grilled watermelon

Grilled Watermelon and Tofu Tacos

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Ok, so I know watermelon and tofu tacos may seem weird, but trust me, they are delicious!

When the weather is nice, I would way rather grill than cook in my kitchen. I love to be outside and love not having a mess to clean up inside.

I will now speak for my husband and say watermelon is maybe one of his top 3 favorite foods of all time. When watermelon is in season, we always have one sliced up in the fridge! If I am being honest, on its own, its not my fave. I don’t dislike watermelon but I don’t normally crave it, either.

In an effort to use up the piles of watermelon on my counter or in my fridge, I decided to get creative. I have seen other grilled watermelon dishes and decided what the heck….why not tacos, and why not paired with tofu! I really liked the idea of a savory marinade of the tofu paired wit the sweet watermelon, and y’all, it WORKS!! It works and I really, really love it!!

Seriously, just toss the marinated tofu on the grill with the water melon slices. So easy. You can heat the tortillas right on the grill, too. I used corn but if you prefer flour, thats fine too! The sauce is also super simple and really quick to mix up. The tangy balsamic mixed with the creamy mayo and garlic is just simple perfection!

So, don’t be weirded it out and just try these tacos. I think you will be super surprised how good grilled watermelon on a taco actually is! Change up that taco Tuesday with these grilled watermelon and tofu tacos!!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 package extra firm tofu

  • 4-5 slices of watermelon with the rind still on

  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 avocado, thinly sliced

  • corn or flour tortillas

  • jalapeño slices (optional)

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons vegan mayo

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • salt and pepper to taste

Tofu Marinade

  • Juice from 1 lime

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vingar

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel or a few paper towels, and place a few books on top for about 15 minutes. This helps remove excess liquid.

  2. Cut tofu into 1 inch strips, and soak in the marinade for 15 - 20 minutes.

  3. Heat your grill and place a cast iron, or an oven safe skillet on the grill to heat. If you do not own either skillet, you can cook your tofu on the stove top in whatever frying pan you have.

  4. Once the grill, and pan have heated, add tofu and the marinade to the pan, and close the grill lid.

  5. Check on the tofu in about 10 minutes, turning the pieces. Continue letting the tofu cook until all the marinade is absorbed, and the tofu begins to brown. You may need to turn pieces several times.

  6. Spray or brush the watermelon with some cooking oil, and add the slices to the grill. Allow them to grill for several minutes on each side or until they have nice grill marks on them.

  7. You can add the tortillas to the grill on the top rack for a few minutes if you have room, or heat them in your oven.

  8. Once watermelon and tofu are done, carefully remove from grill, (make sure to grab the pan handle with an oven mitt,) and cut watermelon off the rind in bite size pieces.

  9. Whisk together the ingredients for sauce, and build your tacos by adding a slice of tofu, some watermelon, avocado, onion, and cilantro.

  10. Drizzle with creamy balsamic sauce, and top with jalapeño slices.

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