- Rinse the liver under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Remove any thin membrane or connective tissue if necessary.
- Slice into serving-sized pieces.
Tip: For a milder flavor, soak the liver in milk for 30–60 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Step 2: Season the Flour
In a shallow bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Dredge each piece of liver in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown.
- Stir in the thyme if using.
- Transfer the onions to a plate and keep warm.
Step 4: Cook the Liver
- Add the remaining butter and olive oil to the skillet.
- Place the liver slices in a single layer.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side for thin slices, or 3–4 minutes per side for thicker slices.
- Avoid overcooking—the liver should remain tender with a slight blush in the center.
Step 5: Make the Gravy (Optional)
- Remove the liver from the skillet.
- Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the pan.
- Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until thickened.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
- Return the caramelized onions to the skillet.
- Place the liver on top.
- Spoon the gravy over everything and heat for 1–2 minutes.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered green beans
- Steamed peas
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread
Tips for the Best Liver and Onions
- Soaking the liver in milk helps mellow its strong flavor and can make it more tender.
- Don’t overcook the liver, as it can become dry and tough.
- Sweet onions such as Vidalia or yellow onions caramelize beautifully.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce adds extra depth to the onions.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently over low heat.
Enjoy this classic Liver and Onions recipe—a hearty, old-fashioned meal with tender liver, sweet caramelized onions, and rich, savory flavor! 🥩🧅