Liver and chives stir-fry is a surprisingly delightful dish, a quick and easy way to enjoy the rich, iron-packed goodness of liver without the usual strong, gamey flavor. This recipe transforms humble liver into a tender, flavorful bite, perfectly complemented by the fresh, pungent chives. The secret lies in a careful selection of ingredients and a precise cooking method, ensuring the liver remains juicy and the chives retain their vibrant green color. With minimal prep time and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal that's both satisfying and healthy.
This delectable stir-fry is not only budget-friendly, costing approximately ¥400 for three servings, but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. Ready to create this flavorful and nutritious dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Chicken Liver
- Chicken Heart
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Ginger
- White Part of Green Onions: 1 generous bundle
- Soy Sauce
- Sesame Oil
- Potato Starch: 4 teaspoons
- Oyster Sauce
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Liver
- Remove whitish tendons from chicken liver. Cut liver and heart into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash the liver by rubbing it with water to soften it and remove blood clots. Rinse three times until the water runs clear.
- Marinate the liver with soy sauce and sesame oil. This step is crucial for flavor.
- Coat the liver with potato starch to lock in flavor and prevent dryness when stir-frying.




Step 2. Prepare the Aromatics and Sauce
- Roughly chop garlic and ginger.
- Cut the white part of the green onions into pieces, separating the hard stems from the soft leaves.
- soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch more potato starch for thickness.



Step 3. Stir-fry the Liver
- Heat sesame oil in a frying pan. Add garlic and ginger and stir until fragrant.
- Stir-fry the liver quickly over high heat. Add the stir-fry sauce and continue to stir-fry until the sauce thickens.


Step 4. Finish with Chives
- Add the green onion stems and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Finally, add the green onion leaves and stir until wilted.

Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes
Tips
- Using chicken liver minimizes unpleasant odor.
- Marinate the liver thoroughly for better flavor.
- Add potato starch to achieve a thick, flavorful sauce.
- Garlic and ginger enhance flavor and aroma, making it taste more like a restaurant-style dish.
- Quick stir-frying over high heat is key to a delicious result.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 15-25g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen liver for this recipe?
It's best to use fresh liver for optimal texture and flavor. Frozen liver can become tough when cooked.
2. What can I substitute for chives if I don't have any?
Scallions or green onions make a good substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different. You could also try using garlic chives.
This Liver and Chives Stir-fry is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. Its quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy weeknights, and the affordability ensures it won't break the bank. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish, and don't hesitate to experiment with your own spice and flavor combinations!