Halloumi is a delicious cheese that is perfect when grilled and added to salads or used as a meat alternative in burgers.

But while indulging in halloumi from restaurants is often an enjoyable experience, anyone who has tried to cook the cheese at home will know that it isn't always easy. While it's soft and chewy when it comes from a restaurant, a common mistake people make at home quickly turns it into a rubbery, squeaky cheese that isn't pleasant to eat.

There is a simple way you can get restaurant-quality halloumi at home, just by adding one simple step to your cooking routine whenever you grill the cheese.

Zainab Pirzada, a chef, shared a video on Instagram in which she shared the perfect way to cook halloumi at home, including the vital step you need to take before the cheese ever sees a frying pan that will ensure a "perfectly chewy" texture.

She said: "If you've ever ordered halloumi from a restaurant and wondered why it tastes so much better than when you make it at home, it's because you're missing one key step."

Zainab explained that you first need to cut your halloumi properly. She suggests following the line that runs in the middle of the block.

Trace this line across and cut along it to make your halloumi block thinner. Then, cut both halves in half again, so you have four "thick" pieces that will hold their shape much better.

Next, it's time for the "real trick" - soak your halloumi in water.

The chef said: "The real trick is to soak it in hot water for 10 minutes. This makes the cheese soft, stretchy, and perfectly chewy, instead of tough and squeaky. Honestly, this little step is a complete game-changer."

Once your halloumi has soaked, pat it dry to make sure it doesn't splutter when added to your frying pan. Then, fry until golden on both sides.

Zainab then likes to finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of honey, and some chilli flakes.

She added: "You want to eat it straight away while it's warm and stretchy. It's the easiest little showstopper."

Commenters on Zainab's video were thankful for her advice. Some said they had no idea that's what their halloumi was missing, while others agreed that the hack really works.

One person said: "I just ate the halloumi I made. Wish I'd seen this before."

Another added: "I came back and found your video to comment just after my first bite of this recipe because: YES, it changes everything and it is so delicious, thank you."

A third shared: "How do people not soak it first? That's a must, especially as it helps to draw out the salt. Love this reel."

Ingredients

• 3 blocks of halloumi


• 2 tbsp of vegetable oil


• The juice of 1 large lemon


• 4 tbsp honey


• A pinch of chilli flakes


• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Method

• Cut the halloumi along the line in the block, then halve again so you get thick pieces.


• Soak in hot water for 10 minutes until it softens up a little.


• Drain and pat until very dry.


• Fry in vegetable oil until golden on both sides.


• Turn the heat down and add lemon juice, honey, and chilli flakes.


• Let it bubble for a minute and then serve warm with fresh thyme.