Sweet And Sour Chicken Livers
Sweet and savory chicken livers coated in cornstarch, stir-fried with red peppers and infused with ginger, garlic, soy, sherry, and vinegar, then combined with pasta salad and pineapple for a flavorful, hearty dish suitable for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken livers
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil ⓘ
- 1 medium red bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons dry sherry ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons cider vinegar
- 1 package frozen pasta salad Orientale ⓘ
- 20 oz can unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 6 scallions ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the chicken livers in half and pat dry with paper towels.
- Shake the livers in a plastic bag with cornstarch until well coated.
- Heat peanut oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until hot.
- Add chopped red bell pepper and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
- Add the coated chicken livers and cook, stirring often, until browned outside but still rosy inside, about 3 minutes.
- Add mashed garlic and grated ginger, then reduce heat to medium.
- Mix soy sauce, dry sherry, and cider vinegar together.
- Add the sauce mixture to the skillet, cover and cook for 8 minutes.
- Stir in frozen pasta salad and drained pineapple chunks.
- Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with thinly sliced scallions before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute chicken livers with chicken breast, though the cooking time will vary. If you can't find frozen pasta salad Orientale, any stir-fried noodle or rice dish can serve as a great alternative. Adjust the soy sauce to taste if you prefer a less salty flavor. Adding vegetables like snap peas or carrots can enhance the dish and add color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over steamed rice or with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken With Cashews for a delightful dinner spread. For a refreshing contrast, consider a simple cucumber salad or a light soup. Garnish with additional scallions for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken Livers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chicken Livers contains roughly 690 calories, with 15g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2557mg per serving (111% 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 fresh chicken livers instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh chicken livers can be used instead of frozen ones. Just ensure they are clean and properly prepared before cooking. Fresh livers may require slightly less cooking time, so watch them closely for doneness.
What can I substitute for dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry on hand, you can use a splash of white wine or even a mix of apple cider vinegar and a bit of water as a substitute. The goal is to maintain the balance of acidity and flavor in the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Just prepare and store it in portions. When ready to eat, simply reheat as mentioned in the storage section. It keeps well and can be a quick lunch option throughout the week.
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).