Halloumi is a delicious semi-hard cheese that originates from Cyprus. It has a high melting point which allows it to maintain its shape when cooked. Halloumi can be pan-fried, grilled or baked and it develops a lovely crispy, golden exterior while the inside stays soft and gooey. When cooked right, the contrast between the crispy outer layer and the soft inner cheese is absolutely divine!
Most halloumi you find in the supermarkets is sold chilled in blocks or slices rather than frozen. However, you may have a surplus that you want to freeze for later use. This raises the question – can you fry halloumi straight from frozen?
Can You Fry Halloumi Directly From Frozen?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely pan-fry halloumi directly from frozen. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best results:
- Thaw slightly – It’s best to let the frozen halloumi thaw just a little before frying, about 5-10 minutes on the counter. This prevents thermal shock which can cause the cheese to crack or split when it hits the hot pan.
- Pat dry – Make sure to pat the halloumi dry with paper towels before frying. Any icy moisture on the surface can cause splattering when it hits the hot oil.
- Fry gently – Add the halloumi to a medium-hot pan and fry gently. Too high heat can also cause cracking. Fry until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Expect flatter shape – Frozen halloumi won’t hold its shape as nicely when frying. The cheese will flatten out more. So don’t expect perfectly square slices.
- Cook through – Ensure the halloumi is cooked through and the center is hot. Frozen cheese takes longer to heat than fresh.
Following these tips will allow you to successfully fry frozen halloumi with delicious results!
Step-By-Step Method
Here is a simple step-by-step method for pan-frying halloumi from frozen:
- Take the halloumi out of the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. This helps thaw the outer surface.
- Pat the halloumi dry with paper towels to remove any ice crystals and moisture.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Swirl to coat the pan.
- When the oil is hot, add the halloumi slices in a single layer. Work in batches to avoid crowding.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Flip gently with a spatula.
- Transfer the fried halloumi to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt if desired.
- Repeat with remaining frozen halloumi. Make sure to let the oil reheat between batches.
- Serve the crispy pan-fried halloumi immediately while still warm and crispy.
It really is that easy to fry up delicious halloumi straight from the freezer! The key is taking those few extra steps to gently thaw, pat dry, fry gently, and ensure it’s cooked through.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these handy tips for getting picture-perfect pan-fried halloumi from frozen every time:
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking. Cast iron also works great.
- Keep the heat at medium. High heat increases the chance of cracking and sticking.
- Fry just until golden, not burnt. Burnt cheese tastes bitter.
- Flip gently with a thin spatula to keep the shape intact.
- Blot on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.
- Sprinkle with Mediterranean herbs, chili flakes, or black sesame seeds.
- Enjoy immediately while the halloumi is warm and crispy.
Common Questions
Does halloumi need to be thawed before frying?
It’s best to thaw halloumi for 5-10 minutes before frying to prevent cracking from thermal shock. However, it’s not strictly necessary. You can fry frozen halloumi as long as you pat it dry and use medium heat.
Can you refreeze halloumi after frying?
It’s not recommended to refreeze halloumi after it has been fried. The texture will degrade and it may not crisp up properly when fried again. For best quality and food safety, only freeze halloumi before the initial frying.
What temperature should you fry halloumi?
The best pan frying temperature for halloumi is medium heat, around 325-350°F. Too high heat can cause the cheese to crack or burn. Fried at medium heat, halloumi will develop a beautiful golden crust.
What oil should you fry halloumi in?
The best oils for frying halloumi are olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, ghee or clarified butter. Avoid oils with low smoke points like extra virgin olive oil. A neutral oil allows the cheese flavor to shine.
Nutrition Information
Here are the nutrition facts for 3.5 ounces (100g) of fried halloumi cheese:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 265 |
| Fat | 21g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 2.4g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 2.4g |
As you can see, halloumi is high in fat and protein. The majority of calories come from fat. There are also minimal carbohydrates and zero fiber. The high protein and fat makes halloumi very satiating.
Serving Suggestions
There are endless ways to serve and enjoy crispy pan-fried halloumi. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Greek salad – Cubed halloumi, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onion, olive oil, oregano
- Halloumi burger – Fried halloumi patty, lettuce, tomato, tzatziki in a bun
- Breakfast – With eggs, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, avocado
- Cheese board – With dried fruits, nuts, chutney, crackers, wine
- Sandwich – Grilled halloumi, pesto, roasted peppers, fresh basil
- Tacos – Fried halloumi, salsa, avocado, shredded cabbage, cilantro
- Pasta – Cubed halloumi, olive oil, sundried tomatoes, arugula, penne
The possibilities are endless! Halloumi’s versatility makes it perfect for both savory and sweet applications. Get creative with this fantastic fried cheese.
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover fried halloumi:
- Let the halloumi cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Consume within 3-5 days for best quality and freshness.
- Slices can also be frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw before use.
- Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet or oven until warm and sizzling.
- Don’t microwave halloumi – it’ll turn rubbery. Use the stove or oven to reheat.
Conclusion
Frying halloumi straight from frozen is easy to do with delicious results. Be sure to thaw slightly, pat dry, use medium heat, and fry gently to crisp up the exterior while keeping the interior smooth and gooey. Following these simple tips will reward you with warm, golden halloumi that makes the perfect addition to salads, sandwiches, burgers and more. So go ahead – fry up that frozen halloumi tonight!