How Do You Cook Watermelon Rinds

You can cook watermelon rinds by pickling them, stir-frying them, or even candying them into a sweet treat.
 
If you’ve been wondering how do you cook watermelon rinds, the good news is that it’s easier than you might think.
 
Watermelon rinds are that pale green and white part between the red flesh and the tough outer skin, and they’re completely edible.
 
In fact, cooking watermelon rinds is a time-honored way to reduce waste and stretch your grocery budget.
 
So how do you cook watermelon rinds in a way that actually tastes good?
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best methods for cooking watermelon rinds, plus some tips to make them tender and flavorful every time.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How Do You Cook Watermelon Rinds?

When you cook watermelon rinds, the key is to treat them like a vegetable that needs a little TLC.
 
The rind is firm and mildly flavored, so it soaks up whatever seasonings you throw at it.
 
Here are the most popular ways to cook watermelon rinds at home.
 

1. Pickling Watermelon Rinds

Pickling is probably the most classic way to cook watermelon rinds.
 
You peel the outer green skin, slice the white rind into strips, and simmer them in a brine of vinegar, sugar, and spices.
 
The result is a crunchy, tangy pickle that works great on sandwiches or relish trays.
 
This method is popular in the Southern United States, where pickled watermelon rinds have been a staple for generations.
 
The brine softens the rind just enough while keeping a satisfying bite.
 

2. Stir-Frying Watermelon Rinds

If you want a savory dish, stir-frying is a fantastic way to cook watermelon rinds.
 
Slice the rind thin, then toss it into a hot wok with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a little sesame oil.
 
The rind behaves a lot like cucumber or zucchini, so it picks up all those Asian flavors beautifully.
 
You can also add protein like chicken or tofu to make it a full meal.
 
This is one of the fastest ways to cook watermelon rinds when you’re short on time.
 

3. Candying Watermelon Rinds

For those with a sweet tooth, candying is a delicious way to cook watermelon rinds.
 
You simmer the rind pieces in a sugar syrup until they turn translucent, then roll them in sugar and let them dry.
 
The final product tastes a lot like candied citrus peel and makes a lovely homemade gift.
 
It’s a bit more involved, but if you’ve ever asked how do you cook watermelon rinds into dessert, this is your answer.
 

Preparing Watermelon Rinds Before Cooking

Before you cook watermelon rinds, you need to prep them properly.
 
Here’s how to get them ready.
 

1. Remove the Outer Green Skin

The tough dark green exterior isn’t pleasant to eat, so peel it away with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.
 
You want to keep only the pale white and light green part underneath.
 
That’s the portion you’ll actually cook.
 

2. Slice and Cut to Size

Depending on your recipe, cut the rind into strips, cubes, or thin slices.
 
Smaller pieces cook faster and absorb more flavor.
 
Just be consistent so everything cooks evenly.
 

3. Blanch for Tenderness

Some recipes call for blanching the rind in boiling water for a few minutes before cooking.
 
This step softens the rind and removes any bitterness.
 
After blanching, drain and pat dry before moving on to your chosen cooking method.
 

Tips for Cooking Watermelon Rinds

Cooking watermelon rinds is pretty forgiving, but a few tips will make the process smoother.
 

1. Use Fresh, Firm Rinds

The best rinds come from a ripe, fresh watermelon.
 
Avoid mushy or discolored rinds, as they won’t hold up well during cooking.
 
Wash the outside thoroughly before cutting.
 

2. Don’t Skip the Seasoning

Watermelon rind is mild, so it needs bold flavors.
 
Vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic, chili, and soy sauce all work wonders.
 
Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
 

3. Store Leftovers Properly

Cooked watermelon rinds keep in the fridge for about a week in an airtight container.
 
Pickled and candied versions last even longer.
 
Just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing.
 

So, How Do You Cook Watermelon Rinds?

You cook watermelon rinds by pickling, stir-frying, or candying them, depending on whether you want something tangy, savory, or sweet.
 
The rind is edible, versatile, and a great way to get more out of your watermelon.
 
With a little prep and the right seasonings, cooking watermelon rinds can turn what you’d normally toss into a standout dish.
 
Give one of these methods a try and see for yourself.