Description
Pan-fried halloumi is a crispy, golden-brown cheese that’s soft and chewy inside. This Mediterranean delight is perfect as an appetizer, in salads, or served with grilled vegetables. In this detailed recipe, you’ll learn how to fry halloumi to perfection, ensuring the cheese is crispy on the outside and tender inside. With its high melting point, halloumi holds its shape beautifully when cooked, making it a versatile option for a variety of dishes. We’ll also cover tips on enhancing its flavor, pairing suggestions, and why it’s a great protein-rich alternative for vegetarians. From mastering the frying technique to discovering creative ways to serve it, this recipe provides everything you need to know about pan-fried halloumi. Serve with fresh lemon juice and herbs for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Halloumi cheese: Slice into 1/4-inch thick slices. This ensures the halloumi fries evenly and crisps up without melting.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for frying, olive oil adds flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Fresh lemon juice balances the richness of the halloumi with a tangy, bright flavor.
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or mint): Fresh herbs add color, flavor, and a fragrant aroma that complements the salty cheese.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle spice that enhances the savory flavor of the halloumi.
Instructions
- Prepare the Halloumi: Start by patting the halloumi dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Slice the cheese into 1/4-inch thick slices. Drying the halloumi is essential for ensuring it fries evenly and crisps up without steaming.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. The oil should be hot enough to create a crisp crust but not so hot that it burns the cheese.
- Fry the Halloumi: Place the halloumi slices in the pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry each slice for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip the slices carefully with a spatula to avoid breaking them.
- Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Once the halloumi is golden and crispy, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cheese and garnish with freshly chopped herbs. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the halloumi in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets crispy. Overcrowding the pan can cause the halloumi to steam instead of fry.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the pan-fried halloumi with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or as part of a mezze platter with hummus and pita bread.
- Storing Leftovers: Leftover fried halloumi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to regain its crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 6 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Pan-Fried Halloumi, How to Fry Halloumi, Mediterranean Cheese Recipe, Halloumi Cheese Appetizer, Vegetarian Halloumi Dish, Crispy Fried Halloumi, Easy Halloumi Recipe, Halloumi Cooking Tips