π₯©π§ Classic Liver and Onions
A traditional comfort-food classic, Liver and Onions features tender, pan-seared beef liver topped with sweet caramelized onions and a rich savory gravy. This old-fashioned dish is simple, hearty, and packed with flavor.
6
β±οΈ Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
π Ingredients
π₯© Liver
- 1Β½ pounds beef liver, sliced ΒΌβΒ½ inch thick
- 1 cup milk (for soaking)
- Β½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Β½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Β½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
π§ Onion Gravy
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for caramelization)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Β½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
π©βπ³ Instructions
1. Soak the Liver
- Place liver slices in a bowl.
- Cover with milk.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
(This helps mellow the strong flavor and creates a more tender texture.)
- Drain and pat the liver dry with paper towels.
2. Cook the Onions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook for 15β20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Remove onions from the skillet and set aside.
3. Season & Cook the Liver
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Lightly coat each liver slice in the flour mixture.
- Heat olive oil and butter in the same skillet.
- Cook liver for 2β3 minutes per side until browned.
Avoid overcooking, as liver can become tough and dry.
4. Make the Gravy
- Return onions to the skillet.
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
- Simmer for 3β5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Spoon the onion gravy over the liver.
5. Serve
Serve hot with your favorite sides.
π½οΈ Serving Suggestions
Classic pairings:
- π₯ Mashed potatoes
- π₯ Crispy bacon
- π Buttered dinner rolls
- π₯ Roasted carrots
- π« Green beans
- π White rice
π‘ Tips for the Best Liver & Onions
- Don’t overcook the liverβmedium or medium-well keeps it tender.
- Calf liver is milder and more delicate than beef liver.
- Add a splash of red wine to the gravy for deeper flavor.
- For extra richness, finish the gravy with a tablespoon of butter.
- Thin slices cook quickly and stay more tender.
π§ Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a little broth to prevent drying out.
π΄ Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Classic Liver and Onions is a timeless homemade mealβsavory, comforting, and especially delicious when served with creamy mashed potatoes and rich onion gravy. π₯©π§ β¨