Halloumi Stir Fry

Ingredients

• 400 ghalloumi
• 200 gbroccolini
• 100 gcherry tomatoes
• 1 mediumcourgette
• 1bell pepper
• 20olives

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the ingredients

   Dice and slice the halloumi and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

2. 2

   Stir-fry everything

   Heat cooking spray or vegetable oil in a frying pan or wok, then add the halloumi and vegetables. Stir as they fry for 4–7 minutes, until warmed through and at your preferred consistency.

What is halloumi stir-fry?

This is a quick, Greek-inspired take on a vegetable stir-fry, built around halloumi, a firm, salty cheese that holds its shape when cooked. The Mediterranean vegetables and olives bring colour and savoury flavour to the pan.

The version here keeps the ingredient list short and the cooking time brief. The vegetables can stay a little crisp while the halloumi warms through.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 387 calories, 25g protein, 9g carbs, 28g fat.

Halloumi is the main source of protein and fat, while the vegetables and olives contribute a smaller amount of carbohydrate. For a more balanced plate, serve a portion with extra vegetables or a side salad.

Choosing the ingredients

Halloumi: its firm texture makes it suitable for frying alongside the vegetables without melting into the pan. Cut it into similar-sized pieces so it warms evenly.

Vegetables: broccolini, courgette, pepper and cherry tomatoes offer a mix of textures. Olives add a salty, briny note, so taste before adding any extra seasoning.

Getting the pan ready

Cutting: keep the pieces bite-sized and reasonably consistent, so they cook in the same short window. Slice the broccolini stems thinly if they are much thicker than the florets.

Heat: warm the frying pan or wok before adding the ingredients. Use cooking spray or a little vegetable oil, as directed, to help prevent sticking.

How to judge doneness

Vegetables: the recipe gives a 4–7 minute cooking window. Start checking at 4 minutes and stop when they are warmed through and have the texture you like.

Halloumi: it should be hot throughout. Keep stirring so the pieces heat evenly and the ingredients do not sit in one place for too long.

Keeping the vegetables crisp

Pan space: a roomy frying pan or wok makes it easier to stir the ingredients. If the pan is crowded, the vegetables may soften more than intended.

Timing: cook only until the ingredients are warmed through for a firmer result. A little more time will soften the vegetables further.

What to serve alongside

Serve the stir-fry on its own for a quick meal, or add bread, rice or another grain if you would like a more substantial plate. A simple salad can add freshness alongside the warm, salty halloumi.

Because the cheese and olives are already savoury, taste the finished dish before reaching for extra salt.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the ingredients into similarly sized pieces so they warm through at a similar pace.
• Use a large pan or wok to make stirring easier.
• Begin checking the vegetables after 4 minutes to retain more crunch.
• Stir regularly so the halloumi and vegetables heat evenly.
• Taste before adding salt, as halloumi and olives are both salty.

Variations

• Add garlic: stir in a little finely chopped garlic as the pan heats for extra savoury flavour.
• Use mixed olives: combine green and black olives for a different balance of briny flavours.
• Swap the pepper: use a different colour of bell pepper while keeping the same quantity.
• Add herbs: finish with chopped fresh oregano or parsley for a fresh note.
• Serve with grains: spoon the stir-fry over cooked rice or another grain for a more filling meal.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Uneven pieces: large chunks may take longer to warm; cut the ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
• Overcrowding the pan: the ingredients can be harder to stir evenly; use a roomy pan or wok.
• Cooking too long: the vegetables may lose their crunch; check them from 4 minutes.
• Adding salt too soon: halloumi and olives are already salty; taste the finished stir-fry first.
• Leaving ingredients unstirred: some pieces may heat unevenly; stir regularly as they cook.

How to store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 2 days. Reheat in a frying pan over a moderate heat, stirring until hot throughout; the vegetables may be softer after reheating.

Frequently asked questions