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Absolute Best Liver and Onions

Absolute Best Liver and Onions

This liver and onions recipe is so flavorful and satisfying, it may even win over those who usually avoid liver. The secret to tender, delicious results is simple: soak the liver in milk before cooking, handle it as little as possible while it cooks, and avoid overcooking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef liver, sliced
  • 1 cup milk enough to cover liver, plus more as needed
  • 4 tbsp butter divided
  • 2 large sweet onions sliced into rings (Vidalia or yellow)
  • ½ cup flour for dredging
  • 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper plus more to taste

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients.
    2. Soak the liver. Gently rinse liver slices under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place in a shallow dish and pour in enough milk to fully cover. Let stand while preparing the onions, or longer if time allows — this removes the bitterness.
    3. Cook the onions. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion rings and cook, stirring, until tender and soft, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer onions to a bowl and set the skillet aside.
    4. Dredge the liver. Combine flour, salt, and pepper on a plate. Drain the milk from the liver and coat each slice in the seasoned flour.
    5. Sear the liver. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Fry the coated liver slices until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping only once.
    6. Combine and finish. Return the onions to the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Cook until the onions are heated through and the liver is just slightly pink in the center, or longer to your preference.
    7. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

 
  • Pat the liver completely dry before flouring for the best crust.
  • Let the liver rest a minute or two after cooking before slicing.
  • Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop rather than the microwave to avoid a rubbery texture. Not recommended for freezing.
 

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 687
  • Total Carbohydrates: 74g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 11g
  • Protein: 49g
  • Total Fat: 21g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 578mg
  • Vitamin C: 13mg
  • Sodium: 309mg
  • Calcium: 165mg
  • Iron: 12mg
  • Potassium: 939mg