Chicken liver is highly nutritious and straight-up delicious. However, one of the biggest challenges that come with cooking chicken liver is the distinct and somewhat off-putting smell.
Moreover, the odor of chicken liver can linger for a long time on your hands, cooking utensils, and even the air.
Fortunately, there are several easy and effective ways to get rid of the chicken liver smell.
Follow me below to learn how to enjoy this tasty and nutritious treat, without having to deal with any lingering and unpleasant smells.
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How Do You Get Rid Of Chicken Liver Smell?
To get rid of the chicken liver smell you should soak it in milk before cooking, marinate it in lemon juice or vinegar, cook it using strong aromatics like garlic, and store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
If you enjoy eating chicken liver, you are probably familiar with its distinct musky and slightly metallic smell that often lingers during and after cooking.
The smell of chicken liver can be quite strong and unpleasant for some, so learning to get rid of it easily will help you and those around you a great deal.
Luckily, there are tricks you can use to get rid of the smell and enjoy the nutritious goodness that is chicken liver.
Tips To Remove The Smell Of Chicken Liver
Soak In The Chicken Liver Milk
The first step to getting rid of the smell of chicken liver is to soak it in milk before cooking. This is a very simple, yet highly effective method to reduce the unpleasant and somewhat metallic odor typically associated with chicken or beef liver.
Milk can help you to effectively get rid of the chicken liver smell. The lactic acid in milk molecules has the ability to deodorize volatile organic compounds. So, place your raw chicken liver in a bowl of milk, making sure that the milk completely covers the liver, and let it sit for at least a couple of hours in the refrigerator.
The longer you let the milk work its magic, the less smelly your chicken liver will be.
After you’re done soaking your chicken liver in milk, dispose of the liquid and rinse the meat with clean water.
Pro-Tip: low-fat milk is less effective at deodorizing chicken liver smell, so make sure to use whole milk.
Marinate The Liver In Lemon Juice or Vinegar
Marinating in an acidic substance such as lemon juice or vinegar will further help you to break down the molecules that cause the liver to smell unpleasant.
This has additional benefits such as tenderizing the liver, which is often tough and adds a delicious tanginess to your liver recipes.
To do this, just mix some lemon or vinegar with your favorite herbs and condiments, and marinate the liver for about 30 to 60 minutes before you cook it.
Cook Using Strong Aromatics
Using ingredients that have strong flavors and highly aromatic smells is a tried and true method of ridding your chicken liver of its musky, metallic smell.
Things like garlic, onions, shallots, parsley, and time can be added to your chicken liver to mask the typical chicken liver smell as you cook it and afterward when you eat it.
Here is a quick and easy recipe that fits the bill:
- Melt some butter in a hot pan, add some chopped onions and minced garlic, and cook until translucent.
- Add your chicken livers to the pan, along with some salt, freshly cracked pepper, paprika, and cumin.
- Cook for about 10 minutes or until the chicken livers are lightly browned.
Give it a try, you’ll see how good chicken liver can smell.
Cook Your Chicken Liver Properly
Believe it or not, improperly cooking your chicken liver can make the smell worse. More specifically, overcooking your liver can make the liver smell more pungent.
To avoid this, make sure you cook your liver quickly over high heat until brown and fully cooked through.
You can also gently poach the liver in a flavorful broth if you need an alternative cooking method.
Proper Storage
Storing your liver properly will help you to get rid of the smell before you cook it. This is important because the liver contains a large amount of fat, which can easily oxidize and turn rancid if exposed to air if not stored correctly.
So, keep your raw chicken livers in an airtight container inside your refrigerator, and make sure to cook them within two days.
If you’re not planning on cooking your liver right away, you can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Final Words On Chicken Liver Odor
The fact that chicken liver is highly nutritious and downright delicious can sometimes be marred by the fact that it has a strong and somewhat off-putting lingering smell. Thankfully, by following the easy tips in this article, you will be able to reduce, control, and get rid of the chicken liver smell successfully.
It is important to note that while a slightly metallic flavor and musky smell are normal for fresh liver, you should be on the lookout for four or sour smells, as these are signs that your chicken livers are old and have spoiled, so they should not be consumed.
