Liver and Chives Stir-Fry (Reba Nira Itame): Easy Japanese Recipe

Reba Nira Itame, or Liver and Chives Stir-Fry, is a surprisingly delightful Japanese dish that's both quick to prepare and packed with flavor. This simple yet elegant recipe showcases the subtle sweetness of chicken liver, expertly balanced by the fragrant pungency of chives and a savory soy sauce base. Forget preconceived notions about liver – this dish transforms it into a tender and flavorful centerpiece, a testament to the magic of Japanese cooking techniques. The textures are a perfect counterpoint; the soft liver contrasted with the crisp chives create a truly satisfying culinary experience.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal when you crave something flavorful but don’t have a lot of time. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinner? Let's dive into the easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions to create this delicious Liver and Chives Stir-Fry.

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Chicken Liver
  • Bean Sprouts (Moyashi)
  • Chinese Chives (Nira)
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Salt: a pinch
  • Sake: 1 tablespoon
  • Soy Sauce (Shoyu): 1 tablespoon
  • Cornstarch
  • Sesame Oil (Gomara)
  • Chicken Powder (Torigara)
  • Sugar
  • White Pepper
  • Black Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Liver

  • Wash chicken liver thoroughly and soak in cold water for 10 minutes. Drain, cut into bite-sized pieces, and remove blood and tissues to get rid of unwanted smell. Wash again and drain.
  • Marinate chicken liver with salt, sake, soy sauce, and ginger juice for 10 minutes. Coat with cornstarch.
Wash chicken liver thoroughly and soak in cold water for 10 minutes. Drain, cut into bite-sized pieces, and remove blood and tissues to get rid of unwanted smell. Wash again and drain.Marinate chicken liver with salt, sake, soy sauce, and ginger juice for 10 minutes. Coat with cornstarch.
Prepare the Liver

Step 2. Stir-fry the Liver

  • Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Add marinated chicken liver to the pan. Stir-fry until browned, then cover and cook for about 3 minutes to ensure it's cooked through. Reduce heat to low and avoid overcooking.
  • Flip the liver and cook the other side for another 3 minutes.
Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.Add marinated chicken liver to the pan. Stir-fry until browned, then cover and cook for about 3 minutes to ensure it's cooked through. Reduce heat to low and avoid overcooking.Flip the liver and cook the other side for another 3 minutes.
Stir-fry the Liver

Step 3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning

  • Add bean sprouts and Chinese chives. Stir-fry until cooked.
  • Add sake, soy sauce, chicken powder, sugar, white pepper, and black pepper. Add a little cornstarch dissolved in water for a thicker sauce (optional).
Add bean sprouts and Chinese chives. Stir-fry until cooked.Add sake, soy sauce, chicken powder, sugar, white pepper, and black pepper. Add a little cornstarch dissolved in water for a thicker sauce (optional).
Add Vegetables and Seasoning

Step 4. Finish and Serve

  • Remove the tail of bean sprouts if possible.
  • Stir well and cook until the sauce thickens.
Remove the tail of bean sprouts if possible.Stir well and cook until the sauce thickens.
Finish and Serve

Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes

Tips

  • Don't overcook the liver, or it will get hard and dry.
  • Ginger juice helps remove unwanted smell.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 200-250
  • Fat: 10-15g
  • Carbs: 5-10g
  • Protein: 20-25g

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of liver?

While chicken liver is traditional, you can experiment with other livers, like beef or pork. Adjust cooking time accordingly as different livers cook at different rates. Beef liver tends to be tougher and require longer cooking.

2. What can I substitute for chives if I don't have any?

Scallions (green onions) are a good substitute for chives, offering a similar mild oniony flavor. Garlic chives would also work well, providing a more intense garlic flavor.


This simple Reba Nira Itame recipe proves that delicious and healthy meals can be quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy the satisfying combination of textures and flavors, and don't be afraid to experiment with additions like mushrooms or other vegetables. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with this fantastic Japanese stir-fry!