Watermelon BBQ Steak
We hollowed out a watermelon, filled it with Heat Beads® briquettes and cooked a ribeye on it. A wild BBQ experiment that really works.

Ingredients
For the Grill
- 2 massive watermelons - in case one breaks
- Heat Beads® BBQ Briquettes (green bag), enough to fill the hollowed melon
For the Steak
- 1 beef ribeye steak (or any preferred cut)
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Your favourite BBQ rub
- Salt: to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper: to taste
Optional Finishing Touches
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
- Compound butter or chimichurri, for serving
- Watermelon cocktail (made from the scooped-out melon)
Method
Prepare the Watermelon Grill: Slice the top off the watermelon to create a lid. Halve that lid and place it under the base of the melon for stability. Hollow out the inside completely, setting the fruit aside to use in a cocktail.
Fuel the Grill: Fill the hollowed melon with Heat Beads® BBQ Briquettes. Light and allow them to burn until well ashed over and producing steady heat.
Add a Cooking Surface: Position a small grill grate or wire rack over the opening of the watermelon.
Season the Steak: Rub the steak with olive oil, then season generously with your favourite BBQ rub. Allow it to sit at room temperature while the grill heats.
Cook the Steak: Place the steak on the grate and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 57°C (135°F) for medium-rare.
Rest and Serve: Rest the steak for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your choice of garnish, and enjoy alongside a fresh watermelon cocktail.
Best fuel for a quick grill
Our Pitmaster’s Pick, plus two great alternatives.
Based on Heat Beads® testing. Burn times vary with fuel, BBQ and weather.
See the full comparison






