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    In the Kitch » Recipes » Appetizers

    Tuna and Watermelon Tartare

    Joss Dyckson author photo.
    Updated: Apr 20, 2026 · Published: Aug 14, 2019 by Joss Dyckson · This post may contain affiliate links.
    Jump to Recipe
    Images of tuna watermelon tartare on clear glass plates with text overlay that says 'Tuna Watermelon Tartare'.

    Fish and fruit seem like an odd pairing, but they work surprisingly well in this tuna and watermelon tartare. The sweet melon and salty tuna are a match made in heaven, a kind of delicious you deserve to try at least once in your life.

    Tuna watermelon tartare on clear glass plate with chives.

    Tartare is more typically made with raw steak but plant and seafood-based versions are becoming popular.

    Juicy, sweet watermelon and fresh red tuna are a unique but great flavor contrast on their own (much like this watermelon salad with basil), amped up by the addition of soy sauce and sesame oil.

    It takes only 20 minutes to prepare this easy and delicious appetizer recipe, including the marinating time. To highlight watermelon even more, serve it with this frozen watermelon summer cocktail.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Tuna Watermelon Tartare
    • Joss' Top Tip
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Delicious Fish Recipes to Try
    • 📋Recipe

    Ingredients

    • red tuna - You need sushi-grade (sashimi grade) tuna because this is a raw fish dish.
    • watermelon - 🍉 Check out how to slice a watermelon for this recipe. it would be easy to play around with different types of melon to see what works well with these ingredients.
    • green onion - Also known as scallions, they provide a satisfying crunch and a bit of bite, keeping the dish bold and intriguing from the first mouthful to the last.

    *See recipe card for ingredient amounts.

    How to Make Tuna Watermelon Tartare

    Tuna watermelon tartare on clear glass plates with chives on the side.
    1. Just before serving: Mix all of the ingredients and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
    2. Serve immediately with chives and sesame seeds, and that is all it takes!

    Joss' Top Tip

    Pat the watermelon cubes dry before adding the other ingredients. This will help to ensure it doesn't water down the dish, enhancing the flavor overall.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can you make it ahead of time?

    You can prep the tuna and watermelon ahead of time and store them separately in tightly covered containers in the fridge, up to a few hours in advance. I recommend combining the ingredients just before serving.

    Can I use a ring mold for serving?

    You can use a ring mold, like you would traditional tartare for serving, but it might not stay together so easily. I recommend using a small appetizer dish instead.

    What can I serve with it?

    Feel free to add some crackers, toast triangles or crostini on the side.

    How big should the cubes be?

    ½" to 1" cubes are ideal for this recipe.

    Tartare vs carpaccio, what is the difference between them?

    Tartare is made with finely chopped raw meat or fish where as carpaccio is made with raw but thinly sliced meat or fish.

    Tuna watermelon tartare on a clear glass plate with chives and sesame seeds.

    More Delicious Fish Recipes to Try

    • Tuna pasta salad with quail eggs.
      Cold and Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
    • Ceviche on yellow plate.
      How to Make Ceviche (Step by Step)
    • Creamy tuna macaroni casserole in baking dish.
      Creamy Tuna Macaroni Casserole
    • Golden fish sticks in ramekin.
      Fish Sticks with Sweet Mayo

    If you tried this 🐟🍉 Tuna and Watermelon Tartare Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!

    📋Recipe

    Tuna watermelon tartare on clear glass plate.

    Tuna and Watermelon Tartare

    Joss Dyckson
    Juicy sweet watermelon and fresh red tuna are a great flavor contrast on their own, both amped up by the addition of soy sauce and other flavorings in this tuna and watermelon tartare.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Chill Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American, Mongolian
    Servings 4
    Calories 307 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 pound red tuna - very fresh (sushi grade), cubed
    • 2 cups watermelon - cubed
    • ¼ cup green onions - finely chopped
    • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
    • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • sesame seeds and chives - for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Just before serving: Mix all of the ingredients and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
    • Serve immediately, topped with chives and sesame seeds.

    Equipment

    • appetizer dishes

    Notes

    • This dish should be enjoyed immediately.
    • You can prep the tuna and watermelon ahead of time and store them separately in tightly covered containers in the fridge, up to a few hours in advance. I recommend combining the ingredients just before serving.
    • Tip: Pat the watermelon cubes dry before adding the other ingredients. This will help to ensure it doesn't water down the dish, enhancing the flavor overall.
    • ½" to 1" cubes are ideal for this recipe.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 307kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 28gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 665mgPotassium: 412mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 2970IUVitamin C: 7.3mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1.7mg

    Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

    Want to see our recipes in action?Subscribe to our channel on Youtube!

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    Joss Dyckson author photo.

    Hi, I'm Joss!

    I am the creator and editor of In the Kitch. I am inviting you on this food journey with me to learn, grow and bring out that inner chef in you. I hope to inspire you to get creative in your own kitchen!

    More about me →

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