How to cook duck liver

Duck livers on toast with whisky cream sauce

How to cook duck liver

by Great British Chefs8 December 2014

How to cook duck liver

Duck livers are normally associated with velvety smooth pâté, sometimes mixed with luxurious and expensive foie gras. Decidedly cheaper than their force-fed counterparts, duck livers are quick to cook, tasty and much more animal friendly

Method

1
Place a frying pan over a high heat and add a spoon of duck fat or vegetable oil
2
Season the duck liver with salt on both sides
3
Once the pan is hot, place the liver in the pan
4
Leave the liver to cook for 1–2 minutes or until it turns golden brown
5
Using tongs, turn the liver over and brown the other side. Deglaze the pan or add a knob of butter to the pan at this stage
6
Remove the duck liver from the pan and leave to rest for about 2–4 minutes before serving; it should be pink in the middle

Variations

Deglaze the pan with Madeira for a really tasty, instant sauce.

Shaun Hill gives an Asian twist to his duck livers with the addition of sesame and soy sauce.

Dominic Chapman adds even more richness to the livers with a whisky cream sauce and brioche.

Serving suggestions

Duck livers are delicious as a simple snack on toast or as an addition to a classic frisée salad with bacon lardons.

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