Here’s a classic and hearty recipe for Beef Liver and Onions — old-school comfort food that’s flavorful, iron-rich, and surprisingly tender when cooked properly. It’s especially good with mashed potatoes and a simple veggie on the side.
🥩 Beef Liver and Onions
🍽️ Serves: 4
⏱️ Ready in: 30–35 minutes
✅ Ingredients:
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1 lb beef liver, sliced into ½-inch strips
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2 cups buttermilk (for soaking)
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2 large onions, thinly sliced
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3 tbsp butter (divided)
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1–2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
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½ cup flour (for dredging)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or thyme
🧂 Why Soak in Buttermilk?
Soaking liver in buttermilk for 30–60 minutes (or up to a few hours) mellows its strong flavor and helps tenderize it. You can use milk if you don’t have buttermilk, but buttermilk works best.
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep the liver:
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Rinse the liver gently and pat dry. Soak in buttermilk in a bowl or bag for at least 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry again.
2. Caramelize the onions:
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In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil over medium heat.
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Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft (10–15 minutes). Remove from pan and keep warm.
3. Dredge the liver:
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Mix flour with a little salt, pepper, and optional spices (like paprika or garlic powder).
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Lightly dredge each liver slice in seasoned flour. Shake off excess.
4. Cook the liver:
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In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp butter + a splash of oil.
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Cook liver slices over medium-high heat for about 2–3 minutes per side — just until browned outside and barely pink inside. Do not overcook; it gets tough fast.
5. Combine and serve:
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Return onions to the pan, stir gently, and warm through.
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Serve immediately.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
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Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles
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Green beans, collard greens, or steamed broccoli
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A splash of gravy, hot sauce, or vinegar for brightness
🔁 Tips & Variations:
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Use calf’s liver if you prefer a milder, more tender option.
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Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine to the onions for depth.
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Make a quick pan gravy with the drippings and extra flour + broth.