Indulge in the rich flavor and tender texture of calves liver with these 19 mouthwatering recipe ideas. From classic dishes to innovative twists, this list showcases a variety of ways to prepare this underrated cut of meat. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, you’ll find inspiration for gourmet meals that will impress your friends and family.
In the following pages, we’ll explore a range of flavors and techniques to elevate your calves liver cooking game. From sweet and savory glazes to rich and creamy sauces, each recipe offers a unique spin on this versatile ingredient. So go ahead, get adventurous, and discover the delicious world of calves liver!
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Pan-Seared Calves Liver with Caramelized Onions
Savor the rich flavor of calves liver paired with sweet and savory caramelized onions, making for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 calves livers, trimmed
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the calves liver with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the livers and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
5. Serve the pan-seared livers with the caramelized onions spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Calves Liver and Bacon with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and savory dish that combines tender calves liver, crispy bacon, and a tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of calves liver
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add calves liver and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Stir in balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve calves liver topped with crispy bacon and spoon some of the balsamic glaze over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crispy Fried Calves Liver with Garlic Aioli
Savor the rich flavor of calves liver paired with the creamy richness of garlic aioli, all wrapped up in a crispy fried package. This decadent appetizer is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of calves liver
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Garlic aioli (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each slice of liver into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry livers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Serve immediately with garlic aioli and chopped parsley (if using).
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Grilled Calves Liver with Herb Butter
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the richness of calves liver with the brightness of fresh herbs and a pat of butter.
Ingredients:
– 4 calves liver slices
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season liver slices with salt and pepper.
3. Grill liver for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. Meanwhile, mix butter, parsley, chives, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
5. Once liver is done, spread herb butter on top of each slice.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes total
Calves Liver Pâté with Truffle Oil
This rich and creamy pâté is a perfect combination of flavors, featuring tender calves liver infused with the earthy notes of truffle oil. Serve it as an appetizer or use it as a spread for crackers or toast.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound calves liver, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons truffle oil
Instructions:
1. In a pan over medium heat, cook the chopped liver until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine cooked liver, heavy cream, butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
4. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in truffle oil.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Calves Liver and Onions in Red Wine Sauce
A timeless British dish that combines tender calves liver with caramelized onions and a rich red wine sauce, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 calves livers
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 20 minutes).
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Season the calves liver with salt and pepper.
5. Sear the livers in the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side or until browned.
6. Remove the livers from the skillet and set aside.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the red wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
8. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Return the calves liver to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cooked to your liking.
10. Serve hot, spooning some of the rich red wine sauce over the top.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Spiced Calves Liver with Cumin and Coriander
This flavorful dish is a twist on the classic calves liver recipe, adding warm spices like cumin and coriander to give it an exotic flair. The result is a tender and aromatic dish perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 calves livers, sliced into thin medallions
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the calves liver medallions and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Sprinkle with cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Calves Liver Stroganoff with Mushrooms
This recipe puts a unique spin on the classic beef stroganoff by using tender calves liver and sautéed mushrooms. The result is a rich, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound calves liver, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add liver strips and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, mushrooms, and garlic; sauté until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Return liver strips to skillet; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Braised Calves Liver in Creamy Mustard Sauce
Braised Calves Liver in Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe
A rich and flavorful dish that showcases the tender texture of calves liver, smothered in a creamy mustard sauce. This classic recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 calves livers, cleaned and trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the liver with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the liver for 2-3 minutes on each side, then transfer to a baking dish.
4. In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer sauce over low heat until thickened, about 5 minutes.
7. Serve the braised liver with the creamy mustard sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Calves Liver Kebabs with Lemon and Thyme
Calves liver kebabs are a unique and flavorful twist on traditional skewers, pairing the tender organ meat with bright lemon and thyme. This recipe yields a deliciously savory and aromatic dish perfect for a special occasion or casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound calves liver, sliced into thin strips
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add sliced calves liver and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Remove liver from marinade and thread onto skewers with thyme sprigs.
5. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until liver is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Calves Liver and Apples with Sage
This classic dish combines tender calves liver with sweet apples and fragrant sage, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. A perfect fall-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 calves livers, sliced into thin pieces
– 2 large apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add livers and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
3. Remove livers from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add olive oil.
4. Add sliced apples to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
5. Add chopped sage to the skillet and stir to combine with apples.
6. Return livers to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until livers are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Classic Venetian-Style Calves Liver
Classic Venetian-Style Calves Liver: A Delightful Italian Dish
This traditional Venetian recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, allowing the tender calves liver to take center stage. By braising it in a flavorful mixture of butter, onions, and white wine, you’ll create a dish that’s both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 calves liver slices
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dry white wine
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the liver slices with salt and black pepper.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add white wine and beef broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Place the liver slices in the skillet, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Calves Liver with Caramelized Shallots and Rosemary
This recipe elevates the humble calf’s liver to a rich and satisfying dish, perfectly balanced by the sweet and savory flavors of caramelized shallots and rosemary. With its tender texture and deep flavor profile, this is an impressive addition to any dinner table.
Ingredients:
– 4 calf’s liver slices
– 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the calf’s liver with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the liver for 2 minutes per side, then transfer to the oven for 8-10 minutes or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. Meanwhile, cook the shallots in a separate pan with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
5. Remove the liver from the oven and top each slice with a spoonful of caramelized shallots and a sprig of rosemary. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Calves Liver Mousse with Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with this rich and creamy calves liver mousse, served on toasted crostini for a perfect pairing. This elegant hors d’oeuvre is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked calves liver
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– Crostini bread, toasted
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cooked calves liver, heavy cream, butter, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Spoon the mousse onto toasted crostini bread.
4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus cooking time for calves liver)
Calves Liver Ragout with Wild Mushrooms
This classic French dish combines tender calves liver with a rich mixture of wild mushrooms and creamy sauce, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. With its earthy flavors and velvety texture, this ragout is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 calf’s livers, sliced into thin strips
– 1 cup mixed wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, cremini, and shiitake), cleaned and sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the liver strips and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Add the cooked liver strips back into the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Calves Liver in Marsala Wine Sauce
A classic Italian-inspired dish that pairs rich calves liver with a flavorful Marsala wine sauce, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 4 calf’s livers, sliced into thin rounds
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Marsala wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add calf’s liver slices and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
4. Remove livers from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add Marsala wine and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in flour to thicken sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve calf’s liver slices with Marsala wine sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Calves Liver with Pancetta and Capers
This classic Italian dish combines tender calves liver with crispy pancetta and tangy capers, resulting in a rich and satisfying flavor profile. This simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 calves livers
– 6 slices of pancetta, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season calves livers with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove pancetta from the skillet and set aside. Leave the oil in the pan.
5. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add calves livers to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until liver is cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with capers. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Calves Liver Dumplings in Broth
Rich and flavorful, these calves liver dumplings are a hearty and comforting meal option. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or as a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 500g calves liver, finely chopped
– 250g all-purpose flour
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Chicken broth, warmed
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine chopped liver, flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Bring a large pot of chicken broth to a simmer. Using wet hands, shape the liver mixture into small dumplings (about 1 inch in diameter).
4. Carefully add the dumplings to the broth, being mindful not to overcrowd the pot.
5. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the dumplings float to the surface.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Calves Liver and Potato Hash
A hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or brunch. This recipe combines tender calves liver with crispy potato hash, onions, and bell peppers for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound calves liver, sliced into thin strips
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 1 large bell pepper, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the calves liver and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced potatoes and chopped onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
4. Add the chopped bell pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Serve the calves liver on top of the potato hash mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Elevate your culinary game with these 19 mouthwatering calf’s liver recipes. From classic dishes to innovative twists, this collection offers something for every gourmet meal. Try pan-searing calf’s liver with caramelized onions, or go bold with crispy fried calf’s liver and garlic aioli. For a taste of the Mediterranean, grill calf’s liver with herb butter and serve with roasted vegetables. Whatever your palate desires, these savory recipes are sure to impress. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a culinary adventure with these delicious calf’s liver dishes.
