Recipes

Beef Liver and Bacon Skewers

by Edina Szender
Ingredients: 1 lb Beef liver (cut into 1-inch chunks) 2 tbsp Olive oil 2 tbsp Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) Salt and pepper (to taste) 6-8 slices Bacon (cut into halves or thirds, depending on skewer size) Fresh mixed greens (for serving) Instructions: Marinate the Beef Liver: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the beef liver chunks to the marinade and toss gently to coat the liver evenly. Let it marinate for about 20-30 minutes (or longer, if you have the time, up to an hour) to let the flavors soak in. Prepare the Skewers: While the liver is marinating, cut the bacon slices into halves or thirds, depending on the size of your skewers. You’ll want the bacon pieces to be about the same size as the liver chunks. Once marinated, alternate threading the beef liver chunks and bacon slices onto your skewers. You can fit about 3-4 pieces of liver and bacon on each skewer, depending on their size. Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally to ensure the bacon crisps up and the liver is cooked through but still tender. The bacon should be crispy and browned, while the liver should still be pink in the center (medium-rare to medium doneness is ideal). Serve: Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the skewers with a side of mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or a simple salad) for a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the liver and bacon. Tips: Grill Tip: Make sure to watch the skewers closely while grilling, as liver can become tough if overcooked. It should still have a bit of pinkness in the center. Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or chili flakes on the liver before marinating for an added kick. Serving Options: These skewers can also be served with a dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli or a spicy mustard, for a little extra flavor. These Beef Liver and Bacon Skewers are a fun, flavorful dish that combines the richness of liver with the smoky goodness of bacon. Perfect for grilling season or a unique dinner option, they are both hearty and delicious! Enjoy!

Beef Liver Pâté

by Edina Szender
Ingredients: 1 lb Beef liver (trimmed and cut into chunks) 1 Onion (sliced thinly) 2 cloves Garlic (minced) 1 tsp Fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme) 2 tbsp Brandy (optional but adds depth) 4 tbsp Butter (divided) Salt (to taste) Fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or thyme for garnish) Bread or crackers (for serving) Instructions: Cook the Beef Liver: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the beef liver chunks and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the center. You don’t want to overcook the liver, as it can become tough. Once the liver is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside to cool slightly. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Deglaze with Brandy: Add a splash of brandy to the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the brandy to reduce for about 1-2 minutes, then remove the pan from heat. Blend the Pâté: Place the cooked liver, sautéed onions, garlic, thyme, and brandy mixture into a food processor or blender. Process until smooth, adding a pinch of salt to taste. If the pâté seems too thick, you can add a little extra melted butter to reach a creamy consistency. Chill: Transfer the pâté mixture into a bowl or small dish and smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This helps the flavors meld and the pâté set to a spreadable consistency. Serve: Serve the chilled pâté spread on crusty bread or crackers, garnished with a sprinkle of coarse salt and fresh herbs (like parsley, thyme, or chives) for added freshness. Tips: Brandy Substitutes: If you don’t have brandy, you can substitute with cognac, whiskey, or even a little red winefor a slightly different flavor profile. Make Ahead: This pâté can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. It actually improves in flavor as it rests! Add-Ins: If you like, you can stir in a spoonful of crème fraîche or cream cheese after blending for a creamier texture. This Beef Liver Pâté is rich, smooth, and full of depth, with the earthy liver balanced by sweet onions, garlic, and the slight acidity of brandy. Spread it on your favorite bread or crackers for a savory, gourmet treat. Perfect for a special occasion, dinner party appetizer, or a simple indulgence! Enjoy!

Classic Pan-Seared Beef Liver

by Edina Szender
Ingredients: 1 lb Beef liver (sliced into thin pieces, about 1/4-inch thick) 1/2 cup All-purpose flour 1 tsp Salt 1/2 tsp Black pepper 2 tbsp Butter 2 tbsp Olive oil 1 Onion (sliced thin) 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar (for drizzling) Instructions: Prepare the Liver: Slice the beef liver into thin pieces (about 1/4-inch thick). If the liver has any membranes, remove those as they can be tough. In a shallow dish or plate, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each piece of liver in the seasoned flour, making sure both sides are well coated. Shake off any excess flour. Cook the Onions: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until golden and soft, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Pan-Sear the Liver: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil and butter are hot, add the floured liver slices in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the liver is browned and cooked through, but still tender. Avoid overcooking, as liver can become tough if cooked too long. You may need to cook the liver in batches depending on the size of your skillet, so don’t overcrowd the pan. Finish the Dish: Once the liver is cooked, return the sautéed onions to the skillet and toss them gently with the liver. Drizzle the entire dish with a small amount of balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 30 seconds to allow the vinegar to infuse the liver and onions with flavor. Serve: Plate the liver and onion mixture and serve immediately. Tips: Liver Doneness: Liver is best served medium-rare to medium, as it can get tough and dry if overcooked. The key is to cook it just long enough to develop a rich flavor but still remain tender. Flavor Variations: For a bit more depth, you can add a splash of red wine or sherry to the skillet after cooking the liver, allowing it to reduce slightly before adding the onions back in. Side Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, sautéed greens (like spinach or kale), or roasted root vegetables. This Classic Pan-Seared Beef Liver is a deliciously rich and savory dish that’s quick to prepare. The balsamic vinegar brings a tangy contrast to the richness of the liver, while the sautéed onions add sweetness and depth. Perfect for an elevated dinner or a comfort food treat! Enjoy!

Classic Beef Liver and Onions

by Edina Szender
Ingredients: For the Beef Liver: 1 lb beef liver, thinly sliced 1 cup milk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 3 tbsp butter (or more, as needed) For the Caramelized Onions: 2 large onions, thinly sliced 2 tbsp butter 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar (optional, for extra caramelization) For the Mashed Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed 1/4 cup milk 3 tbsp butter 1-2 tbsp prepared horseradish (to taste) Salt and pepper, to taste For the Steamed Green Peas: 2 cups fresh or frozen green peas Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions: Soak the Liver: Place the thinly sliced beef liver in a shallow dish and pour the milk over it. Let it soak for about 1 hour in the refrigerator. This helps to mellow out the liver’s strong flavor and tenderize the meat. Prepare the Flour Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Caramelize the Onions: While the liver soaks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20–25 minutes, or until the onions are soft, golden, and caramelized. If desired, sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar over the onions halfway through to enhance the caramelization. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, horseradish, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. Cook the Beef Liver: After soaking, remove the liver slices from the milk and pat them dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece of liver in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated. In the same skillet used for the onions, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the liver slices and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the liver, as it can become tough. The outside should be crispy while the inside stays tender and slightly pink. Finish the Dish: Once the liver is cooked, return the caramelized onions to the skillet and toss them gently with the liver to reheat. Alternatively, you can serve the onions on top of the liver. Steam the Green Peas: In a small pot, bring a little water to a boil. Add the peas, cover, and steam for 3-5 minutes, or until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Serve: Plate the liver and onions alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes with horseradish. Serve with a side of steamed green peas for a classic, comforting meal. Enjoy your rich and flavorful Liver and Onions with mashed potatoes and peas—an absolute classic!