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Fried Beef Liver Recipe

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Are you looking for a new spin on your favorite beef liver recipe? Learn how to make this scrumptious fried beef liver recipe. It’s absolutely worth it!

Crispy fried beef liver on a white plate.

Beef liver is probably the most popular organ meat out there. But to some, it’s still not ending up on their table anytime soon! But today, I hope to change that.

I admit, I used to be that way, weirded out at the thought of eating beef liver. But then, I grew up and realized it’s actually pretty good.

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It wasn’t until recently that I discovered how delicious it is battered up and fried. Honestly, you can hardly even tell it’s liver!

It kinda looks like chicken fried steak if you ask me?

Needless to say, this recipe, along with my roasted beef heart, are two organ meat recipes worth trying!

Why you will love this recipe

Unique taste and texture: Like any other liver, beef liver has a distinct flavor that draws so many to it. Plus, it’s so versatile, from frying like we did today to adding it to a beef liver stir fry.

Quick and easy: Even though there are more than a few steps in this recipe, each step is quick, easy to follow, and can be on your table in less than 30 minutes!

Easily customizable: To take this dish to the next level, add onions to the leftover batter and fry as you did the liver to make onion rings. Who wouldn’t want liver and onions? They are a combination made to be together.

The extra crispy texture is unmatched: I always say everything tastes better fried. Whether it be my fried meatballs or fried chicken tenders, I receive so much positive feedback from all my fried recipes.

Ingredients needed

  • Beef liver: I prefer using fresh, high-quality beef liver for the best flavor and texture.
  • All-purpose flour: Flour is going to be the base of our seasonings and give us the delicious crust.
  • Salt and pepper: Nothing fried can survive without some salt and pepper!
  • Buttermilk: Soaks into the liver, tenderizing it and adding a touch of tanginess.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: This helps to create a light and airy breading.
  • Egg: Eggs help bind everything together and contribute to our crispy crust.
  • Peanut oil: A neutral-flavored oil that has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying

Fried beef liver recipe

Stirring the flour up to dredge the meat through.

Step 1: Add flour, salt and pepper to one bowl.

Stirring the buttermilk batter for the crispy fried liver.

Step 2: Add baking powder and baking soda to a second bowl, then stir in the buttermilk and egg.

Dredging the liver through the flour.

Step 3: Dredge the liver through the flour and shake off any excess.

Dipping the beef liver into the batter.

Step 4: Dip the lightly floured liver into the buttermilk batter.

Adding the second coat of flour to the liver.

Step 5: Then, dredge it back through the flour. Place the liver on a plate and repeat for the rest.

Frying beef liver in a large cast iron skillet and flipping them with metal tongs.

Step 6: Preheat about a half inch of peanut oil in a deep cast iron skillet. Fry the liver, two at a time, flipping once, until crispy and dark brown. Remove to a plate or cooling rack to drain any excess grease.

Expert cooking tips

  • They take about 3-4 minutes per side to cook, though this time differs depending on the oil temperature.
  • Speaking of oil temperature, I found 325ยฐF to be the perfect temperature for frying the liver.
  • Use an instant thermometer to check the internal temperature. They should read 160ยฐF.
  • Use tongs to set the liver into the oil to prevent the oil from splattering on your hands.
  • You can also use a dutch oven for frying liver.
Setting a piece of crispy fried liver on a plate to cool.

What is beef liver?

Beef liver can be somewhat compared to chicken liver or my fried pork liver.

While it is considered a highly nutritious organ meat, it is important to consume liver in moderation due to its high vitamin A content.

What does beef liver taste like?

Have you ever tried liver before? If you are new to liver, frying is definitely a great introduction.

I can’t say that it tastes exactly like my cast iron fried chicken, but believe me, its unique flavor and texture is truly delicious and makes a satisfying dish.

Liver has a strong flavor, so it is recommended to start with small portions until you get used to the taste. Let me just say once you try it, you will like it! After all, everything tastes better fried!

Storing and reheating

Allow the meat to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating fried beef liver to its original crispiness is actually a pretty simple process. All you need to do is grab the liver from the fridge and set the contents on a sheet pan.

Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF and cook for 10 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature. And voilร , you have it!

Recipe FAQs

How long to fry beef liver?

You should fry each side for 3-4 or until it is crispy and golden brown and the internal temperature registers 160ยฐF.

Why do you put flour on the liver before frying?

Coating the liver with flour can help the liver to absorb the oil, which will obtain that desired crispy golden brown outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender. The flour also helps to hold in the spices as well as seal in the natural juices.

Which flour is best for frying?

I used all-purpose flour for this recipe, but for a gluten-free option, you can substitute it for any flour of your choice.

What is the best oil for frying?

I used peanut oil for this recipe, but you can use any oil with a high-smoke point.

Related recipes

If you tried this Fried Beef Liver Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!

Frying beef liver in a large cast iron skillet and flipping them with metal tongs.

Absolute Best Fried Beef Liver Recipe

Laura Ascher
If you love beef liver, you have come to the right place. This extra-crispy fried beef liver recipe is tender and full of savory flavors.
4.75 from 8 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 265 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Beef liver 1.5 lbs
  • 1 cup of all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
  • 1 cup of buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1 egg
  • Peanut oil

Instructions
 

  • Add flour, salt and pepper to one bowl.
  • Add baking powder, and baking soda to a second bowl, then stir in the buttermilk and egg.
  • Preheat about a half inch of peanut oil in a deep cast iron skillet or dutch oven.
  • Dredge the liver through the flour and shake off any excess.
  • Dip the liver into the buttermilk batter.
  • Then, dredge it back through the flour. Place the liver on a plate and repeat for the rest of the pieces.
  • Fry the liver, two at a time, until crispy and dark brown. (about 3-4 minutes per side)
  • Remove to a plate or cooling rack to drain excess grease before serving.

Notes

  • I like to keep the oil temperature around 325ยฐF.
  • Use an instant thermometer to check the internal temperature. They should read 160ยฐF.
  • Use tongs to set the liver into the oil to prevent the oil from splattering on your hands.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1ozCalories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 27gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 344mgSodium: 681mgPotassium: 444mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 19269IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 99mgIron: 7mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @castironskilletcooking on Instagram
    This website provides approximate nutrition information based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands, measuring methods and portion sizes per household. We recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer.

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    4.75 from 8 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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