Frederic Melton
Halloumi is a semi-hard, salty cheese, traditionally made from goat or sheep’s milk, or a combination of both. It is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, grilling, and frying. But how long does it take to cook halloumi cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 2-5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 10-30 minutes |
| Cheese Slice Thickness | 0.5-1 cm |
| Pan Type | Non-stick, stainless steel |
| Oil Type | Olive oil, clarified butter, ghee |
| Grill Type | BBQ, grill pan |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, freeze |
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What You'll Learn
How to slice halloumi for cooking
Halloumi is a semi-firm, salty cheese from Cyprus that is a favourite in Greek cooking. It is similar to mozzarella in texture but is brined in salt water, giving it a saltier taste. It is an excellent grilling cheese because it doesn't melt – it retains its shape when cooked, and the heat softens the rubbery cheese while mellowing the saltiness.
When slicing halloumi for cooking, it is important to cut medium-thick slices. Slices that are too thin will become tough after cooking, while thicker slices may not cook evenly. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick.
You can also cut the halloumi into bite-sized cubes and thread them onto skewers for grilling. This is a great way to add halloumi to salads or vegetable dishes.
Halloumi can be cooked in a non-stick frying pan, on a grill, or in the oven. When pan-frying, it is important not to overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent the halloumi from browning properly. It is also key to let the halloumi cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to allow a delicious crust to form.
- Slice the halloumi into medium-thick slices.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add olive oil, clarified butter, or ghee.
- Once the oil is heated, gently place the halloumi slices in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Let the halloumi cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until it develops a golden-brown sear.
- Remove the halloumi from the pan and serve immediately.
Halloumi is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, as it tends to become rubbery and less enjoyable as it cools.
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How to grill halloumi
Grilled halloumi is a delicious, simple dish that can be served as an appetiser, in a salad, or as part of a main meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grill halloumi:
Step 1: Prepare the Halloumi
Firstly, you will need to cut the halloumi into slices. The thickness of the slices can vary depending on your preference, but it is recommended that they are around 0.5cm to 1cm thick. If you are using a griddle pan, you can create perfect grill marks by using a crinkle cutter to cut the cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your BBQ, outdoor grill, or grill pan to a medium heat. If you are using a non-stick pan, there is no need to add any oil. However, if you are using a stainless steel pan, you can add a dash of olive oil or clarified butter to prevent the cheese from sticking.
Step 3: Grill the Halloumi
Once your grill is hot, it's time to add the halloumi. Place the slices onto the grill and let them cook for a few minutes without moving them. The cheese will release some liquid, which will then cook off. After a couple of minutes, the underside of the cheese will turn golden brown. Flip the halloumi slices and cook the other side until it reaches your desired level of browning.
Step 4: Serve
Halloumi is best served immediately, as it can become rubbery if left to cool. You can serve it as-is, or squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for a tangy twist. Enjoy!
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How to fry halloumi
Frying halloumi is a quick and easy way to cook this delicious Cypriot cheese. It's a very versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes, from salads to burgers.
Step 1: Slicing the Halloumi
Firstly, you'll want to slice the halloumi into thick pieces. The thickness can vary from half a centimetre to one centimetre. If you like, you can use a crinkle cutter to create fake grill lines on the cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Use a non-stick frying pan and turn the heat to medium. You don't need to add any oil to the pan as the cheese will release some liquid as it cooks, but a dash of olive oil can be helpful if you're using a stainless steel pan.
Step 3: Cook the First Side
Place the halloumi slices in the pan, making sure they're not overcrowded. After a minute or two, the cheese will start to release some liquid. Don't flip the slices yet—wait until the liquid has evaporated and the underside is golden brown.
Step 4: Flip and Cook the Other Side
Once the first side is browned to your liking, flip the halloumi slices over and cook the other side. This side will brown more quickly, so keep an eye on it!
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Halloumi is best enjoyed straight away. It tends to become rubbery as it cools, so it's not recommended to reheat it.
Tips:
- Halloumi can be marinated in olive oil and your choice of herbs, spices, or citrus zest before cooking to add more flavour.
- It pairs well with Mediterranean vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, as well as fruits like melon, figs, and peaches.
- If you're grilling halloumi, cut it into bite-sized cubes and thread them onto a skewer before brushing with olive oil and grilling.
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How to bake halloumi
Baking halloumi in the oven is a great way to add extra flavour to your dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bake halloumi:
Ingredients
- Halloumi cheese
- Olive oil
- Herbs or spices (optional)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6.
- Cut the halloumi into slices, wedges, cubes or sticks. The slices should be around 1cm thick.
- Place the halloumi slices in an ovenproof dish and drizzle with olive oil. You can also add herbs or spices if desired.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve immediately. Halloumi is best enjoyed straight out of the oven, as it can become rubbery when cooled.
Tips
- Halloumi can be baked on its own or added to other dishes such as curries, salads or burgers.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favourite flavour combinations.
- For a healthier option, you can bake halloumi without oil by placing it directly on a baking tray.
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How to store and reheat halloumi
How to Store Halloumi
To keep halloumi fresh, it should be stored in an airtight container or a resealable bag in the refrigerator. It is also recommended to store it in brine or lightly salted water to prevent it from drying out or becoming too salty.
How to Reheat Halloumi
Reheating halloumi is not recommended as it tends to become rubbery when cooled after cooking, and doesn't microwave well. However, if you want to try reheating it, it's best to use a skillet over low to medium heat or a warm oven (165°F for 5 minutes) rather than a microwave.
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