Easy Fried Halloumi Recipe (Crispy & Creamy) - Little Sunny Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why soak halloumi before frying? ›

Why do you soak halloumi before cooking? While completely optional, many swear by this step for a softer, more flavourful, and sweeter result that will set your halloumi apart from all others. The easiest method is to soak the whole block of cheese in cold water for at least two hours (or overnight if you have time).

Make sure you don't overcook the halloumi, otherwise it will become rubbery and dry. Sometimes the halloumi closest to the middle of the pan cooks quickest, so you might want to rotate the halloumi around the pan towards the end of cooking each side so that it cooks evenly.

You want your grill pan to be nice and hot before adding the cheese! This helps prevent sticking. Brush each piece of halloumi with olive oil and season. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Pat the halloumi dry with kitchen paper and cut into 1cm-thick slices. Heat a drizzle of olive oil a frying pan over medium-high heat. Lay the halloumi slices in the hot oil, making sure they're not overcrowded. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

I pre heat the pan for 2mins. Water drops dance on the surface. I add some olive oil (about 2tbsp in a 24cm skillet). Stir it around and let it heat then add my halloumi cheese.

I'm often asked how I slice my halloumi without it splitting, so I thought I'd film a reel to show you exactly how I do it (it's really easy! 🙌). The key is to slice it on the narrower side of the block, rather than the larger side.

Originally from Cyprus, halloumi cheese is a popular dairy product. Its firm texture and unique savory taste are enjoyed worldwide. Given that it provides a good amount of protein and calcium in each serving, adding it to your diet may enhance your bone health and protect against type 2 diabetes.

Halloumi is made out of sheep's milk, which is more expensive than cow's or goat's milk due to the animal milking production—though nowadays you can also find Halloumi varieties with a mix of these kinds of milk, thus lowering the price of the product.

This is because, unlike many cheeses, halloumi has a high pH, as no starter cultures are used in its production. It seems that when this dense casein network “rubs” against the enamel of the teeth, it produces a squeak. Other cheeses usually have a lower pH, which tends to make the casein more fragile.

Cheeses that have a high melting point can be fried. While the cheese melts slightly, it will generally retain its shape in the fryer or skillet. Popular fried cheese options are cheese curds, queso blanco, halloumi, paneer, mozzarella, bread cheese, certain cheddars, and provolone.

Are halloumi fries like mozzarella sticks? ›

What are halloumi fries? These halloumi cheese fries are similar to mozzarella sticks, except they are easier to eat! Halloumi is a firmer cheese, so it won't become a gooey mess like regular mozzarella sticks. If you live in the UK, you're probably already familiar with them as they're on the McDonald's UK menu.

If the cheese has become slimy or developed a mold, it's time to toss it out. Moreover, a strong sour smell or change in color can also indicate that the cheese is past its prime.

My halloumi is too tough / rubbery

This can happen when it's cooked for too long in the oven, so next time try a lower cook time or thicker slices. It can also happen when it's been sitting out for too long, or with reheated halloumi.

Halloumi slices will retain their shape when cooked, and the heat softens the rubbery (or "squeaky") cheese while mellowing the saltiness. A popular addition to a Greek meze table, frying halloumi creates a unique treat. It's chewy—don't expect it to melt in your mouth—and it's delicious.

After soaking, remove the halloumi from the water and allow it to drain. It's important to note that while soaking halloumi can help reduce its sodium content to some extent, it won't eliminate it entirely.

Halloumi is stored in brine to preserve it without slime for an extended period, typically at least 60 days, while maintaining its texture and preventing spoilage. Influence of Salting Method on the Chemical and Texture Characteristics of Ovine Halloumi Cheese.

Don't overcook the halloumi, or it will end up becoming tough and rubbery. Step 5: Enjoy! You should now have beautifully cooked halloumi, golden brown and crispy on the edges, soft and squidgy in the middle.

It's frustrating when this happens to my readers because, well, the point of halloumi is not to melt! Since legitimate Cypriot halloumi can't melt / won't melt, the likely problem is that you're using an imitation which didn't follow all the rules of Cypriot halloumi making and therefore does have a melting point.