5.0 from 9 votes
Liver and Onions [Recipe + Video] Higado Encebollado
Try this higado encebollado our national liver with onions recipe, and if you like liver, you will certainly love this flavorful version.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
16 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 286 kcal
Course:
Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine:
South American , Dominican
Ingredients
- 2 pound Liver [0.9 kg]
- 2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper (or more, to taste)
- 2 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (lard or bacon fat)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 3 large white onion cut into very thin rings
- 1 red bell pepper cut into very thin rings (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepping liver
- Remove all the membrane surrounding the liver. Remove ducts and arteries.Cut the liver into ¼ inch [0.5 cm] slices. Pat dry the surface with a paper towel.
Cup of Yum
2. Soaking liver
- Place it in a bowl, and soak it previously covering the liver with milk for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 12 hours. This rest will also make it softer and juicier. Season it with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper.
3. Searing liver
- Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot.Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil, and sear the liver until well browned, for about 1.5 minutes. If the liver does not detach from the pan, it is not ready to turn yet. Give it a couple of seconds.Turn each piece and brown for an additional minute. At this time, you can check that the internal temperature is between 145 °F and 150 °F [62 °C – 65 °C]. It will finish cooking when you sauté it with the onion. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to do it in one or two batches.Remove it from the pan, place it on a plate and set aside.
4. Cooking the onions
- In the same pan over medium-high heat, place the other tablespoon of oil, melt the butter, and add the onions and bell pepper. Season with the rest of the salt and pepper. Cook and stir the onions until they become translucent and tender.Return the reserved liver to the pan, and sauté it with the onion for a minute.
5. Serving
- Taste and add salt and pepper to taste if necessary. Remove it from the heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The trick to liver that is tender is to cook it the bare minimum. Excess heat will turn it into a rubbery mess.
- For low-carb eaters, just skip the rice and potato suggestions and serve with low-carb grilled veggies.
Nutrition Information
Calories
286kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
11g
(4%)
Protein
31g
(62%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
Trans Fat
0.4g
Cholesterol
421mg
(140%)
Sodium
897mg
(37%)
Potassium
563mg
(16%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
25612IU
(512%)
Vitamin C
6mg
(7%)
Calcium
24mg
(2%)
Iron
8mg
(44%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 286
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 286kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 421mg | 140% |
| Sodium | 897mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 563mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 25612IU | 512% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 8mg | 44% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.