Dairy Free Liver Pate with Ox Liver

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This dairy free liver pate with ox liver recipe is an amazing side dish sure to wow dinner guests as well as your own taste buds! Make it in 15 minutes, then chill until you’re ready to serve. Liver pate is an elegant way to boost your nutrition without dairy on a keto, carnivore, paleo, or any healthy diet.

Organ meats provide many health benefits and are very affordable foods. Liver pate is just one way to cook organ meat recipes that are worth eating!

Dairy Free Liver Pate is a great recipe for beginners. In fact, I highly recommend liver pate for keto and carnivore diets!

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Ox liver vs beef liver; What about veal vs calf liver?

There are subtle differences between ox, beef, veal, and calf liver. In general, they may be substituted one for the other in equal portions.

You can substitute any liver in this Dairy Free Liver Pate Recipe.

Ox liver is specific to a male Bos Taurus while beef liver could be either male or female.

The term “ox” refers to a sterilized male adult cow used as a draft or riding animal. The term “beef” is generically applied to cow meat but doesn’t give any indication of age, sex, or quality.

Veal and calf liver are more tender and mildly flavored that a mature beef or ox liver. These could both technically fall under the category of “beef” but are usually noted as “veal” since the flavor and texture are distinct.

“Calf” is the term for all cattle offspring still in the lactation period and not yet sexually mature. Usually, 10 months and younger, male and female cows can both be referred to as a calf.

“Veal” only applies to young males still in the lactation period and not yet sexually mature.

When shopping, I recommend following my Guide on How and Where to Buy Liver.

Health Benefits of Liver Pate

Liver is known to be one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. The health benefits of liver are undeniable.

Meat and liver are easy to digest and fully bioavailable, meaning we get all the nutrients the food contains. 

Certain foods may look good on paper but once inside our bodies, there’s more to the story. You don’t have to worry about this with meat; meat is easily digested and assimilated.

Spinach, on the other hand, is very different. There’s a high amount of iron and calcium on paper but that doesn’t transfer over to us directly. 

Spinach, like many other plant foods, contains naturally occurring plant toxins that serve to protect the plant from being eaten by pests and predators – including people!

Levels of phytic acid, lectin, oxalate and other plant-based compounds are important to consider because they bind to certain minerals and greatly affect bioavailability.

Take a look at my low oxalate foods list and learn more about a low oxalate diet in the Primal Edge Health podcast with Sally K. Norton.

Knowing more about the relationship between our digestive system and plant toxins is an eye-opening experience and, in some cases, can profoundly change your health especially if you struggle with digestive or autoimmune conditions.

We see people get impressive results in our Keto Carnivore Support Group and coaching programs once they learn how to identify the foods that are right for them.

If you need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out for a customized consultation!

How much protein is in beef liver?

In addition to a long list of vitamins and minerals, liver is a great source of protein. According to FatSecret, beef liver contains 5.7 g protein per 1 ounce (28 g) of meat. Each ounce is 38 calories and contains 1 g fat and 1 gram carbohydrate.

Naturally low carb, this is a healthy ingredient for anyone on a keto diet or carnivore diet.

Liver is a healthy food to add to your weekly meal prep! It’s high protein and great as an appetizer for keto carnivore recipes.

How to Make a Dairy Free Liver Pate Recipe with Ox Liver

There is an easy step by step process for making dairy free liver pate at home.

This version only takes about 15 minutes to prep and cook. 

Begin by sautéing the onion in 2 tablespoons of cooking fat over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, until transparent and soft. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Add garlic and continue cooking for another 2 minutes or so until garlic is fragrant and golden in color.

Slice the liver into thin strips. Push the onion and garlic over to the side of the pan and arrange the liver in a single layer. Sear it for 30 second to 1 minute on each side.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Transfer liver, onion, and garlic sauté to the bowl of a food processor. Add the vinegar, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add 1/2 cup of fat.

Pulse to chop liver. Blend to combine. Add the remaining fat. Continue blending until smooth.

Liver pate can be served right away, however, it’s best to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

If you can, make it the day before so it chills overnight and all the flavors can meld together.

How long should beef liver be cooked for?

Knowing exactly how to cook liver takes practice. Allow yourself a time or two before getting it just right.

There are visual cues to look for while cooking to make sure you don’t under or overcook liver. Of course, personal preferences come to into play here too. Some people may prefer the liver rarer than others.

To sear ox liver or any beef liver, wait until the pan is very hot and add the fat. Once melted, arrange the liver in a single layer.

Cook the first side of liver for 30-60 seconds.

Once the edges puff up (like pancakes) flip and continue cooking the second side until juices begin to run.

For a medium finish, pull the meat as soon as the juices appear. Wait until the liquid pools up at about 90 seconds for well done.

Why do you soak liver in milk before cooking?

Soaking the liver in milk before cooking it is said to soften the flavor and tenderize the liver. 

This recipe is dairy free so we don’t soak the liver in milk. I’ve made liver pate by cooking it right away and also by soaking the liver first. I can’t say that it makes much of a difference for me.

Regular or dairy free liver pate recipes are very flavorful thanks to the onion, garlic, and herbs that go into them. These flavoring agents are powerful enough to mute the earthiness of liver and affect the flavor more than soaking or not soaking.

If you want to give it a try, soak in a brine solution for 20-30 minutes prior to cooking and the recipe will still be dairy free.

Can you freeze dairy free liver pate?

Liver pate is very freezer friendly! Divide into smaller containers or freezer safe storage bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before serving.

You can also make individual portions of dairy free liver pate by filling ice cube trays. Place them in the freezer for a few hours. Then, once solid, remove and store in a container or bag. It is very convenient to have small portions already measured out!

Featured in 34 Paleo & Keto Organ Meat Recipes, 13 Easy Liver Pate Recipes and on MeatRx.

More Dairy Free Liver Recipes

Trying to find something a healthy variety to your meals? Get ready to explore a lineup of easy and delicious liver recipes that will change the way you think about this nutritious ingredient. These recipes will help you incorporate liver into your diet in a tasty and enjoyable way, making your meals both nutritious and satisfying.