How to Grill Halloumi in a Pan?

If you are wondering how to grill halloumi in the pan, there are a few tips to help you cook the cheese properly. First, it is best to cook halloumi in a single layer in a pan. This will help the halloumi brown and cook evenly.

Halloumi is a semi-hard white cheese made in the Eastern Mediterranean for centuries. It is typically made from sheep or goat’s milk, although it can also be made from a mixture of both. It is a delicious cheese that has an incredibly salty taste. It’s also available in some supermarkets, but they may be expensive.

How to Grill Halloumi in a Pan

How to Grill Halloumi in Pan?

Halloumi is an excellent vegetarian alternative to meat, and it is quick and easy to prepare. The cheese is available in many forms and is great as an appetizer, sandwich, or wrap. It tastes great and can be served with fresh fruit and vegetables. Grilled halloumi cheese can be added to salads, burgers, and curries. You can also add it to a cooked breakfast or as an accompaniment to salads.

Instructions:

To get a nice grilled halloumi cheese, cut it into 1/4-inch slices and heat a grill pan to medium-high. You’ll need to cook it for about one to two minutes on each side before it develops grill marks.

Once you’ve got a pan suitable for grilling, add some olive oil. This will prevent the halloumi from sticking to the pan. If you have a non-stick pan, use it. 

Let the halloumi cook for a few minutes on one side before turning it over. You can make sure the halloumi is cooked evenly by moving it around in the pan. Also, if you want to fry something in a pan, you should use olive oil because it works best.

Remove from the grill and consume while still hot. Use the halloumi in your preferred recipe, or serve it plain on a platter with a squeeze of lemon and some oregano.

Tips:

When cooking halloumi, keep in mind that it will lose its crispness and texture after cooling. However, you should know that halloumi is high in calories and fat and should not be eaten immediately if you want it to remain crunchy. It is also rich in calcium and protein. Adding a few teaspoons of olive oil adds flavor and makes it more tender. You can also sprinkle a few black sesame seeds on top for a decorative touch.

Another tip for grilling halloumi is to use a griddle pan or a non-stick pan for even cooking. Then, make sure you use a high-quality non-stick pan for this purpose. Halloumi will release its liquid while cooking, and you don’t want your pan to get damaged during the process.

How to Serve Grilled Halloumi?

Since grilled halloumi is so adaptable, I urge you to experiment with different ways to present it. 

As a Starter– The baguette should be sliced with fresh herbs and a nice sauce for drizzling. We enjoy it with honey for a delicious sweet and savory combination or with mint and Greek dressing.

In a Salad– Instead of mozzarella, substitute grilled halloumi cheese in a Caprese salad. Also fantastic in a Panzanella or Greek salad! It is also present in this recipe for cucumber and tomato salad.

In a Sandwich– Try it in these Caprese sandwiches or substitute it for the fresh mozzarella. Enjoy sandwiches with cheese, grilled eggplant, zucchini, onions, sauce, and fresh lemon juice.

In a Dish– Serve it with black beans, cilantro lime rice, coconut rice, and a fruit salsa like peach, mango, or pineapple salsa. . It’s also delicious to combine grilled halloumi with cooked farro or couscous, roasted or cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and Greek dressing.

How Nutritious is Grilled Halloumi?

Like other dairy products, halloumi is a good source of calcium, essential for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. A serving’s (80g) considerable contribution to your daily calcium requirements is crucial at all stages of life.

Is Halloumi More Nutritious than Regular Cheese?

Haloumi cheese has somewhat less fat (26%) than typical cheddar cheese in terms of nutrition but higher sodium overall due to the brine used to preserve it. The possibility of overeating is one of the significant problems halloumi presents because it is so tasty.

Is Halloumi Safe to Eat Raw?

Yes! However, raw halloumi isn’t typically eaten with food.

Since it is simply enticing when it is warm and squidgy, it is unquestionably tastier after being cooked. If I’m using halloumi in a dish, we always cook it. While we are slicing it up, we occasionally bite on some raw halloumi directly from the block, which tastes fine.

How to Store Halloumi?

Once you open the halloumi package, you have two ways to keep the leftovers. Halloumi can be kept for up to 3 days in an airtight container or sandwich bag if you don’t plan to use it immediately.

You can put halloumi in the fridge for up to two days after frying it, but it won’t have the same texture or flavor as freshly fried cheese. But cover it well with plastic wrap or put it in a freezer bag before storing it. You can also store unopened packages of halloumi in the fridge for up to a year.

Can You Cook Halloumi in a Pan Made of Stainless Steel?

You can use stainless steel if you don’t have a non-stick frying pan, but if you have, we always recommend it. When cooking halloumi in stainless steel, you need to use a much lower heat and a small amount of oil to prevent the cheese from sticking. However, if you don’t have a non-stick pan, keep in mind that the cheese did cook (and burn!) more quickly in the stainless steel pan.

 Is Halloumi Safe for Everyone?

Halloumi should not be consumed by persons allergic to or sensitive to milk because it is a dairy product. Vegans should also avoid it. Different varieties of halloumi don’t differ significantly in terms of nutrition. If you have lactose intolerance or allergies, sheep’s or goat’s halloumi may be simpler for you to digest. See your doctor or nutritionist if you have questions regarding food allergies or intolerances.

How to Fry Halloumi?

Halloumi should first be sliced into 5mm to 1cm thick slices before being fried. Add the halloumi slices to the pan after heating it to medium heat. Check to see if the halloumi is brown after the cheese has been frying for around 2-3 minutes. If so, use tongs to flip the slices over and fry the other side for two to three minutes. If you’re into it, add some pepper and, if not salt—halloumi is already salty—lemon juice to the halloumi.

Can you Eat Halloumi without Grilling?

Yes, you can eat halloumi raw.

Halloumi is substantially more effective when cooked in a wide variety of recipes. Halloumi, which is golden-delicious when grilled or fried, has a texture and flavor that go incredibly well with cooked and raw vegetables, meats, and other ingredients in burgers, wraps, and breakfast dishes.

Health Benefits of Halloumi Cheese

Promotes Bone Health

Halloumi is high in calcium, a crucial mineral for strong bones, just like other dairy products. Your bones’ strength and structure are a result of calcium. Your bones and teeth retain nearly 99% of the calcium in your body.

Halloumi cheese can help maintain the structure of bones and improve bone mineral density because of its calcium-rich qualities. As a result, it guards against bone diseases like osteoporosis.

Reference: The effect of substitution of sodium chloride with potassium chloride on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of Halloumi cheese

Keto-Friendly

Like other cheeses, halloumi is low in carbs and high in protein and fat, making it the perfect choice for keto or low-carb meals. As a result, it can be included in your keto diet. However, it only qualifies as healthful when consumed in moderation. It will help you stay full while also burning fat. Additionally, it helps keep muscle mass intact.

Benefits of Healthy Protein

Halloumi is a cheese with a lot of dairy protein. Your body needs protein for several processes, such as hormone production, immune system health, and tissue repair. You can increase your strength and muscle mass through exercise if you have enough protein in your diet. Maintaining a lean body mass while reducing weight is made easier by protein. Consuming protein after a workout can help muscles repair, speed progress, and reduce recovery time.

It Could Keep you Content for a Longer Time

Cheeses like halloumi, which are high in protein, fat, and flavor, keep us fuller and happier for longer. Because halloumi has strong flavors, you don’t need to use much to make a flavorful dish.

A Helpful Meat Substitute

Halloumi is a good addition to a healthy diet because it is high in protein. This is especially true for people who eat a lacto-vegetarian diet. But not all halloumi cheese is good for vegetarians because some types are made with animal rennet. Because of its texture and how it cooks, halloumi is an easy substitute for meat in burgers and kebabs.

Conclusion

Halloumi is a semi-firm cheese. It is similar to mozzarella in texture and flavor. It is often brined, which gives it a richer flavor. Halloumi is a great cheese for grilling as the heat helps soften the cheese without melting it. It is also delicious on sandwiches and in salads.