Patrick Oconnell
Halloumi is a Mediterranean cheese from Cyprus, traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk, or a combination of the two. It is famous for its high melting point, allowing it to develop a golden-brown exterior when grilled while remaining soft and gooey on the inside. Frying or grilling halloumi is a quick and easy process, requiring only two ingredients: halloumi and olive oil. The cheese can be sliced into sticks or slightly thicker slices, then cooked in a non-stick pan over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. It is best served immediately, as it will lose its gooey texture and become more rubbery as it cools.
How to cook halloumi cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Halloumi cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, mint, oregano |
| Cheese origin | Cyprus |
| Cheese type | Made from sheep's, goat's, and/or cow's milk |
| Cheese texture | Soft, gooey, crispy, chewy, salty |
| Pan type | Non-stick skillet or frying pan |
| Heat level | Medium |
| Cooking time | 2-3 minutes each side |
| Serving suggestion | Eat straight away, serve with bread, pita, or gluten-free cornbread |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to get the right texture
Halloumi is a semi-hard, salty cheese, traditionally made from goat or sheep's milk. It has a high melting point, which means it can be grilled or fried without melting. When cooked, halloumi develops a golden-brown, crispy exterior while remaining soft, gooey, and slightly chewy inside.
To achieve the perfect texture, start by slicing the halloumi into medium-thick slices, about 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick. Thick slices are preferable as they tend to dry out and harden if cut too thin. After slicing, brush both sides of the halloumi lightly with olive oil or another oil of your choice. This step is optional but helps to prevent the cheese from sticking to the pan and adds a nice flavour.
Next, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. You can also use a grill pan or an outdoor grill for a more pronounced grilled flavour. Once the pan is hot, place the halloumi slices in a single layer, leaving adequate space between them to ensure even cooking.
Cook the halloumi undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Do not flip the cheese too soon; it will lift easily from the pan when ready. The cheese is ready to flip when it releases some liquid and the underside develops a golden-brown crust. After flipping, cook for an additional 1-3 minutes until both sides are golden and crispy.
Finally, serve the halloumi immediately. Halloumi is best enjoyed fresh off the pan while it is still warm and has the perfect texture. If you wait too long, the cheese will lose its gooey texture and become more rubbery as it cools.
Oven-Baked Frozen Cheesy Treats: Quick, Easy, Delicious
You may want to see also
Cooking methods
Halloumi is a semi-hard, salty cheese, traditionally made from goat or sheep's milk, or a combination of both. It is famous for its high melting point, allowing it to develop a golden-brown sear without losing its shape.
Pan-Frying
To pan-fry halloumi, start by slicing the cheese into medium-thick pieces, ideally between 0.5 and 1 centimetre thick. Thicker slices will ensure the cheese does not dry out during cooking. Next, heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add olive oil, clarified butter, or ghee. Place the halloumi slices in the pan and allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a golden-brown crust develops. Remove the halloumi from the pan and serve immediately.
Grilling
To grill halloumi, begin by slicing the cheese into 0.5-inch-thick pieces. Brush both sides of the slices lightly with olive oil. Fire up an outdoor grill, such as a coal, propane gas, or electric grill. Place the halloumi slices on the grill grates, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart. Grill each side for around 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown with slightly charred grill marks. Serve the grilled halloumi immediately.
Air Frying
Although less commonly mentioned, halloumi can also be cooked in an air fryer. The exact method and timings are not provided in the sources.
Delicious Breakfast: Frozen Sausage, Egg, Cheese Croissant
You may want to see also
Choosing the right oil
Halloumi cheese is a popular Mediterranean cheese that is often grilled or fried. It has a high melting point, which makes it perfect for grilling as it retains its shape and gets a crispy exterior while becoming gooey and melted on the inside.
When cooking halloumi cheese, it is important to choose the right oil to prevent the cheese from sticking to the pan and to add flavour. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right oil:
Type of oil
The most commonly used oil for cooking halloumi cheese is olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich, robust flavour and peppery finish, which can stand up to the saltiness of the cheese. Other options include clarified butter or ghee, which will also add a unique flavour to the dish.
Amount of oil
The amount of oil used will depend on the type of pan being used. If using a non-stick pan, a small amount of oil can be added to the pan to prevent sticking and add flavour. However, if using a stainless steel pan, a more generous amount of oil may be necessary to prevent the cheese from sticking.
Cooking method
The cooking method will also impact the amount and type of oil used. For example, when grilling halloumi cheese, it is recommended to brush the cheese slices with olive oil before placing them on the grill. This will help to create a crispy exterior and prevent the cheese from sticking to the grill grates. When pan-frying halloumi cheese, a thin layer of oil in the pan is usually sufficient.
Personal preference
Ultimately, the choice of oil comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer to dry fry halloumi cheese with no oil at all, while others may prefer to experiment with different oils to find their favourite flavour combination.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right oil for cooking halloumi cheese and create a delicious and versatile dish.
Delicious Frozen Fish & Cheese: Quick and Easy Cooking
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Slicing and seasoning
When slicing halloumi, it is important to use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts. You can cut the cheese into sticks, cubes, or traditional slices. If you want grill marks on your halloumi, consider using a griddle pan instead of a flat frying pan, or use a crinkle cutter to create decorative edges.
Before cooking, you can brush the halloumi slices with olive oil, or use a dry fry method without oil. Olive oil adds flavour and prevents sticking, but halloumi can be cooked without it due to its high fat content. Clarified butter or ghee can also be used.
Seasoning halloumi is typically done after cooking, as the heat can affect the flavour of certain herbs. A squeeze of lemon juice is a popular choice to balance the saltiness of the cheese. Fresh herbs like mint and oregano are also commonly used. For a sweeter option, drizzle warmed honey over the cooked halloumi, and add sesame seeds.
Green Beans and Cheese: A Quick, Tasty Dish
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions
Halloumi is a highly versatile ingredient and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Salads
Halloumi is a great addition to salads, especially leafy, grain, or bean-based salads. For example, you can serve grilled halloumi with cooked farro or couscous, roasted tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, olives, and Greek dressing. Its salty flavour also pairs well with fruity salsas like mango, pineapple, or peach salsa.
Sandwiches and wraps
Halloumi is often used as a meat substitute in sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and kebabs. You can try it in a sandwich with grilled eggplant, zucchini, grilled onions, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and romesco sauce. It can also be served in a lettuce sandwich or on almond flour bread.
Appetizers
Halloumi is a perfect appetizer, especially when served with sliced baguette, fresh herbs, and a tasty sauce for drizzling. You can also dip it in honey or balsamic vinegar.
Bowls
Halloumi can be served in bowls with cilantro lime rice or coconut rice, black beans, and fruity salsa.
Sides
Halloumi can be served with a variety of sides, such as fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, garlic sausage, and a few slices of toast or crusty bread.
Burgers
To make a halloumi burger, boil the halloumi for 5 minutes before frying, then use a rolling pin to shape the halloumi to fit the bun. You can add grated carrot, chopped coriander, and rice vinegar, and serve on a bun with harissa mayo.
Snacks
Halloumi is also delicious as a snack by itself, eaten as finger food. It can be served with salami, pickles, and red peppers.
Frying Cheese: A Quick, Easy, and Delicious Treat
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Halloumi is a Mediterranean cheese from Cyprus, traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk, or a mix of the two. It has a high melting point, which means it can be fried or grilled without melting.
First, cut the halloumi into slices. The thickness of the slices is up to your preference, but they should be at least 1/2-inch thick to prevent them from drying out and hardening during cooking. Next, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Place the halloumi slices in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Serve immediately.
Halloumi is often served with a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the saltiness of the cheese. It can also be seasoned with fresh herbs like mint and oregano. It is commonly served as an appetizer or as part of a salad, and goes well with vegetables, fruits like melon or watermelon, and grilled meat.
If you don't have a non-stick pan, brush the halloumi slices with olive oil before placing them in the pan to prevent sticking. If you are grilling the halloumi, brush the slices with olive oil and place them on a hot grill, spacing them evenly apart to prevent burning. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
