Beef Liver Easy Ways to Cook it at Home
This classic pan-fried beef liver recipe is a delicious and nutrient-dense meal that brings out the best in this humble organ meat. With a few simple preparation techniques, including soaking in milk and seasoning just right, you can create a tender and flavorful dish. Perfectly paired with caramelized onions and mashed potatoes, this recipe makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 280 kcal
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Paper towels
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
- 1 lb beef liver sliced
- 1 cup milk for soaking
- 1 cup all-purpose flour optional, for dredging
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar optional, for onions
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Prepare the Liver: Rinse the liver under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim any tough connective tissue.
Soak: Place the liver in a bowl and cover it with milk. Let it soak for 30-40 minutes to reduce its strong taste.
Season & Dredge: Drain and pat the liver dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Optionally, dredge each slice lightly in flour for a crispy coating.
Cook the Onions: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until caramelized (about 10 minutes). If desired, add balsamic vinegar in the last few minutes for extra flavor. Remove and set aside.
Pan-Fry the Liver: Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and add the liver slices in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink inside.
Serve: Top with caramelized onions and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered vegetables for a complete meal.