Grilling Halloumi In A Pan: Quick, Easy Methods

Grilling halloumi in a pan is a quick and easy way to cook this popular cheese from Cyprus. It's a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, and grilling it gives it a golden-brown, crispy exterior and a soft, gooey interior. Here's a simple guide on how to grill halloumi in a pan.

How to cut halloumi for pan grilling

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened, brined cheese from Cyprus. It is made from a mixture of goat and sheep milk, sometimes with added cow's milk. It has a high melting point, which means it can be grilled or fried without melting, making it an excellent vegetarian alternative to meat.

When preparing halloumi for grilling in a pan, it is important to cut the cheese into slices of even thickness. The recommended thickness varies from 1/4-inch to 1-centimetre slices. Thicker slices will result in a gooier texture, while thinner slices may dry out and become tough.

To achieve the distinctive grill marks, use a griddle pan or a crinkle cutter to cut the cheese. If you are using a regular frying pan, a simple slice will do.

• Start with a block of halloumi cheese, typically an 8-ounce block.
• Cut the block into slices of your desired thickness, ensuring they are fairly equal in size.
• If you want to create the illusion of grill marks, use a crinkle cutter to cut the cheese into wavy slices.
• If you plan to use a griddle pan, you can create perfect grill marks by simply slicing the halloumi into rectangular pieces.
• If you are using a regular frying pan, you can cut the halloumi into any shape you like, such as triangles or cubes.
• Once you have finished cutting, you are now ready to grill your halloumi in the pan following the steps outlined in the previous response.

Remember, halloumi is a versatile cheese, so feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes to suit your dish!

The best pan to use for grilling halloumi

Grilling halloumi in a pan is a great way to cook this Cypriot delicacy. But what is the best type of pan to use?

The best pan for grilling halloumi is a non-stick frying pan. This type of pan is recommended because halloumi has a relatively high moisture content, and it releases liquid as it cooks. A non-stick pan will prevent the cheese from sticking and burning. If you don't have a non-stick pan, you can use a stainless steel pan, but you will need to add oil and cook the halloumi at a lower temperature to prevent sticking.

Another option is to use a griddle pan, which will give your halloumi slices attractive grill marks. If you don't have a griddle pan, you can use a crinkle cutter to cut the cheese and achieve a similar effect.

When grilling halloumi, it's important to cut the cheese into slices that are about 1/4-inch to 1-centimetre thick. This thickness will ensure the halloumi has a soft, gooey interior and a crispy, golden exterior.

Now that you have the right pan and your halloumi is sliced, you're ready to start grilling! Simply heat your pan to a medium-high temperature, add the halloumi slices, and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious, savoury flavour of grilled halloumi!

How long to grill halloumi

Grilling halloumi in a pan is a quick and easy process. The whole cooking time should be around 10 minutes, with 1-2 minutes spent cooking each side of the halloumi slices.

First, cut the halloumi into slices. These should be around 1cm thick. If you want to create the illusion of grill marks, you can use a crinkle cutter to cut the cheese.

Next, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Place the halloumi slices in the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Cook the first side of the halloumi for 1-2 minutes. The cheese will begin to release liquid. Wait until this liquid has evaporated and the underside of the cheese turns golden brown before flipping the slices.

Cook the other side of the halloumi slices for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. This side will cook more quickly than the first side, so take care not to overcook the cheese.

Halloumi is best served immediately. It can become rubbery as it cools.

Oil or no oil when grilling halloumi

Oil

If you're using a stainless steel pan, a dash of oil can help prevent the cheese from sticking. When grilling halloumi, brush or drizzle olive oil on the cheese slices before placing them on the grill. This also helps prevent sticking and adds to the crispy exterior of the cheese.

No oil

If you're using a non-stick pan, you don't need to add any oil. Halloumi releases liquid as it cooks, so it doesn't tend to stick to the pan. However, it's still recommended to use a good-quality non-stick pan, just in case.

How to serve grilled halloumi

Grilled halloumi is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve grilled halloumi:

Salads

Grilled halloumi goes well with leafy, grain, or bean-based salads. Its salty flavour can be balanced with sweet or acidic dressings and salsas. You can also add grilled vegetables to the salad, such as aubergines, courgettes, peppers, and red onions. For a refreshing drink to accompany the salty cheese, try a non-alcoholic Hibiscus Iced Tea or a pitcher of white sangria.

Sandwiches, Wraps, and Burgers

Grilled halloumi can be served in sandwiches, wraps, or burgers as a vegetarian option. It can be a tasty alternative to meat and adds a savoury, salty flavour to these dishes.

Meze Platter

Grilled halloumi can be served as part of a meze platter, which is a selection of small dishes or appetizers in Mediterranean cuisine. It can be paired with dips, olives, pickles, and pita bread.

Halloumi Fries

For a fun twist, halloumi can be cut into "fries" and deep-fried. These can be served with a dipping sauce, such as spicy yoghurt, or with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and salty combination.

Skewers and Kebabs

Halloumi can be cut into bite-sized cubes and threaded onto skewers, either on their own or with vegetables such as cherry tomatoes. Brush the halloumi with olive oil and herbs and grill until browned.

Other Ideas

Grilled halloumi can also be added to stuffed and roasted vegetables, such as peppers, or used as a topping for pizzas. It can be a tasty addition to many dishes, adding a savoury, salty flavour.

Frequently asked questions