Description

This Hot Honey Halloumi Burger with Charred Pineapple Salsa offers a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Crispy, golden halloumi slices coated in a sesame-panko crust are drizzled with a homemade jalapeño-infused hot honey and paired with vibrant charred pineapple salsa and a refreshing carrot and cabbage slaw. The toasted buns add a delightful crunch, creating a gourmet burger experience with a vegetarian twist, perfect for a flavorful lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Hot Honey

50ml honey
1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped
½ tsp apple cider vinegar
¼ tsp smoked paprika

Halloumi and Coating

250g block halloumi, cut into 8 thick slices
3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp sesame seeds
4 tbsp sunflower oil, divided

Burger Elements

4 burger buns, halved
50g garlic mayonnaise

Pineapple Salsa

½ whole pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 6 spears
2 spring onions, finely sliced
Small handful of coriander, finely chopped
1 lime, juiced
1 tsp mild chili powder
1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Small handful of parsley, finely chopped

Slaw

¼ red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, grated or cut into thin matchsticks
2 shallots, thinly sliced
10 radishes, grated or cut into thin matchsticks

Instructions

Prepare Hot Honey: In a small pan over medium heat, combine honey and finely chopped jalapeño. Cook while stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes until the honey thins and infuses with the jalapeño flavor. Stir in apple cider vinegar and smoked paprika, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Char Pineapple for Salsa: Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Brush pineapple spears with a little sunflower oil. Fry pineapple for 4-6 minutes on each side until charred and caramelized. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then chop into small cubes.
Make Pineapple Salsa: In a bowl, combine chopped pineapple with spring onions, coriander, lime juice, mild chili powder, apple cider vinegar, and parsley. Mix well and season to taste.
Prepare Slaw: In a large bowl, mix thinly sliced red cabbage, grated carrot, sliced shallots, and grated radishes. Season well and add a splash of apple cider vinegar if needed for extra tang.
Toast Buns: Heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Place burger buns cut-side down in the pan and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Coat Halloumi Slices: On a plate, mix sesame seeds and panko breadcrumbs. Coat both sides of halloumi slices evenly in this mixture and set aside.
Cook Halloumi: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in the same frying pan over medium heat. Fry the coated halloumi slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden, crisp, and cooked through.
Assemble Burgers: Spread garlic mayonnaise on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Add a layer of slaw, then top with two pieces of crispy halloumi each. Drizzle with the hot honey and spoon over some pineapple salsa. Cover with the bun tops and serve immediately.

Notes

Deseeding the jalapeño for the hot honey reduces the heat intensity; keep seeds if a spicier kick is desired.
Ensure halloumi slices are thick enough to hold their shape while frying for the best texture.
Charred pineapple adds sweetness and smokiness—don’t skip the charring step for the best salsa flavor.
This burger is best served fresh to keep halloumi crispy and buns toasted.
For vegan alternative, replace halloumi with firm tofu and use vegan mayonnaise.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: halloumi burger, hot honey, pineapple salsa, vegetarian burger, spicy honey, grilled pineapple, crispy halloumi