Liver and Onions Recipe

5 from 3 reviews

Be prepared to become a liver convert after trying this delicious and quick recipe. Liver and onions is a budget-friendly, nutrient-dense meal.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: liver, liver recipe

Servings: portions

Author: The Modern Nonna

Equipment

Ingredients

500 grams chicken, beef, or veal liver about 1 pound
salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons avocado oil
1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
1 tablespoon white wine or chicken or beef broth (optional)
⅓ cup heavy cream
fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

If you are using chicken liver, you don't need to cut it as it's smaller to begin with. If you use beef/calf liver, cut it into equal, bite-sized pieces.
First, pat the liver dry with paper towels. If you want to reduce the gamey liver taste, you can soak the livers in cold water, milk, or buttermilk for 15 minutes to 3 hours; then rinse and pat dry.
Add the liver to a bowl, season with salt and pepper and add 1 tablespoon of the avocado oil. Massage or mix with a spoon.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil to a pan. Heat the oil on medium-heat and once it shimmers, add the liver, making sure they are spaced apart so they don't steam. The liver should sizzle as it cooks.
Cook for about 2 minutes on each side for beef liver and 3 minutes on each side for chicken liver. Liver cooks incredibly fast and it's better not to overcook it for best results, as it will be way more tender and palatable.
Add in the onions and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until they have softened. Add the wine or broth, if using, and let cook for 30 seconds. Add the cream and stir for another minute. Transfer the liver and onions to a plate and garnish with chives, if using.

Video

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="g7FzNOlb" upload-date="2025-02-22T00:00:00.000Z" name="Liver and Onions Recipe" description="My Liver and Onions Recipe is one of my favorite childhood meals. I grew up eating different parts of animals, such as liver and other organs, as they were always cheaper or more accessible to a family on a ? budget. In this way, my family raised me to enjoy and appreciate the whole animal. I know that a lot of people don’t like the thought of eating liver, but liver is incredibly good for you and is actually considered a superfood. Cooked properly, it’s absolutely delicious, so I really hope you try this out! If you like liver, please let me know in the comments how you like to prepare it for your family."]

Notes

Doneness: You'll want to cook the chicken liver for about 3 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) for chicken liver.
If you're making beef/calf liver, don't overcook it. This tip will turn you from a hater to a lover. You want a bit of pink for beef/calf liver.
Flavor Additions: Although not traditional, you can also add some thinly sliced fresh garlic along with the onions, as well as fresh thyme leaves.
Gluten-Free: This is a gluten-free version of Liver and Onions. A lot of people dredge their liver in a bit of all-purpose flour before cooking, but I don't find this step necessary.

Nutrition