Sesame-Ginger Watermelon-Avocado Rice Bowls

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With marinated and seared watermelon, fresh veggies and black rice, this rice bowl is packed with flavor. The sweetness of watermelon plays well with tangy lime juice, toasted sesame oil, and kicky ginger. If you're looking for a shareable snack instead of a meal, serve the rice bowl with tortilla chips and chunky-style salsa.

By
Jamie Vespa, M.S., RD
Jamie Vespa, M.S., RD

Jamie Vespa is a registered dietitian who worked as a clinical nutrition specialist and as nutrition editor for Cooking Light magazine before devoting herself full-time to her food and nutrition blog, Dishing Out Health.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on September 18, 2023
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
a recipe photo of the Watermelon-Sesame Poke Bowls
Photo: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
4
Nutrition Profile:
Dairy-Free Heart-Healthy Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon lime zest

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon light agave syrup

  • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon cashew butter or peanut butter

  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger

  • 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon

  • 1 cup uncooked black rice

  • 1 medium avocado, cubed

  • ¼ cup thinly sliced scallion

  • Fresh basil or cilantro, thinly sliced cucumber, sliced serrano chile, toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

  1. Whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime zest, lime juice, agave, tamari, cashew butter and ginger in a large bowl. Pour marinade into a large ziplock plastic bag. Add watermelon; seal bag, and chill for 2 hours.

  2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Remove watermelon from marinade; set marinade aside. Cook watermelon, stirring often, 4 to 5 minutes. Add reserved marinade; cook 2 to 3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Transfer watermelon mixture to a bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes.

  3. Prepare rice according to package directions, omitting salt. Spoon cooked rice into bowls, and top evenly with watermelon, avocado and scallions. If desired, top with fresh basil or cilantro, cucumber, serrano chile and sesame seeds. Drizzle with reserved marinade.

Originally appeared: CookingLight Power Bowls

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

385 Calories
18g Fat
55g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1/2 cup rice, 1 cup watermelon, 1/4 avocado, and 2 Tbsp. marinade
Calories 385
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 55g 20%
Dietary Fiber 7g 25%
Total Sugars 14g
Added Sugars 4g 8%
Protein 6g 12%
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Sodium 193mg 8%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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