SESAME-AND-SOY WATERMELON POKé

Sesame-and-Soy Watermelon Poké image

Provided by Mary Gonzalez

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

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3 pounds seedless watermelon, rind removed, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 tablespoon ume plum vinegar (optional)
Kosher salt
2 scallions, white and pale-green parts, thinly sliced
1 cup cilantro leaves with tender stems

Steps:

Place watermelon in a large resealable plastic bag. Purée rice vinegar, oil, soy sauce, lime juice, tahini, agave nectar, and plum vinegar in a blender until smooth. Pour over watermelon, seal bag, and chill at least 4 hours and up to 1 day.
Heat a large skillet over medium. Remove watermelon from marinade; set marinade aside. Cook watermelon, tossing often, until lightly caramelized and dried out, 6-8 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring reserved marinade to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer until thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, 12-15 minutes.
Chill watermelon and sauce separately at least 1 hour.
To serve, toss watermelon with sauce; taste and season with salt as needed. Top with scallions and cilantro.
Watermelon and sauce can be made 12 hours ahead. Keep chilled.