Vegan Tofu Halloumi with a Crunchy Crust: A Recipe to Try!

Are you a cheese lover who has recently transitioned to a vegan diet? Or are you simply looking for a delicious and healthy plant-based alternative to traditional halloumi cheese? Look no further than this vegan halloumi recipe! Made from extra firm tofu and infused with savory seasonings, this salty and chewy "cheese" is as flavorful as the real thing. Whether enjoyed on its own as an appetizer, grilled in sandwiches, or salads, this vegan halloumi is sure to become an instant favorite in your kitchen. Plus, it's cruelty-free and packed with protein, making it a guilt-free indulgence for cheese lovers everywhere.

That’s how it’s done!

Recipe by “One Arab Vegan” 

Category: Sides and snacks 

Cuisine: Middle Eastern 

Prep time: 40 minutes 

Cook time: 5 minutes 

Total time: 45 minutes 

Serving size: 2-4

What do you need:

• Half a block of extra firm tofu (organic and non-GMO best)

• 1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt (adjust to your preference).

• 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast

• 1 teaspoon dried mint

• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil

• Freshly ground black pepper

Photo by One Arab Vegan

How to do it:

1. Start by draining and pressing your tofu. Wrap the tofu in a clean cloth and place a heavy book on top for 15 minutes. When done, slice the half block into strips that are not too thin and thick.

2. In a bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients to create a marinade. The marinade should have a thicker consistency than water, so adjust the liquid amount accordingly.

3. In a shallow dish, lay out the tofu strips and pour a bit of marinade on each strip. Use your fingers to rub the marinade into both sides of the tofu strips. Pour any remaining marinade over the tofu and let it rest for 30 minutes. For maximum results, marinate overnight.

4. Preheat your waffle iron, panini-style grill, or George Foreman grill while the tofu marinates.

5. Grill the tofu for 5 minutes or until golden brown and a little crispy on the outside.

6. Serve the vegan halloumi with a drizzle of olive oil, chopped fresh mint, olives, and tomatoes.

Vegan halloumi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be reheated in a waffle iron or grilled for a few minutes until warm.

Photo by One Arab Vegan

NOTE

If you don't have a waffle iron or grill, don't worry! You can still make this delicious vegan halloumi with a regular pan and a sturdy spatula. Just grease the pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Use a spatula to press down on the tofu as it grills on both sides to achieve the desired texture. However, using a barbecue grill that closes on itself works best, as you can see from those crispy edges. Whether you call it Tofumi or Hallofu, this salty, chewy, and mint-infused snack is truly life-changing. Plus, it's packed with protein and cruelty-free, making it a guilt-free indulgence.