Watermelon Sauce For Pork Chops, Pork Ribs Or Chicken
A vibrant watermelon sauce with tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors that pairs perfectly with pork chops, ribs, or chicken, adding a refreshing twist to grilled dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except watermelon in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
- Cool the sauce and add pureed watermelon.
- Use as a basting sauce for pork chops or chicken during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper or chili powder to the sauce. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. Use fresh watermelon for the best flavor, but canned puree will work in a pinch. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste. This sauce is also delicious on grilled vegetables or drizzled over Deluxe Egg Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this watermelon sauce warm over grilled pork chops, ribs, or chicken for a refreshing twist. It pairs beautifully with sides like coleslaw or cornbread. Consider serving it alongside Vegetarian recipes for a colorful summer barbecue spread. For a complete meal, complement the dish with roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover watermelon sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. This sauce can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw it in the refrigerator before use.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Watermelon Sauce For Pork Chops, Pork Ribs Or Chicken contains roughly 216 calories, with 3g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2232mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this watermelon sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, making it a day in advance enhances the flavors as they meld together. Just remember to add the pureed watermelon after cooling to maintain its freshness.
What can I use instead of watermelon?
If watermelon is not available, you can try using other fruits like cantaloupe or peach puree for a similar sweet flavor. Adjust the sugar level accordingly, as these fruits may have different sweetness levels. This versatility allows you to experiment with various flavors.
Is this sauce suitable for grilling?
Absolutely! This watermelon sauce is perfect for basting during grilling. Apply it during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning. It adds a beautiful glaze and enhances the flavor of meats, making it a fantastic addition to your summer grilling sessions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).