Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef liver with sautéed onions recipe is both delicious and nourishing. You’ll love it because:

• Rich in nutrients: Beef liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods, packed with iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins.
• Simple ingredients: The recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, yet it delivers exceptional taste and satisfaction.
• Quick and easy: This dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
• Flavored with onions: The sweet, caramelized onions perfectly balance the strong flavor of the liver, making it more palatable for both new and experienced liver lovers.

Ingredients

• 12 oz beef liver, sliced
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Soak the liver: Place the sliced beef liver in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let it soak for 15-30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the liver and mellow out its strong flavor.
2. Prepare the onions: While the liver is soaking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes until they become soft and caramelized. Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the liver: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the liver from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drain off, and season both sides with garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Place the liver slices in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned on the outside and slightly pink in the center (depending on your preferred level of doneness).
4. Combine and serve: Once the liver is cooked, return the caramelized onions to the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnished with additional onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added to the onions for extra flavor.
• Spicy kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the liver before serving.
• Balsamic glaze: Drizzle a little balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over the onions for a touch of sweetness and tang.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the liver from becoming tough. Add a little water or broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. How do I know when beef liver is cooked properly?

Beef liver should be browned on the outside and slightly pink in the center. Overcooking it can lead to a tough texture, so be careful not to cook it for too long.

2. Can I use a different kind of liver?

Yes, you can substitute beef liver with chicken liver . Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of liver you choose.

3. How can I make the liver less strong in flavor?

Soaking the liver in buttermilk helps to mellow out the strong flavor. You can also soak it longer or add a splash of vinegar to the buttermilk to further reduce the flavor.

4. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk, though buttermilk gives a richer taste and helps tenderize the liver more effectively.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Beef liver is best served fresh, but you can prepare the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them before serving.

6. How can I make the onions sweeter?

If you like sweeter onions, you can cook them longer to caramelize them more or add a pinch of sugar while cooking to enhance their sweetness.

7. Is beef liver good for you?

Yes, beef liver is highly nutritious. It’s rich in iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins, making it a great food for boosting energy and supporting overall health.

8. Can I freeze leftover liver?

It’s not ideal to freeze liver as it can affect its texture, but if you do, make sure it’s well-wrapped in an airtight container. Use it within a month for the best results.

9. How can I make this dish less greasy?

If you’d like to reduce the amount of oil, you can use a non-stick pan or reduce the amount of olive oil used in cooking.

10. What can I serve this with?

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

Conclusion

Classic beef liver with sautéed onions is a flavorful and nutritious dish that can be made quickly and easily with just a few simple ingredients. The combination of tender beef liver and sweet caramelized onions makes for a well-balanced meal that’s packed with vitamins and minerals. Whether you’re new to cooking liver or a seasoned fan, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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