How Do You Cook Watermelon Rinds

You can cook watermelon rinds bypickling them, stir-frying them, or candying them into sweet treats.
 
If you’ve been wondering how do you cook watermelon rinds, the answer is simpler than you might think.
 
Watermelon rinds are totally edible, and they have a mild, crunchy texture that soaks up flavors beautifully.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how do you cook watermelon rinds in a few different ways, plus tips to get them tender and tasty.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How Do You Cook Watermelon Rinds: The Basics

When you cook watermelon rinds, the first step is always prep.
 
You’ll want to peel off the hard green outer skin and trim away any leftover pink flesh.
 
What’s left is the white part, and that’s the part you cook.
 
Here’s why cooking watermelon rinds works so well:
 

1. The White Rind Is Mild and Absorbent

The white part of the rind doesn’t have a strong flavor on its own.
 
That’s actually a good thing because it means it takes on whatever seasonings you use.
 
Whether you go sweet or savory, the rind becomes a blank canvas.
 

2. Cooking Softens the Crunch

Raw watermelon rind is firm and a bit tough.
 
Once you cook it, the texture turns tender, similar to cucumber or zucchini.
 
That’s why pickling and stir-frying are such popular ways to cook watermelon rinds.
 

3. It Stretches Your Groceries

Instead of tossing the rind in the trash, you turn it into another dish.
 
That’s a win for your wallet and a win for reducing food waste.
 

Ways to Cook Watermelon Rinds

There are several ways to cook watermelon rinds, and each one gives you a different result.
 
Here are the most reliable methods.
 

1. Pickled Watermelon Rinds

Pickling is probably the most classic way to cook watermelon rinds.
 
Slice the peeled rind into thin strips or small chunks.
 
Then simmer them in a brine made of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
 
Add spices like mustard seeds, peppercorns, or dill for extra flavor.
 
Let the jars cool and refrigerate them.
 
After a day or two, you’ll have crunchy, tangy pickles that taste amazing on sandwiches or salads.
 

2. Stir-Fried Watermelon Rind

If you want a quick side dish, stir-frying is a great way to cook watermelon rinds.
 
Cut the rind into thin matchsticks.
 
Heat some oil in a pan and add garlic, ginger, or chili flakes.
 
Toss in the rind and stir-fry for a few minutes until it softens.
 
Finish with soy sauce, sesame oil, or a splash of rice vinegar.
 
The result is a crunchy, savory dish that pairs well with rice or noodles.
 

3. Candied Watermelon Rinds

If you have a sweet tooth, candying is a fun way to cook watermelon rinds.
 
Boil the rind pieces in sugar syrup until they turn translucent.
 
Then roll them in granulated sugar and let them dry.
 
You end up with chewy, sweet treats that taste a lot like candied citrus peel.
 
They’re perfect for snacking or topping desserts.
 

4. Watermelon Rind Curry

In some cuisines, cooking watermelon rinds in a curry is totally normal.
 
The rind soaks up the spices and becomes tender but still holds its shape.
 
Simmer it with tomatoes, onions, and your favorite curry powder.
 
Serve it over rice for a hearty, flavorful meal.
 

Tips for Cooking Watermelon Rinds Perfectly

Before you cook watermelon rinds, keep these tips in mind.
 

1. Peel Them Properly

The green skin is tough and not pleasant to eat.
 
Use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove it completely.
 

2. Slice Them Evenly

Even slices cook at the same rate.
 
If your pieces are different sizes, some will turn mushy while others stay hard.
 

3. Don’t Overcook Them

Watermelon rinds soften fast.
 
Keep an eye on them so they don’t turn into mush.
 
A little crunch is usually a good thing.
 

4. Season Generously

Since the rind is mild, you can be bold with your seasonings.
 
Salt, sugar, acid, and spice all work well.
 
Taste as you go and adjust.
 

So, How Do You Cook Watermelon Rinds?

You cook watermelon rinds by peeling them, slicing them, and then pickling, stir-frying, candying, or currying them.
 
The white rind is mild and absorbs flavor, so it works in both sweet and savory dishes.
 
Just remember to remove the green skin, cut even pieces, and avoid overcooking.
 
Next time you cut into a watermelon, don’t toss the rind.
 
Now you know how do you cook watermelon rinds, so give one of these methods a try.