally, just before turning off the heat, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds or ground sesame for a nutty aroma and mix lightly. Your delicious Watermelon Rind Salad (Namul) is ready! It can be enjoyed warm right away, or chilled for a different refreshing taste.
