How to Cook Beef Liver and Onions

Rediscover the timeless comfort of our “Classic Comfort” Beef Liver and Onions, a traditional dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table. Celebrated for its rich flavors and nutritional value, this recipe offers a tender, well-seasoned beef liver complemented by sweet, caramelized onions. Whether you’re a longtime lover of liver or looking to introduce this nutrient-packed ingredient into your meals, this classic preparation promises a satisfying experience with its depth of flavor and hearty satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love “Classic Comfort” Beef Liver and Onions:

• Nutrient-Rich: Beef liver is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
• Flavorful: The combination of savory liver and sweet onions creates a delightful taste profile.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to include additional flavors or serve alongside your favorite sides.

Ingredients Notes For “Classic Comfort” Beef Liver and Onions:

• Beef Liver: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tenderness. Soak in milk beforehand to mellow the flavor, if desired.
• Onions: Sliced into rings or half-moons and caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Flour: For dusting the liver, aiding in a slightly crispy exterior while locking in moisture.
• Butter and Oil: Used for frying, providing flavor and helping to achieve a golden-brown sear on the liver and onions.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder or thyme can enhance the liver’s rich taste.

Recipe Steps:

1. Prep the Liver: If soaking the liver in milk, do so for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator, then pat dry. Dust the liver slices lightly with seasoned flour.
2. Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet, melt butter with a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the onions, cooking until they’re soft, golden, and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Liver: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Cook the liver slices for 2-3 minutes on each side or until browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside. Avoid overcooking to keep the liver tender.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the onions to the skillet with the liver, warming through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serving Suggestions: Serve the beef liver and onions hot, accompanied by mashed potatoes, rice, or your choice of side for a complete, nourishing meal.

Storage Options:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid toughening the liver.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the liver may be adversely affected upon thawing and reheating.

How to Cook Beef Liver and Onions

Ingredients

• Beef liver: 500g about 1.1 pounds, thinly sliced
• Milk: Enough to cover the liver slices – soaking in milk helps to remove the bitter taste.
• All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup – for dredging the liver.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon – for seasoning.
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon – for seasoning.
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon – optional for added flavor.
• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons – for frying.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons – adds richness to the dish.
• Onions: 2 large thinly sliced – for sweetness.
• Beef broth or water: 1/2 cup – for deglazing the pan and making a sauce.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish – optional.

Instructions

Prep the Liver:

• Rinse the liver slices under cold water, then place them in a bowl. Cover with milk and let soak for at least an hour in the refrigerator. This step is optional but recommended to reduce the bitterness of the liver.

Dredge the Liver:

• Drain and pat the liver dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge the liver slices in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Cook the Onions:

• In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Liver:

• In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining butter. When the butter is melted, add the liver slices. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side for medium doneness. Avoid overcooking, as the liver can become tough. Remove the liver from the skillet and set aside with the onions.

Make the Sauce:

• Reduce the heat to medium. Add the beef broth or water to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is slightly reduced.

Serve:

• Return the liver and onions to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Warm through for a minute, then serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.