In this easy 30-minute recipe, thin slices of beef liver are seasoned, quickly sauteed in olive oil, then topped with caramelized onions.
If you’re willing to give internal organs a try, as long as you don’t overcook the livers, you’re in for a treat!
As someone who comes of dual descent, European and Israeli, I was never one to shun organ meats. I actually love them. Each of them (liver, tongue, heart, cheeks, etc.) has its own unique flavor and texture.
While beef liver may not be the best choice for those just starting out eating offal, due to its strong flavor, it’s one of my favorite internal organs to eat. As long as you either soak it in milk before cooking or use a young calf’s liver, its flavor can be quite mild. And the sweet, caramelized onions definitely help!
Beef Liver and Onions
Thin slices of beef liver are cooked in olive oil, then served with caramelized onions. Make sure not to overcook the liver! When cooked to medium-rare it’s tender and sweet.
INGREDIENTS
- ▢1 lb calves’ liver (not mature beef liver*), thinly sliced
- ▢½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ▢¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ▢½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ▢1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced, slices separated into rings
- ▢2 tablespoons olive oil divided
INSTRUCTIONS
- Arrange the liver slices on a cutting board or on a couple of large plates. Blot them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large (12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions. Cook, stirring often, until golden-brown, about 7 minutes. If the pan gets too hot, lower the heat to medium.
- Remove the onions from the skillet with a slotted spoon. Place them on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Carefully wipe the skillet clean with paper towels (it will be hot). Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and lower the heat to medium. Add the liver slices, in two batches if needed.
- Cook the livers briefly, about 3 minutes per side. Don’t overcook them or they’ll become tough and grainy**. If there are a few thicker or misshapen slices or chunks, you can briefly cook them on the edges too. But first, remove the already-cooked thin slices to a plate.
- Arrange the cooked livers on a serving plate, top them with the sautéed onions, and serve.
NOTES
*The liver of the mature cow has a dense, gummy texture and a strong metallic flavor. A calf’s liver is relatively tender and mild. If all you can find is a mature cow’s liver, it’s not a bad idea to soak it in milk while you prepare and cook the onions. This will help reduce the metallic taste.