Description
This Halloumi Burger with Smoky Red Pepper Aioli is a quick and flavorful vegetarian meal featuring grilled halloumi cheese, fresh veggies, and a creamy, smoky aioli made from roasted red peppers. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner with a delightful contrast of textures and smoky, tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Burger:
- 7oz / 200g halloumi cheese
- 2 burger buns
- 1 small to medium red onion, sliced
- 2 pieces of lettuce
- 4 tomato slices
- 2–3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
For the Smoky Red Pepper Aioli:
- ¼ cup whole egg mayonnaise
- 2oz / 55g marinated roasted red peppers
- 1 small garlic clove (or 2 if preferred more garlicky)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Pepper Aioli: Add the mayonnaise, drained roasted red peppers, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt into a blender or jar. Blend using an immersion blender or regular blender until the mixture is smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and add a squeeze of lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the Halloumi: Slice the halloumi cheese block into two pieces. Drizzle one teaspoon of olive oil over each piece and rub to coat both sides evenly.
- Cook the Red Onions: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. On one half of the pan, add a drizzle of olive oil and the sliced red onions along with a pinch of salt. Add a small splash of water to help soften the onions faster and cook until nearly done.
- Grill the Halloumi: On the other half of the pan, add a drizzle of olive oil and place the halloumi slices down. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them to allow a golden crust and grill marks to form.
- Finish Cooking and Toast Buns: Flip the halloumi to grill the other side until golden brown. Meanwhile, slice the burger buns in half and, after removing the onions from the pan, toast the insides of the buns on the pan’s surface.
- Assemble the Burger: Spread a dollop of the red pepper aioli on the bottom buns. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices seasoned with a pinch of salt, and the grilled onions. Place the halloumi on top, smear some aioli on the top bun, close the burger, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a grill pan or non-stick skillet to get nice grill marks on the halloumi.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the aioli to control the spice level.
- Adding a splash of water when cooking onions helps to soften them without burning.
- For a vegan version, substitute halloumi and mayo with plant-based alternatives.
- Serve immediately as halloumi is best enjoyed warm and fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Burger
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Halloumi burger, smoky red pepper aioli, vegetarian burger, grilled halloumi, easy burger recipe, Mediterranean burger
