Delicious Fried Liver and Crispy Shallots

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MOODY SPECIAL
Low in Iron? Try our Liver & Crispy Shallots recipe below. Just what the doctor ordered :)

Fried Liver and Crispy Shallots: A Nostalgic Iron Boost with a Crunchy Twist

Shout out to all our moody, anemic foodies out there—this one’s for you. If you’re someone who craves iron-rich meals that actually taste good, this Fried Liver & Crispy Shallots recipe is about to become your new favorite.

I know, I know. Liver is one of those love it or leave it foods. But for those of us who get it, it’s deeply nostalgic, comforting, and just downright delicious when made the right way. And trust me—this version is the right way.

A Childhood Liver Love Affair

Liver has been on my plate for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, my daycare served us liver and onions once a month like clockwork. Sometimes, the chefs would bread the liver, giving it a crispy, golden crust. Other times, they kept it simple, just seared to perfection with caramelized onions. Either way, it was so good.

But here’s the weird part—on liver day, parents miraculously started showing up for lunch. Like, all of a sudden, our moms and dads were conveniently getting off work early, pulling up chairs, and casually not mentioning why they were there. Coincidence? I think not. The power of a perfectly cooked liver plate was too strong to resist.

So, in honor of those daycare days and all the sneaky parents who “just happened to be free” once a month, I’ve given this classic dish an upgrade. Instead of the usual sautéed onions, we’re topping it with crispy shallots for that extra crunch. It’s a simple twist, but it changes the entire texture and makes this dish feel fancy with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Iron-Packed Powerhouse: Liver is one of the best natural sources of iron, making it a great option for anyone dealing with anemia or just looking to boost their nutrient intake.
  • Fast & Easy: This dish comes together in about 20 minutes—no complicated steps, no unnecessary fuss.
  • Flavor on Another Level: The crispy shallots bring the perfect contrast to the rich, buttery liver, and the sumac + Provencal herbs take the seasoning game up a notch.
  • No ‘slurpy’ onions for this recipe. They’re crispy… and they’re shallots.

How to Serve It

This dish is a powerhouse on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are a few great pairings:

  • A warm, crusty baguette to soak up any juices.
  • A side of creamy mashed potatoes for that rich-on-rich contrast.
  • A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the bold flavors.

If you grew up eating liver and get it, you already know this meal is about to hit just right. And if you’ve never been a fan? This crispy shallot version might just convert you. Give it a try, and let me know if this recipe “butters your bread!”

Recipe below—get cooking!

Fried Liver & Crispy Shallots

Quick iron boost for the week
Servings 1 person
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knives

Ingredients

  • 1 cup olive oil, extra virgin
  • 300 g veal liver
  • 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1 clove garlic , finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp Provencal herbs
  • tbsp sumac
  • 1 cup milk, (optional)
  • 1 sheet kraft paper , (paper bag) or newsprint

Instructions

Prep (optional)

  • Soak liver in milk for approx. 1 hour before cooking, if you want to remove some of the bitterness. Pat dry before placing in the skillet.

Cook

  • Heat oil in skillet. Test temperature of oil with end of wooden spoon. When you see small bubbles surrounding the spoon, then you know the oil is hot enough and ready to use.
  • Add shallots, garlic, salt, pepper, Provencal herbs and sumac to the skillet. Mix ingredients together, making sure to move the shallots around the pan so they don't burn.
  • Remove shallots from oil when crispy golden to dark brown in colour and transfer to kraft paper or newsprint to absorb excess oil. Leave remaining oil in skillet to cook the liver.
  • In skillet, place liver and cook on one side at high heat for 3-4 mins or until edges have darkened. Then flip over onto other side and cook for 2-3 mins. Remove from skillet and let the liver rest for 3-5mins.
  • Slice liver into 1.5 inch strips and serve with crispy shallots on top.

Notes

This recipe works better with veal or calf’s liver. If you’re using chicken liver, pre-soaking in milk is not optional and reduce the cooking time of the liver by 1-2 mins.
Chicken liver cooks faster and doesn’t caramelize the same way as veal liver does.
Calories: 320kcal
Cost: $3.75
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: One-Pot Meal
Keyword: crispy shallots, Iron-Enriched, liver recipe, Meat, nostalgic meals, Quick Meal

Did you make this recipe?

Please let us know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @moody.eater on Instagram and hashtag it #moodyeater #moodyeatersclub .

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