Stir-Fried Liver
A quick and flavorful stir-fried liver dish with garlic, scallions, and mushrooms, perfect for those seeking a savory, protein-rich meal with Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the calf's liver thin and mix with cornstarch and crushed garlic. Brown quickly in hot peanut oil.
- Add finely sliced onion and mushrooms. Stir-fry until the meat is evenly browned.
- Add chopped scallions and soy sauce. Continue cooking with constant stirring for 6 to 9 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tender texture, ensure the calf's liver is sliced very thin. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider soaking the liver in milk for an hour before cooking. You can substitute scallions with regular onions or chives, and mushrooms can be replaced with bell peppers or snap peas for variation. For a sweet twist, try adding a splash of Teriyaki Sauce Marinade during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stir-fried liver over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of Chinese Cabbage Stir-Fry for added crunch and flavor. For a fresh contrast, consider a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables as a side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the liver, which can make it tough. You can also microwave it briefly, covered, to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stir-Fried Liver contains roughly 329 calories, with 7g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2421mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken liver instead of calf's liver?
Yes, chicken liver can be used as a substitute; however, it cooks faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken liver has a richer taste, which may change the flavor profile of the dish slightly.
What can I do if the liver is too tough?
If the liver turns out tough, it may have been overcooked. To avoid this, cook it quickly over high heat and keep an eye on it. If you have leftovers, consider slicing them thin and stir-frying briefly with a sauce to tenderize.
How can I make this dish more colorful?
To add more color, include bell peppers and snap peas along with the scallions. You can also incorporate a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, which not only enhance the visual appeal but also the flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).