Liver is lean, delicious and a nutritional powerhouse. It’s also among the least-expensive beef products at most markets, so it pays to get to know it better. While it used to be in the dinner rotation in many households, the popularity of liver has fallen so much that today many Americans don’t know what it tastes like and some supermarkets no longer carry it. Seek it out and you may be surprised by how quick, easy and tasty it is to cook. All you need is one pan and a few minutes.
How to Pan-Fry Liver
Step one: Prep the cut. If your cut has a membrane attache, separate it by using a paring knife to cut through it and peel it off. You can slice the liver, cut it into big chunks or cook it whole; if slicing, leave pieces at least 1/2-inch thick so they don’t dry out while cooking.
Step two: Marinate. Place the liver in a shallow bowl and add enough buttermilk or milk to just cover it. Leave to soak at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours to mellow the flavors.
Step three: Season. Drain the liver and pat it dry. Season it with salt and pepper and any other spices you like. Dip it in flour and shake off excess; this will help it form a nice browned crust during cooking.
Step four: Pan-fry over medium-high. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add liver slices (work in batches if necessary) and cook until browned on one side. Flip and cooked the other side just until browned. Cooking time will vary, but should be minutes. The liver should be pink in the middle and no more than medium.
Pieces of raw beef liver soaked in milk in a wooden bowl and ingredients for cooking on the table
Is Beef Liver Nutritious?
Liver is particularly nutrient-dense, so much so that’s it’s often referred to as a superfood. It’s much lower in fat and higher in protein than muscle meats and includes high amounts of iron, zinc, vitamin A and B vitamins. Liver is a source of cholesterol, so be mindful if cholesterol levels is a major concern.
In both animals and humans, liver performs the function of processing toxins and making them easy for the body to excrete. For this reason some people believe that beef liver is itself high in toxins, although this is not supported by evidence. If you’re concerned about unwanted elements in your animal proteins, buy antibiotic-free and organic meats.
How To Make Tender,Flavorful Beef Liver & Onions
FAQ
Does beef liver have to be cooked well done?
How done should liver be cooked?
Can you eat liver medium rare?
Is liver supposed to be boiled before cooking?