Looking for a quick and easy BBQ side dish that gets everyone’s attention? Fried halloumi is the answer. This salty cheese turns golden brown and irresistibly crispy on the outside, while staying soft and chewy in the middle. Hit it with a splash of lemon juice, and you’ve got the kind of snack that disappears faster than you can say “Who needs meat?”
Halloumi doesn’t melt like regular cheese, which makes it perfect for frying or grilling directly on the barbecue. It’s a great vegetarian option that even the most hardcore carnivores will love. Serve it as a starter, a snack while the grill heats up, or as a fresh side dish with your favourite grilled meat or veggies.
Halloumi is a cheese with attitude. It holds its shape when heated and even squeaks when you bite into it. This is why it’s often referred to as “squeaky cheese.”
That squeak comes from the unique protein structure that keeps halloumi firm during cooking. Not only is fried halloumi delicious, but it also comes with its own soundtrack.
You don’t need much for this recipe, but a cooling rack is helpful. Before frying, placing the cheese on a rack helps the egg and flour coating dry slightly, allowing it to stick better and crisp up nicely in the pan.
We fry the halloumi in a generous layer of olive oil. Since this cheese doesn’t melt, you can leave it in hot oil for a couple of minutes without it going soft. The outside turns beautifully golden and crispy, while the inside stays nice and firm.
Once they’re done, transfer the halloumi back onto the cooling rack. That way, any excess oil can drip off, and the steam doesn’t make the bottom soggy. Air can circulate all around, which keeps that crunchy crust just right.
This crispy halloumi with lemon is the perfect accompaniment to your next Greek-style BBQ party. The firm, salty cheese can take the heat, giving you that irresistible golden crust with a chewy centre.
Planning to give this one a try? Let us know in the comments. Or better yet, snap a photo and tag @bbqhelden on Instagram so we can see what you made.
Ingredients
- 1 block of halloumi
- 1 egg
- 80 grams (about ½ cup) of flour
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Cut the halloumi into slices about 1 cm (⅓ inch) thick.
- Beat the egg in a shallow bowl and add the flour to another bowl.
- Dip each slice of halloumi into the egg, then into the flour, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
- Place the coated slices on a cooling rack and let them sit for a few minutes while you heat the oil.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet or plancha over medium heat.
- Fry the halloumi on both sides until golden brown. That takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the fried slices back to the rack to cool slightly and maintain their crispness.
- Serve warm, accompanied by lemon wedges on the side.
