Description
Swicy Pistachio Halloumi with Lime Glaze is a crispy, bold-flavored appetizer or snack featuring halloumi cheese sticks coated in a crunchy pistachio-panko crust and shallow fried to golden perfection. Paired with a spicy-sweet lime glaze, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and zesty flavors, perfect for a sophisticated yet simple treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Halloumi
- 225g halloumi cheese, cut into thick sticks
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 80g finely crushed pistachios
- 40g panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Neutral oil for shallow frying
For the Swicy Glaze
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh red chili
- Juice of ½ lime
For Serving
- Chopped pistachios
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare for dredging: Set up three bowls—one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a combined mixture of finely crushed pistachios, panko breadcrumbs, and sesame seeds.
- Coat the halloumi: Dip each halloumi stick first into the flour, ensuring an even layer, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the pistachio-panko-sesame seed mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well.
- Shallow fry the halloumi: Heat a shallow layer of neutral oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the coated halloumi sticks and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried halloumi from the skillet and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, chili flakes, finely chopped fresh red chili, and lime juice. Simmer gently for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Serve: Arrange the fried halloumi sticks on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the lime glaze, sprinkle with extra chopped pistachios, and garnish with fresh mint leaves and lime wedges for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent cheese from sticking and ensure even frying.
- Adjust chili flakes and fresh chili quantity to control heat level according to preference.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor in the glaze.
- Drain and serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
