Watermelon Short Ribs

August produce meets BBQ season in this savory recipe. You can make these so many different ways! Smoked, grilled, slow cooked, or baked.

Short ribs are a cut of beef that comes from the lower part of the ribcage, specifically from the brisket, chuck, or plate sections. They're known for their rich flavor and tender texture, especially when cooked slowly. Watermelon and meat might sound like an unusual pairing, but they can actually complement each other quite well! The sweet, juicy nature of watermelon can balance out the richness and savory flavors of various meats.

Ingredients

For the marinade:

• 2-3 cups watermelon juice
• Juice of 1 lime

For the dry rub:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder

For the watermelon BBQ sauce:

• 2 cups watermelon juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, 1 tsp each

Instructions

1. Marinate the ribs in watermelon juice and lime juice for at least 1 hour before cooking.
2. After they have marinated, massage the dry rub onto all sides of the ribs. Arrange on a foil-lined large baking dish and tightly cover with another layer of foil.
3. Bake at 300°F for 3-4 hours, until internal temp has reached 205°F.
4. While the ribs are baking, prepare the BBQ sauce by combining watermelon juice and brown sugar over medium heat in a large saucepan. Let simmer for a few minutes before adding all other ingredients. Bring to a boil for 1 minute, then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Let the sauce cool and adjust ingredients to taste — you may want more of a zip of vinegar or a bit more sugar for sweetness.
6. Brush the sauce onto the ribs before serving.

Enjoy!