The halloumi burger is a staple for vegetarians at barbecues, and they can be delicious – but this one is the best!
A bold claim, but when you taste the smoky salty halloumi with the creamy mint yoghurt and those slightly spicy pickled cucumbers – you’re going to be in heaven.
This halloumi burger uses smoked paprika to bring that incredible deep flavour, and the cheese is simply fried (though you could absolutely barbecue it too).
Give this halloumi burger a go and give your taste buds a treat!
Ingredients, Substitutions and Variations
- Halloumi – halloumi is the ONLY cheese you can use in this vegetarian halloumi burger – nothing else will give you the right texture.
- Flour and smoked paprika – these make the delicious coating for the halloumi.
- Greek yoghurt and fresh mint – these simple ingredients are all you need (along with a pinch of salt) to make the mint yoghurt.
- Spicy pickled baby cucumbers – I highly recommend you make your own and follow the recipe here – they make these incredible sweet, sour and spicy pickles that complement this burger perfectly. If you can’t for any reason, you could substitute with regular pickled baby cucumbers.
- Tomato and rocket – some additional, fresh and delicious topping for the burger. You could use lettuce too.
- Burger buns – use your favourites. I went for a sesame seeded brioche bun.
Top Tips
- Making the yoghurt You can either blend the yoghurt – as per the recipe – or chop the mint as small as you can and mix in. You’ll get the same taste.
- Cooking the halloumi The halloumi is shallow fried in oil. If you want to barbecue it, brush the griddle with olive oil before adding the halloumi. Cook until charred on each side.
- Get ahead The yoghurt can be made 3 days in advance and kept in the fridge. Coat and cook the halloumi just before you want to eat.
The Ultimate Vegetarian Halloumi Burger
Smoky fried halloumi in a burger with mint yoghurt and spicy baby pickled cucumbers.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons yoghurt
- 1 handful fresh mint leaves
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 500 grams halloumi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large tomatoes sliced
- 20 grams rocket
- 8 slices pickled baby cucumbers
- 4 burger buns
Instructions
- Start by making the yoghurt. Put the mint and yoghurt into a bowl with a pinch of salt and blend until smooth.
- On a dinner plate, mix together the flour and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Slice the halloumi into 1cm thick pieces. Put on the plate and coat with the flour and paprika mixture.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over the medium heat. Add the halloumi in batches – cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on kitchen roll.
- Toast the burger buns. Spread the bottom of each one with 1/4 of the yoghurt. Top with sliced tomatoes, rocket, the halloumi, then the pickled cucumbers. Enjoy!
Love halloumi? You’re also going to love:
- Smoky Halloumi Fajitas
- Halloumi Veg Bowl
- Chorizo and Halloumi Pasta
- The Creamiest Butter Halloumi Curry
- Halloumi Pittas with Sriracha Mayo and Salad
- Warm Roasted Red Pepper and Halloumi Quinoa Salad
- Vegetarian Halloumi Pasta
- Butter Bean and Halloumi Stew with Pesto
- Savoury Olive and Halloumi Loaf Cake
Get the cook books:
Absolutely delicious- the mint yoghurt takes it to the next level!