Mexican Liver and Onions (Hígado Encebollado)

Mexican Liver and Onions (or Higado Encebollado) is a classic comfort food recipe featuring tender beef liver cooked with onions and jalapeño.

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Beef liver and onions in a decorative Mexican plate next to a fork and limes.

Mexican Liver and Onions (Hígado Encebollado) is a traditional homemade dish that’s simple, hearty, and full of bold flavor.

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Tender beef liver is cooked with sliced onions, garlic, and jalapeño for a savory meal that’s comforting and satisfying.

If you grew up eating liver and onions, this recipe will bring back all those comforting homemade flavors that mom used to make.

Ingredients for Mexican Beef Liver and Onions on a wooden surface.

Table of Contents

1 🥩 Ingredients
2 ➕ Additions and Subtractions
3 🙋🏻‍♀️ Beef Liver FAQs (frequently asked questions)
4 👩🏼‍🍳 Instructions
5 🍴 Serve With
6 😋 Hungry for More?
7 Higado Encebollado

🥩 Ingredients

olive oil
package Rumba Meats sliced beef liver
onion
garlic
beef bouillon
jalapeno
Pepper (to taste)
water

➕ Additions and Subtractions

You can use a serrano pepper instead of the jalapeno. If you like it spicier, add diced jalapeno to the pan instead.
Omit chile pepper altogether if you do not like it spicy.
Make a small slit in the middle of the jalapeno to release its juices while it is cooking.
To make this a more complete meal, try adding: diced tomatoes, green beans, peas, spinach, carrots.
Bouillon is a very common ingredient in Mexico. Instead, you can use salt or beef broth.

Package of Rumba Meats surrounded by the ingredients for Beef Liver and Onions.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Beef Liver FAQs (frequently asked questions)

What does beef liver taste like?

Beef liver has a rich, savory flavor that becomes milder when cooked with onions and seasonings.

Why do people soak liver before cooking?

Some people soak liver in milk before cooking to help reduce the strong flavor and create a more tender texture.

How do you keep liver tender?

Avoid overcooking the liver, as it can become tough. Cook just until tender and fully cooked through.

Finger pointing to the sealed liver package.

👩🏼‍🍳 Instructions

Take it out of the package and rinse the beef liver steaks.
Pat dry it with a paper towel and set it aside.

This recipe is very similar to Bistec Encebollado, but it uses a different cut of beef.

A collage showing the process of how to make beef liver and onions Mexican style.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced beef liver to the pan.
Season with beef bouillon and black pepper.
Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the sliced onions and diced garlic to the skillet.
Make a small slit in the jalapeño and place it in the pan.
Continue cooking until the onions soften and become tender.
Pour the water into the skillet. Let everything simmer for several more minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

To create a gravy or creamy texture, add 2 tablespoons of flour when you add the onions.

More Mexican beef dishes: Lengua en Salsa, Chamorro en Salsa Verde, Barbacoa de Res.

Higado Encebollado in a decorative Mexican plate next to a fork and limes.

🍴 Serve With

Mexican Liver and Onions (or Hígado Encebollado) is a classic comfort food recipe that’s simple to make and packed with savory flavor. The tender liver, soft onions, and mild heat from the jalapeño create a delicious homemade meal that has stood the test of time.