Frederic Melton
Halloumi is a specialty cheese that is commonly grilled, fried, or baked. It is known for its higher melting point, which allows it to develop a crispy and golden texture without becoming melted. While halloumi is traditionally cooked in a pan, it can also be reheated in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. This method softens the cheese, but it may also make it tougher and more rubbery. To cook halloumi in the microwave, place the desired amount on a microwavable plate and heat for approximately 40 seconds to 1 minute. This introduction provides an overview of halloumi cheese, its typical cooking methods, and the option of using a microwave for reheating or cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 40 seconds to 2 minutes |
| Method | Place on a microwavable plate |
| Thickness | 0.5 cm to 1 cm |
| Result | Softened, not crispy |
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What You'll Learn
Reheating halloumi in the microwave
To reheat halloumi in the microwave, place a couple of slices on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they are not touching and the plate is not overcrowded. Heat the cheese on high power in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, checking after each burst to prevent overcooking. The total time will depend on the thickness of the slices and the number of slices being reheated.
It is important to note that microwaving halloumi will not give it the golden brown colour or crust that develops when cooked in a pan or oven. The cheese may become soggy and quickly harden, losing its signature "squeak". For this reason, some people prefer to finish off the halloumi in a frying pan after microwaving to achieve the desired colour and texture.
If you are looking for alternative methods to reheat halloumi, there are a few options to consider:
- Re-frying in a pan: This method is similar to the original frying method and can help achieve the desired colour and texture.
- Oven: Placing the halloumi directly on a wire rack or a ridged piece of foil in the oven can help prevent sogginess.
- Toaster: Using a toaster bag to catch any juices, you can toast the halloumi for 1-2 minutes, depending on the thickness.
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How to cut halloumi for the microwave
While microwaving halloumi is not the best approach to cooking it, there are some advantages to this method, such as speed and simplicity. If you want to cook halloumi in the microwave, here is how to cut it for the best results:
Firstly, take the halloumi out of the fridge. Cut the block of halloumi into slices, ideally around 0.5 cm to 2 cm thick. Avoid cutting the halloumi too thin, as it will break apart and become hard instead of soft and squidgy. If you want to create fake grill lines, you can use a crinkle cutter.
Next, place a couple of slices on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they are not touching and the plate is not overcrowded. Microwave for around 30 to 40 seconds, using short bursts to prevent overcooking. Check the halloumi, and if necessary, put it back in the microwave in ten-second increments until done.
Finally, season with lemon juice and herbs or spices, if desired. Be careful when removing the halloumi from the microwave, as it can get very hot.
If you want the halloumi to have a golden brown crust, you can finish it off in a frying pan. Grease the pan with a little oil and add the cooked halloumi for a few minutes.
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Other ways to cook halloumi
Halloumi is a versatile cheese that can be cooked in many ways. Here are some alternative methods to microwaving:
Grilling
Grilling halloumi is a popular option as the cheese has a high melting point and won't make a mess by melting through the grill grates. Simply preheat your grill and place the halloumi directly on the grill. It will develop attractive grill marks and a savoury, slightly salty flavour. You can also cut the halloumi into slices and toast them under the grill. Keep an eye on it, as it cooks quickly, and remove it once it's golden.
Frying
Halloumi can be fried in extra virgin olive oil to create a crispy, golden crust. Cut the halloumi into thick sticks or "fries" and cook them in the oil. For safety, use a splatter guard as the oil may splatter. Serve the halloumi fries with warmed honey and sesame seeds for a sweet and salty snack.
Barbecuing
Halloumi can be cooked on a barbecue grill, either as thick cubes or "long fingers" threaded onto skewers. Brush the halloumi with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice, and cook for 5-10 minutes, turning regularly, until golden and slightly charred on all sides.
Baking
Halloumi can be baked in the oven, though specific temperatures and timings are not provided in the sources. One suggestion is to wrap the halloumi in filo pastry and bake it to create a vegetarian main course.
As an ingredient
Halloumi can be added to various dishes as an ingredient. Examples include a vegetarian curry with sweet potatoes, spinach, and chickpeas, or a grilled omelette with pumpkin and chilli. It can also be used in salads, such as a warm quinoa salad or a cooling summer salad with watermelon and bulghar.
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Halloumi in sandwiches
Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese made from goat's or sheep's milk and is used in Turkish, Greek, and Cypriot cuisine. It has a high melting point, a salty taste, and a "squeaky" texture. It is a versatile vegetarian protein source and can be grilled, fried, or barbecued.
When preparing halloumi for sandwiches, it is important to cut the cheese into thicker slices, as very thin slices tend to become hard rather than soft and squidgy. Thick slices, ranging from about half a centimeter to a centimeter thick, will result in a gooey center. You can cook the halloumi in a griddle pan to achieve perfect grill marks, or use a crinkle cutter to create similar stripes on the cheese.
To cook halloumi in the microwave, place the cheese slices on a microwavable plate and cook for 30 seconds at a time until hot. While microwaving is a quick and convenient option, it will not produce the browned edges that other cooking methods provide.
For a simple grilled halloumi sandwich, brush the halloumi slices with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Assemble your sandwich by placing the grilled halloumi, along with your choice of vegetables and salad leaves, into a roll. You can also add a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for extra flavor.
If you prefer to pan-fry your halloumi, start by slicing the cheese and heating a grill pan to medium. Spray the grill surfaces with olive oil. Cook the halloumi slices for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remember to flip the cheese only after the liquid has been released and excess liquid has evaporated. This will ensure that your halloumi has a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
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Halloumi in salads
Halloumi is a semi-hard Cypriot cheese, typically made from goat's and sheep's milk, and sometimes cow's milk. It has a deliciously salty and tangy flavour, and its high melting point makes it perfect for grilling.
To cook halloumi in the microwave, place the cheese on a microwavable plate and heat for around 40 seconds. However, grilling is the most popular way to cook halloumi, and it can be done either on an outdoor grill or in a grill pan or sauté pan. To grill halloumi, heat a grill pan or sauté pan over high heat, brush the halloumi slices with olive oil, and cook for around 30 seconds on each side, or until lightly browned.
Halloumi is a great addition to salads, providing a tasty source of protein. Here are some ideas for halloumi salads:
- Mediterranean-inspired grilled halloumi salad: This salad combines grilled halloumi with chewy farro, cucumber, greens, herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing.
- Grilled Halloumi and Avocado Salad: This salad features grilled halloumi and avocado, served warm with toasted panko breadcrumbs and a basil dressing.
- Spinach and Halloumi Salad: A simple salad with spinach, green beans, chickpeas, and tomatoes, topped with fried halloumi.
- Halloumi and Roasted Pepper Salad: This salad includes pan-fried halloumi, ready-roasted peppers, and a mint and lemon dressing.
- Couscous and Halloumi Salad: Start with a base of couscous flavoured with harissa, honey, and herbs, then top with fried halloumi slices.
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Frequently asked questions
Halloumi cheese should be cooked in the microwave for 40 seconds to 1-2 minutes.
The easiest way to reheat halloumi cheese is in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Halloumi cheese can be grilled, fried, baked, or cooked in the microwave.
Grill thick slices of halloumi cheese on a piece of tin foil until browned.
Fry thick slices of halloumi cheese in olive oil in a griddle pan until golden on both sides.
