Take yourself back to childhood with instant pot liver and onions. This old-fashioned liver and onions with gravy recipe will become a firm favorite when served with instant pot mashed potatoes.
How easy is it to make liver and onions in an instant pot? You can do it again and again.
This post about how to make liver and onions in an instant pot has been updated since we first shared it with you in early 2017.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthy meat to add to your diet, beef liver should be at the top of your list. As one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, beef liver is packed with protein, iron, vitamins A and B12, copper, and other essential nutrients. However, many people are put off by liver’s distinctively strong flavor and texture when improperly prepared This is where using the instant pot comes in handy!
The instant pot allows you to cook beef liver to fork-tender perfection each and every time By steaming the liver gently under pressure, the instant pot ensures it turns out incredibly moist, tender, and flavorful No more chewing through tough, overcooked liver!
Below I’ll share my simple, foolproof method for how to cook beef liver in the instant pot. With just a few easy steps, you’ll be enjoying tasty, melt-in-your-mouth liver in 30 minutes or less. Let’s get started!
Why Cook Beef Liver in the Instant Pot?
Here are some of the biggest benefits of using the instant pot for beef liver:
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Tender and juicy – The steam environment prevents overcooking and keeps the liver moist.
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Intensifies flavor – The sealed instant pot concentrates the natural flavor of the liver.
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Fast and hands-free – No need to monitor during cooking thanks to the built-in timer.
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No smell – Unlike pan frying, the sealed pot contains odors.
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Easy cleanup – No splattering oils or liquids to clean up afterwards.
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Foolproof – Takes the guesswork out of cooking liver properly.
With those excellent advantages, the instant pot is by far my favorite way to prepare beef liver. Now let’s look at how to do it.
Ingredients Needed
These simple ingredients are all you need for tasty instant pot liver:
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1 lb beef or calf liver, sliced 1⁄2-inch thick
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1 cup low-sodium beef broth or water
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1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
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1⁄2 tsp kosher salt
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1⁄4 tsp black pepper
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Extra seasonings (optional)
That’s it! The instant pot does most of the work for you.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Beef Liver Recipe
Follow these simple steps for perfect liver every time:
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Prep the liver: Rinse, pat dry, and slice into 1⁄2-inch pieces. Trim off any membranes. Season all over with salt and pepper.
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Prepare the instant pot: Coat the inner pot with oil. Add 1 cup broth or water. Insert steamer tray or trivet.
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Add liver and pressure cook: Place liver in a single layer on the trivet. Lock lid. Cook at high pressure for:
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8 minutes for chopped or thin sliced
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10 minutes for 1⁄2-inch slices
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12-15 minutes for 3⁄4 to 1-inch slices
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Finish and serve: Quick release pressure. Remove liver and blot dry. Enjoy warm or chilled!
It’s that easy with the instant pot. Now let’s go over some tips and FAQs.
Handy Tips for Instant Pot Beef Liver Success
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Choose young, tender calf or lamb liver with a bright red color
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Trim off any membranes, sinew, or discolored parts
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Cut liver into uniform 1⁄2-inch slices for even cooking
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Use a quick release to prevent overcooking if in a hurry
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Add extra seasonings like onions, garlic, herbs, or mustard
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Slice liver thinner (1⁄4-inch) if you prefer it a little pink inside
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Don’t overload the pot – cook in batches for the best results
Common Instant Pot Liver Questions
Is it safe to eat pressure cooked liver less than well done?
For food safety, instant pot liver should reach an internal temp of 160°F.
Can I cook frozen liver in my instant pot?
It’s best to thaw liver completely first for evenly cooked results.
What if I overcook the liver?
Overcooked liver turns gray and gets dry or rubbery. Stick to the recommended cook times.
Can I bread or batter the liver before pressure cooking?
Pre-breading is not recommended as the steam will make the coating soggy. Keep it simple.
How much liver can I cook at once in my instant pot?
Work in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Tips for Serving Instant Pot Beef Liver
Beef liver on its own has a mild flavor. Feel free to enhance it with:
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Sautéed onions or mushrooms
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Bacon crumbles
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Spices like fresh rosemary, thyme, sage
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Mustards, tomato sauce, balsamic glaze
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Lemons – fresh squeezed juice or zest
Get creative with your favorite seasonings and serving suggestions!
Enjoy Nutritious, Tender Beef Liver
Now that you know how to cook beef liver to perfection in the instant pot, I hope you’ll start enjoying this powerhouse ingredient more often. Whip up fork-tender liver any night of the week thanks to the instant pot’s easy, fast cooking method.
Beef liver boasts an incredible nutrition profile. By preparing it properly using the instant pot, you’ll get all the benefits without the unpleasant taste and texture of overcooked liver. Add this superfood to your diet and impress your family with delicious, melt-in-your-mouth beef liver they’ll love.
Why Do You Soak Liver In Milk Before Cooking?
Soaking liver in milk before cooking is suggested because it will get rid of the liver’s bitter taste and help it cook more tender.
I’ve tried beef and lamb liver that hadn’t been soaked in milk first, and they both tasted awful and were tough.
How To Cook Liver And Onions?
- Soak. We suggest that you soak liver in milk before cooking it. This will take two hours, so please start it as soon as possible.
- Sauté. So, just before you start cooking, peel and slice your onions. Then, add some olive oil and cook them.
- Brown. To clean out the Instant Pot, add beef stock and brown the liver. Then add the rest of the liver ingredients. Then put a steamer on top with potatoes that have been prepared, and cover the instant pot.
- Cook. After that, seal the Instant Pot and cook the liver for 45 minutes.
- Beeps. Once the instant pot beeps 15 times, let the pressure out naturally. Then mash the potatoes and serve.
And now you should know how simple and easy this liver and onion recipe is and why you should follow it.
Pressure Cooker Liver and Onions Instant Pot
FAQ
How long to cook meat on Instant Pot?
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Meat
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Cooking Time (minutes)
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Beef, meat ball
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5 per 450 g / 1 lb
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Beef, dressed
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20 – 25 per 450 g / 1 lb
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Beef (pot roast, steak, rump, round, chuck, blade or brisket) Small Chunks
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15-20 per 450 g / 1 lb
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Beef (pot roast, steak, rump, round, chuck, blade or brisket) Large Chunks
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20-25 per 450 g / 1 lb
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Can you overcook beef in Instant Pot?
How do you know when beef liver is fully cooked?
Do you rinse beef liver before cooking?
How to cook liver in Instant Pot?
Then brown the liver, add beef stock to deglaze the instant pot and add in the other liver ingredients. Then add a steamer with prepped potatoes on top and place the lid on the instant pot. Cook. Then pressure cook the liver in the instant pot for 45 minutes. Beeps.
How do you cook beef livers in an Instant Pot?
Add the livers to the onions in the instant pot and brown the liver on all sides. If it’s sticking too much add extra olive oil. Once browned, press cancel and deglaze with the beef stock and add in the puree, garlic, and the seasonings. Mix well and make sure the beef livers are covered in stock.
How long does it take to Pressure Cook beef liver?
This beef liver instant pot recipe takes JUST 45 minutes to pressure cook. Though you also need to do a 15 minute natural pressure release afterwards and take into account the time taken to sauté the onion and brown the beef livers. Though this liver and onion recipe, is still much quicker than slow cooking.
How do you cook liver in a crock pot?
Rinse with cold running water and slice in about 1 inch pieces. Add liver to the pot. Thinly slice onions and add to the liver with a pice of unsalted butter. Add black pepper, white pepper and salt and some beef broth. Add minced or chopped garlic. Stir. Close and lock the lid. Pressure cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.