Are you a fan of beef liver but dread the long cooking times? Look no further than your trusty Instant Pot!
With this versatile kitchen appliance, you can have perfectly cooked beef liver in just 45 minutes. Whether you prefer to braise in the oven, slow cook, or use the Instant Pot, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions and tips for making the best liver and onions.
So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook Beef Liver In Instant Pot?
To cook beef liver in an Instant Pot, you’ll need to pressure cook it for 5 minutes on high pressure with a 15 minute natural pressure release afterwards. However, it’s important to note that this time does not include the time taken to sauté the onion and brown the beef livers, or the hour needed for the liver to soak in milk beforehand.
To start, soak your liver slices in milk for an hour before cooking. Then, caramelize your onions and cook your bacon in your Instant Pot using the sauté setting. Remove the bacon but leave the grease for added flavor. Dip each piece of liver in flour and sear on both sides before removing and setting aside.
Add the bacon and onion mixture back into the pot with beef stock and place the liver on top. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes with a natural release for 10 minutes to maintain moisture. Once done, season with salt and pepper and serve over mashed potatoes.
Why Use An Instant Pot For Beef Liver?
An Instant Pot is a great tool for cooking beef liver because it allows for fast and efficient cooking while retaining moisture and flavor. The high pressure setting of the Instant Pot helps to break down the tough fibers in the liver, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. Additionally, the natural pressure release feature ensures that the liver stays moist and does not become overcooked or dry.
Using an Instant Pot also saves time compared to traditional slow-cooking methods. The pressure cooking process takes only 5 minutes, which is significantly faster than the hours it can take to slow cook liver. This makes it a great option for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this beef liver Instant Pot recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– Beef liver slices
– Flour (optional for coating)
– Milk (for soaking liver beforehand)
– Onion, sliced
– Bacon
– Butter
– Salt and pepper (as well as any other preferred spices)
– Olive oil
– Beef stock
– Slotted spoon
Additionally, if you want to make the recipe in the oven or slow cooker, you’ll need some extra ingredients such as tomato puree and dried sage. For the chopped liver recipe, you’ll need liver, onions, eggs, vegetable oil (or schmaltz), and seasoned salt.
It’s important to note that the cooking times and methods may vary depending on which appliance you use. However, with an Instant Pot, this beef liver recipe can be made in just 45 minutes (plus additional time for soaking and natural pressure release).
Preparing The Beef Liver
Before cooking beef liver in an Instant Pot, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure the best flavor and texture. One common method is to soak the liver in milk for 30 minutes to 2 hours, which can help remove any bitterness and make it more tender.
To do this, simply unwrap the beef liver and lay it flat on a layer of paper towels. Place it in a dish or bowl of milk and let it soak for the desired amount of time. After soaking, pat the liver dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Next, dice bacon and fry it in butter in a large skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon bits from the pan and drain on paper towels, but leave the grease and butter in the pan. Slice onions roughly and sauté them in the same pan until they start to soften but are not yet translucent. Add garlic for 30 seconds, then put the onion and garlic to one side of the pan away from heat.
Turn up the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of butter. When melted, add half of the liver slices to the pan. Cook until you start to see the edges cooking and turning from red to gray. Flip them over and fry on the second side for another 2-3 minutes until just barely cooked through with a tinge of pink.
Repeat with remaining liver slices, then toss the bacon bits back into the pan with onions and mushrooms if desired. Serve over mashed potatoes or with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.
Cooking The Beef Liver In The Instant Pot
To cook beef liver in an Instant Pot, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. First, make sure to soak your liver slices in milk for an hour beforehand. This helps to remove any bitterness and also makes the liver more tender.
Next, caramelize your onions and cook your bacon in the Instant Pot using the sauté setting. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pot but leave the grease as this will provide more flavor to your meat.
Now it’s time to sear the liver slices. Dip each piece in flour and sear on both sides, if desired. This step is optional but can add a nice texture to the dish.
Once you’ve seared the liver, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add the bacon and onion mixture back into the pot with beef stock and place the liver on top. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes of pressure cooking, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This will help to maintain moisture in the liver and ensure that it’s cooked through.
Once done, season with salt and pepper (and any other spices you like) and serve over mashed potatoes or with a side of vegetables. This beef liver Instant Pot recipe takes just 45 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy meal option.
Quick Release Vs Natural Release
Once the pressure cooking is complete, you have two options for releasing the pressure: quick release or natural release. Quick release involves manually releasing the pressure using the steam valve, while natural release allows the pressure to dissipate on its own without any intervention.
Quick release is best for recipes that contain delicate ingredients such as fish or vegetables, as it prevents overcooking and maintains their texture. To perform a quick release, turn the steam valve to “venting” and let the steam escape until the float valve drops. However, be cautious as this can cause hot steam to shoot out of the pot, so use a long spoon or tongs to turn the valve and keep your face and hands away from the pot.
On the other hand, natural release is ideal for recipes that contain tougher cuts of meat or beans, as it allows the food to continue cooking in the residual heat and results in a more tender texture. To perform a natural release, simply turn off the Instant Pot and leave it alone until the float valve drops on its own. This can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the recipe.
It’s important to note that some recipes may call for a combination of both quick and natural release. For instance, you may need to do a 10 minute natural release followed by a quick release to ensure that all of the pressure is released before opening the lid.
Serving Suggestions And Tips
When it comes to serving beef liver cooked in an Instant Pot, there are a few tips and suggestions to keep in mind. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your dish:
1. Pair with mashed potatoes: Beef liver and mashed potatoes make for a classic and delicious combination. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the rich flavor of the liver, making for a satisfying and hearty meal.
2. Experiment with spices: While salt and pepper are always a safe bet, don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices to enhance the flavor of your beef liver. Some good options include garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
3. Add some greens: To balance out the richness of the liver and potatoes, consider serving your dish with a side of greens such as sautéed spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts.
4. Use leftovers creatively: If you have any leftover beef liver, consider using it in other dishes such as sandwiches or salads. The rich flavor of the liver pairs well with tangy dressings and crunchy vegetables.
5. Don’t overcook: While it’s important to ensure that your beef liver is fully cooked, be careful not to overcook it as this can result in a tough and dry texture. Keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer if necessary to ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F.
