Pork liver, often overlooked, holds a treasure trove of flavor and nutritional benefits when prepared correctly. This unassuming organ meat, rich in iron and vitamin A, becomes a culinary delight in the form of these fragrant pork liver patties. Forget any preconceived notions of unpleasant tastes – our recipe transforms humble liver into incredibly savory and satisfying little cakes, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. We'll guide you through a simple yet effective process that results in patties that are tender, flavorful, and surprisingly appealing, even to the most discerning palates.
The secret lies in the careful balancing of spices and a few clever cooking techniques. We'll address common concerns, like eliminating any lingering liver "gaminess," and show you how to achieve a deliciously moist and tender texture. Ready to elevate your culinary skills and enjoy a surprisingly delicious and nutritious meal? Let's delve into the step-by-step process of creating these irresistible fragrant pork liver patties!
Tools Needed
- Hand blender
- Knife
- Mixing bowls
- Steamer
- Pot
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- Pork liver: 1 kg
- Pork fat: 500 g
- Ground meat: 600 g
- Garlic
- Onions
- Peanut butter: 100 g
- Old bread: 250 g
- Cheese: 4-8 pieces
- Chicken eggs: 3
- Fried garlic: 30 g
- Fried onions: 50 g
- Flour/Cornstarch/Tapioca starch
- Fresh milk: 800ml (300ml + 500ml)
- Lard: 100g
- Seasoning powder: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1/3 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 1 1/3 tablespoons (1 + 2/3)
- Oyster sauce: 1 1/2 tablespoons
- MSG: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Liver and Aromatics
- Wash the pork liver with salt water. Mix with flour to absorb blood and remove odor. Soak for 3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Soak in 300ml fresh milk for at least an hour to further remove fishy smell.
- Slice pork fat thinly.
- Finely chop garlic and onions.
- Blend the chopped garlic and onions using a hand blender until smooth (or chop finely if you don't have a blender).
- Cut old bread into small pieces and soak in 500ml fresh milk to soften.
- After soaking in milk, rinse the liver again with water.
Step 2. Cook the Meat Mixture
- Heat lard in a pot. Sauté the blended garlic and onions until golden brown.
- Add ground meat, seasoning powder, sugar, fish sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry until cooked.
- Add the prepared liver and onions to the meat mixture. Stir-fry until the liver is slightly cooked (about 60% cooked).
- Add more fish sauce, seasoning powder, sugar, MSG, and oyster sauce. Stir well, then add peanut butter. Stir until melted, then turn off the heat.
Step 3. Combine and Shape the Patties
- Add fried garlic, fried onions, soaked bread, and eggs. Mix thoroughly. Add cheese (amount to taste).
- Blend the mixture until smooth or to your desired consistency.
- Fill prepared molds with the mixture. Top with a layer of pork fat.
Step 4. Steam, Cool, and Serve
- Cover the molds with aluminum foil and steam for 2 hours.
- Let the patties cool, then serve. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or frozen for longer storage.
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Use soft pork liver for best results.
- Proper liver preparation is crucial for removing fishy smell.
- The fat layer on the bottom and top of the molds helps keep the patties moist and fragrant.
- Don't overcook the liver; it should be slightly green on the outside.
- Don't use raw garlic; use fried garlic for better preservation.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 4500-5000
- Fat: 350-400g
- Carbs: 150-200g
- Protein: 250-300g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the pork liver with another type of liver?
While pork liver provides the best flavor in this recipe, you can experiment with chicken liver. Keep in mind that the texture and taste will differ slightly.
2. How can I prevent the patties from becoming dry?
Ensure the liver is finely minced, don't overcook the patties, and add a little bit of fat (like rendered pork fat or oil) to the pan while cooking for extra moisture.
3. What can I serve these patties with?
These patties pair well with steamed rice, a simple salad, or as part of a larger meal. They're also delicious on their own as a snack!
These fragrant pork liver patties offer a surprisingly delightful culinary experience, proving that even less-conventional ingredients can create a truly delicious and satisfying dish. The simple steps and readily available ingredients make this recipe accessible to cooks of all levels. So, embrace the unexpected and enjoy the flavorful reward of these unique and undeniably tasty patties!