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Liver

Liver, a nutrient-dense organ meat, is a popular food item consumed worldwide for its unique taste and numerous health benefits. Often sourced from animals like cows, pigs, and sheep, it is prized for its high iron, vitamin A, and B-vitamin content, as well as other essential nutrients and minerals. In home cooking, liver can be incorporated into various dishes such as sautéed liver with onions, terrines, pâtés, and many more. It's essential to cook liver properly to ensure a tender result while maintaining its nutritional value. Careful preparation and storage are key to keeping the liver fresh and avoiding the strong, gamey flavor often associated with it.
#28
IN RED MEAT
135
CAL / 100G
$2.24
AVG / OZ
liver
14%
CARBS
13%
FAT
73%
PROTEIN
Liver FAQ
When cooking with liver, many people grapple with the distinct taste it has, often described as 'gamey' or 'metallic'. This is caused by the high iron content in the liver. Soaking the liver in milk prior to cooking can help mellow out this strong, metallic taste. Others make the mistake of overcooking liver, which can make it tough and rubbery. To get the most out of liver, it's crucial to not overcook it. Searing it quickly on high heat until it's just lightly pink in the middle will keep it tender and delicious. Another handy tip to get a good texture is to pass the liver through a fine sieve after cooking to make it smoother for pâtés and spreads. Because liver is such a nutrient-rich food, it's also important to use it as part of a balanced diet as it can contain large amounts of certain vitamins like vitamin A. A little known trick is that you can freeze liver raw and then grate it into dishes like pasta and stews, which allows for easier digestion.
How do I get rid of the strong taste in liver?
How can I make liver tender?
Can I eat liver raw?
What spices or herbs pair well with liver?
How do I purée liver for pâté?
Can liver be frozen?
Why is the liver bitter?
What is the nutritional value of liver?
Can you eat liver rare?
Why is my liver tough?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does liver expire?
When stored correctly in the refrigerator, raw liver will stay good for 1–2 days. Never leave it at room temperature, as it will spoil quickly. If the liver is cooked, it should be consumed within three to four days when refrigerated. Alternatively, if you need to store liver for longer periods, you can freeze it. Uncooked liver can be frozen for up to four months, while cooked liver dishes can be frozen for up to three months. Remember to defrost frozen liver in the refrigerator overnight before cooking or reheating it.
How do you tell if liver is bad?
The first indication that liver has spoiled is usually a strong, off-putting smell. Fresh liver has a mild smell, but when it's spoiled, you'll notice a strong, pungent, sour odor. The liver surface may appear slimy or sticky to the touch and the color might start to turn gray or brown rather than the healthy red or dark purple. Lastly, if you notice any mold on the surface, it’s definitely time to dispose of the liver.
Tips for storing liver to extend shelf life
• Always store the liver in cold conditions as soon as possible after purchase to maintain its freshness. Use a shallow, airtight container to minimize exposure to air. • If you plan to keep it in the fridge, place it on the bottom shelf to avoid dripping onto other foods. • If you want to freeze the liver, do so as soon as possible to retain the maximum quality. You can slice it into portions before freezing for easier use later. Wrap it in freezer bags or use vacuum-sealed packaging for best results. • Remember to defrost the liver properly in the refrigerator and never at room temperature. Rapid defrosting, such as in a microwave, can greatly affect the taste and texture of the liver, making it tough and chewy.
EXPIRES WITHIN
6 - 21
DAYS
Health Info
Macros
2g
CARBS
2g
FAT
13g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
KETO
PALEO
WHOLE 30
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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