If you need a quick but satisfying evening dinner, then this veggie halloumi and broccoli stir-fry is perfect. It boasts sweet, spicy, and savoury flavours. So if you’re tired after a long workout or simply coming home from work, you can have this delicious stir-fry on the table in under 30 minutes.
Halloumi & Broccoli Stri Fry
Halloumi – Halloumi is a Greek cheese most associated with a squeak, hence its endearing nickname “squeaky cheese.” However, it stands up well to heat, and a touch of sweetness boosts its savouriness. Grilled or pan-fried, halloumi turns a deep golden brown, which adds a nuttiness to its unique flavour. Here, it’s stir-fried first for colour, then added to a stir-fry with sweet chilli sauce.
Broccoli – Tenderstem broccoli has a sweeter flavour than traditional broccoli. However, both are packed with antioxidants and fibre. You may need to trim the stalks, however, as they can be tough and fibrous, or simply take too long to cook if they are too thick.
Egg Noodles – Egg noodles are a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines. They’re similar to fresh pasta in that they’re made from a dough of flour and eggs, and have a soft, shaggy texture. Eggs make these noodles richer than other Asian noodles, such as rice noodles. For runners, they’re perfect as they provide around 40-45g of carbohydrate per serving, with eggs providing natural protein.
What is Thai Sweet Chilli?
Thai sweet chilli sauce, as its name suggests, is a popular condiment in Thailand, known as Nam Chim Kai. It’s a simple sauce made from red chillies, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Flavour-wise, it perfectly balances sweet and tangy while offering some spicy notes. Sweet chilli sauce is traditionally used as a dipping sauce, but can also be used in stir-fries or as a marinade.
Thai sweet chilli sauce is sweeter and less spicy compared to hot sauces like sriracha. But this also depends on the brand of sweet chilli sauce. Nevertheless, it adds a delicious flavour to the dish. You can use store-bought sweet chilli sauce, but I like to make it myself. However, whatever version you use, the flavour is undeniable.
Halloumi & Broccoli Stir-Fry Sauce
There’s more to the sauce than just sweet chilli. Soy sauce and sesame oil help season the sauce, bringing an umami depth to the stir-fry.
Sesame oil – Sesame oil lends a nutty, umami flavour and balances the sweetness of the prawns and sweet chilli sauce. While higher in calories, sesame oil offers a great source of omega-6 unsaturated fats.
Soy Sauce – Soy sauce provides a salty, savoury hit that helps balance the sweetness of the sweet chilli sauce. Light soy sauce is used here as it adds a saltier, umami flavour, but be aware of the high salt content and use sparingly—no need for extra salt.
Halloumi & Broccoli
Ingredients
- 30 ml Rapeseed Oil
- 120 g Halloumi Sliced
- 1 Large Garlic Clove Finely Sliced
- ½ Thumb-Sized Piece of Ginger Peeled and Thinly Sliced
- 140 g Tenderstem Broccoli Trimmed, Thicker Stems Halved
- 1 Medium Carrot Julienne
- 150 g Bean sprouts
- 150 g Egg Noodles Cooked
- 1 Tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 3 Tbsp Sweet Chilli Sauce
- 4 Spring Onions Thinly Sliced
- Toasted Sesame Seeds to garnish
- Sliced chilli to garnish
Instructions
- Heat half of the rapeseed oil in a large wok. Stir-fry the halloumi and toss until it begins to turn golden brown. Then, drain and set aside.
- Wipe the Wok clean, then add it back to the heat and add the remaining oil.
- Stir-fry the garlic and ginger continuously for 1 minute to allow their flavour to infuse the oil, but not enough to colour.
- Add the broccoli and stir-fry for a further 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli begins to soften slightly. Then, add the carrots and bean sprouts.
- Continue stir-frying until the beans and carrots are hot, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg noodles and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the egg noodles are heated through.
- return the halloumi to the pan, and add the spting onions and toss to combine everything.
- Drizzle the soy sauce around the perimeter of the pan and toss through. Repeat the process with the sesame oil. And then, the sweet chilli.
- Divide among plates and serve chilli, and sesame seeds.
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