This Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Liver and Onions Recipe is a tender and savory recipe, which is made with lamb’s liver and sweet onions. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 5 hours and 10 minutes.
Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Liver and Onions Recipe Ingredients
- 500g Liver (lamb or calf’s liver recommended)
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 50g butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 500ml beef stock
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Liver and Onions
- Prepare the Liver: In a shallow dish, mix the flour with salt and pepper. Lightly coat the liver pieces in the seasoned flour.
- Brown the Liver: Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the floured liver pieces and brown them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should be golden but not cooked through. Set the liver aside.
- Sauté the Onions: In the same pan, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are soft and beginning to caramelize. Transfer the cooked onions to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the browned liver pieces on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
- Add Liquids: Pour the beef stock over the liver and onions. Add the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme, and stir gently to combine everything.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. The liver should be very tender and the sauce should have thickened into a rich gravy.
- Serve: Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with creamy mashed potatoes.
Recipe Tips
- What type of liver is best? For the most tender and mild-flavored result, calf’s liver or lamb’s liver are the best choices. Beef liver can also be used, but it has a much stronger flavor and can be tougher.
- Do I have to brown the liver first? Yes, this step is highly recommended. Searing the floured liver creates a flavorful crust and helps to thicken the gravy as it cooks, resulting in a much richer dish.
- How do I get a thick gravy? The flour used to coat the liver will naturally thicken the gravy. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornflour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking on the HIGH setting.
- Can I add bacon? Yes, bacon is a classic and delicious addition. Chop about 4-6 slices of bacon and fry them until crisp before you cook the onions. Add the bacon and some of the rendered fat to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
What To Serve With Liver and Onions
This traditional British dish is best served with classic, comforting sides.
- Creamy mashed potatoes (essential for the gravy)
- Steamed green beans or peas
- Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
How To Store Liver and Onions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that liver can become tougher upon reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of beef stock or water to prevent it from drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the liver rubbery.
Liver and Onions Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Iron: ~15mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
The most common cause of tough liver is overcooking. The beauty of the slow cooker method is that it cooks low and slow, which helps make it tender. Do not cook for longer than the recommended time.
You can brown the liver and sauté the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, simply assemble everything in the slow cooker and begin the cooking process.
Yes, dried sage or rosemary would also complement the flavors of the liver and onions well. Use about ½ teaspoon of these more potent herbs.
Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Liver and Onions Recipe
Description
A deeply savory and comforting British classic, with tender liver and sweet onions slow-cooked in a rich gravy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat liver pieces in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Melt butter in a pan and brown the liver for 2-3 minutes per side; set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions and garlic until soft; transfer to the slow cooker.
- Place the browned liver on top of the onions.
- Pour in the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours until the liver is tender.
- Season to taste and serve hot with mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Using calf’s or lamb’s liver will give you the most tender result.
- Browning the floured liver is a crucial step for flavor and for thickening the gravy.
- For an even richer dish, fry some chopped bacon along with the onions.
- Avoid overcooking, as this is the primary cause of tough liver.
