12 Beef Liver Recipes

Looking for ways to make beef liver not just tolerable, but actually enjoyable? I’ve got you covered! I’ve picked some delicious beef liver recipes – from pancakes to burgers – to show you how delicious this superfood can be.

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Jump to: ℹ️ Overview | 😋 Beef Liver Taste | 🔢 Nutrition | 🥘 How To Cook | 🍽️ Recipes | ❓ FAQs

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Beef liver is an underrated ingredient that I’d like to give the spotlight to today. It’s an excellent, cost-effective protein source with impressive nutrients and a surprisingly versatile culinary profile. Incorporating it into your diet can help you to meet the recommended intake of many essential vitamins, minerals, and iron.

When it comes to organ meats and liver health benefits, these foods are one of the most nutritional choices we can make, and beef liver really stands out as a superfood.

Before we get into some of my favourite beef liver recipes, here is a quick lowdown on this special food.

Beef Liver Nutrition

Here is what you’re looking at per 4 oz of raw beef liver:

Calories: 153, Protein: 23 grams, Carbs: 4.5 grams, Fat: 4 grams, Iron: 5.6 mg (31% RDA*), Vitamin A: 5634 mcg (805% RDA), Vitamin B12: 67.2 mcg (1681% RDA), Copper: 11.1 mg (851% RDA). To mention a few! RDA = recommended daily allowance

Plus, beef liver is rich in other B vitamins such as riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), folate, and minerals such as phosphorus and potassium. As you can see, you’re getting much more vitamin A, B12, and copper than you need.

As a nutrition coach, I also have to mention that these are safe quantities to eat occasionally, but you do risk a vitamin A overdose if you eat a full serving of beef liver every day. Excess vitamin A is also particularly dangerous to pregnant women.

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What Does Beef Liver Taste Like

Beef liver has a bold, rich, and unique taste. It’s high in iron so it has that mineral-rich, coppery (kind of like metalic) taste which can be quite intense. It’s often described as earthy and meaty, with a slightly game-y taste.

Beef liver varies a lot depending on the animal it comes from. Calf or veal liver is more similar to chicken liver, rich and velvety, grainy when overcooked. Mature beef liver is game-y and often more intense. You may also notice a difference in the taste based on whether the beef was grass-fed or not.

The texture is firm but tender, and it absorbs flavours really well when cooked with spices or paired with sweet ingredients like caramelized onions or even a fruit glaze (just like any other liver).

What Can I Buy Beef Liver?

You can find beef liver at most grocery stores, often in the frozen section if not fresh. It’s also readily available at butcher shops and farmers’ markets. If you’re buying from a store, look for grass-fed or organic liver for the highest quality. Online meat delivery services are another great option for getting high-quality beef liver.

How To Cook Beef Liver (My Quick Tips)

1. Soak in milk: This helps reduce the liver’s strong taste. Let it soak for about 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Slice thinly: Thin slices cook faster and more evenly.
3. Season well: Liver loves bold flavours. Garlic, onions, and herbs like thyme are great companions.
4. Quick cooking: Liver can become tough if overcooked. Sear it quickly on each side over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Liver hack: Another cool way to use beef liver in small amounts is to freeze a piece of liver first. Then once it is frozen, you can grate a little bit of frozen liver into any meat stew or meatball mixture.

Best Beef Liver Recipes

These recipes serve as a good introduction to using beef liver. They may also inspire seasoned liver eaters to make something new and exciting. Beef liver can be used as the standalone protein in a dish with a marinated skewer recipe, or hidden in recipes like beef and pork meatballs to be served with pasta. Let’s get into some of my favourite beef liver ideas.

Liver With Caramelised Onions & Grapes

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In this liver recipe, I use lamb liver, but it would work well with beef liver too. The sweetness from the onions and grapes gives this dish a beautiful, complex flavour. Calories (per serving): 288, Protein: 20 grams, Carbs: 12 grams, Fat: 19 grams

Hidden Liver Italian Meatballs

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These sneaky liver meatballs cut the strong flavour with milder ingredients like beef and pork mince. Serve with your favourite red sauce and pasta. Recipe from Flourishing Motherhood. Calories (per serving): 334, Protein: 30 grams, Carbs: 7 grams, Fat: 20 grams

Grilled Beef Liver

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These simple skewers are quite appetizing, perfect for pairing with veggie skewers or mixing and matching proteins. Plus, this recipe features a Peruvian Anticucho-inspired marinade. Recipe from Yang’s Nourishing Kitchen. Calories (per serving): 227, Protein: 31 grams, Carbs: 10 grams, Fat: 2 grams

Beef Liver Stir Fry

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This vibrant stir-fry comes to life with a simple soy sauce, served over lo mein noodles for a healthier, at-home rendition of your favourite takeaway. Recipe from Let The Baking Begin. Calories (per serving): 817, Protein: 45 grams, Carbs: 98 grams, Fat: 28 grams

Beef Liver Pâté

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Pâté is definitely my go-to recommendation for an intro to eating liver. It’s decadent and delicious, packed with heavy cream, butter, and spices which help to subdue intense beef liver flavour. Recipe from Prepare And Nourish. Calories (per 2 oz. serving): 108, Protein: 9 grams, Carbs: 5 grams, Fat: 5 grams

Liver Sandwiches

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This Egyptian street food-inspired sub is an easy weeknight dinner with lightly fried strips of liver, spiced and cooked to tender perfection. Recipe from Amira’s Pantry. Calories (per serving): 332, Protein: 37 grams, Carbs: 9 grams, Fat: 6 grams

Beef Liver And Onions

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Keep it simple and master the technique of cooking beef liver with this quintessential comfort food dish. Recipe from Garden In The Kitchen. Calories (per serving): 567, Protein: 23 grams, Carbs: 6 grams, Fat: 48 grams

Stir-Fried Beef Liver and Onions With Balsamic Glaze

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Here’s another stir-fry recipe with veggies and a slightly sweet balsamic glaze, delicious to serve atop a bed of rice. Recipe from Fed By The Farm. Calories (per serving): 319, Protein: 34 grams, Carbs: 20 grams, Fat: 10 grams

Fried Beef Liver

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This comforting recipe is simple to prepare with crispy potatoes, quick-fried liver, tangy lemon juice, and Turkish-inspired seasoning to round out the unique flavour in this dish. Recipe from Picnic On A Broom. Calories (per serving): 738, Protein: 59 grams, Carbs: 77 grams, Fat: 21 grams

Beef Liver Pancakes With Strawberry Glaze

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Yes, you read that right—liver pancakes! These protein-packed, Paleo, and AIP-friendly pancakes are paired with a sweet and tangy strawberry glaze. It’s a creative way to sneak in nutrient-rich beef liver without freaking anyone out at breakfast. Recipe from Ash Eats. Protein: 40 grams, Carbs: 5-7 grams, Fat: 74 grams.

Beef & Liver Meatballs

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Who knew meatballs could be this nutritious? These beef liver meatballs combine ground beef and liver for a double punch of protein and iron, perfect for keto or low-carb diets. Trust me, even the liver-averse might be fooled! Recipe from Eat Like An Adult.

Beef And Liver Burger

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These burgers sneak in liver with ground beef for a nutrient boost while staying juicy and flavourful. Great for Paleo, keto and Whole30 fans who want a burger fix with a side of health benefits! Recipe from A Girl Worth Saving. Calories (per serving): 518, Protein: 53 grams, Carbs: 2 grams, Fat: 31 grams.

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Beef Liver FAQs

Is beef liver healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with iron, vitamin A, B vitamins, and high-quality protein.

Can you freeze beef liver?

Absolutely. Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months.

How can I reduce the liver taste?

Soaking in milk or lemon juice helps mellow the flavour. Combining it with other meats (like in meatballs or burgers) also makes it more palatable.

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