Nando's Halloumi Sticks (Restaurant Copycat)

⏱️ 55 minutes (including freezing time)👥 4 servings (2-3 sticks per person) servings❤️ Taste: 10/10
Nando's Halloumi Sticks (Restaurant Copycat)

Nutrition Facts

Calories
385
Protein
18g
Carbs
24g
Fiber
1g

Health Benefits

Gut Health4/10
Anti-Inflammatory5/10
Blood Sugar Control5/10

Ingredients

  • •- 300g block halloumi cheese, patted dry
  • •- ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • •- 2 large eggs
  • •- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • •- 2 tablespoons peri-peri seasoning blend
  • •- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • •- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • •- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • •- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • •- ¾ cup vegetable oil for shallow frying
  • •- Fresh lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Slice the halloumi block lengthwise into uniform sticks measuring approximately ½-inch thick and 3-4 inches long. Pat each stick completely dry using paper towels to ensure proper breading adhesion. Transfer the sticks to a plate and freeze for 30 minutes minimum to prevent excessive cheese melt during frying.
  2. 2Set up your three-station breading assembly while halloumi freezes. Place the flour in a shallow bowl. Crack the eggs into a second shallow dish and whisk thoroughly until completely combined. Combine the panko breadcrumbs, peri-peri seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a third shallow bowl, mixing well to distribute spices evenly throughout.
  3. 3Remove halloumi sticks from freezer. Working with one stick at a time, dredge completely in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten egg wash, allowing excess to drip back into bowl. Press firmly into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides thoroughly. Place breaded sticks on a clean plate. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
  4. 4Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C/350°F. Test readiness by dropping a pinch of breadcrumbs into the oil—they should sizzle immediately and turn golden within seconds.
  5. 5Carefully place 3-4 halloumi sticks into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until the coating turns deep golden brown and crispy. Flip only once using tongs or a slotted spatula. Remove immediately when golden to prevent cheese from leaking through the coating.
  6. 6Transfer fried sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat frying process with remaining sticks, maintaining consistent oil temperature between batches.
  7. 7Serve immediately while still hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. The interior should be warm and slightly melted with a creamy texture contrasting the crunchy exterior.