Dried liver chips are an extraordinary snack that combines a delightful funky factor with a satisfying crunch. These strong and sturdy chips are perfect for dipping into warm cheese dip or guacamole. You can even create a cracker-like sandwich by placing a piece of cheese in the middle. The options for enjoying these chips are limitless!
If you’re someone who wants to incorporate more organ meats into your diet or is interested in trying out carnivore recipes, these liver chips are ideal for you.
Key Takeaways
Why Choose Grass-Fed Beef Liver?
The question really should be, “Why not?!” Organ meats, including liver, offer numerous nutritional and environmental benefits. Moreover, they are surprisingly delicious and budget-friendly. The key is finding organ meat recipes that you actually want to eat. Lucky for you, this liver chip recipe is perfectly simple!
Liver is exceptional among organ meats. It is packed with notable benefits and serves as a great entry-level food for anyone looking to improve their health. When people embark on a nose-to-tail eating journey, liver is usually the first choice. With the familiar texture and shape of a cracker or chip, these liver chips make it easy to incorporate liver into your diet.
If you’re new to liver, you may have tried liver pate as a starting point. However, I may change my recommendation because these chips are foolproof! And let me tell you, when these chips are dipped in keto cheese sauce, they are absolutely irresistible!
The Nutritional Value of Beef Liver
Move over imported superfoods, liver is a real powerhouse! It’s a fantastic source of high-quality protein, vitamin A, B vitamins (especially B12), folic acid, iron, and trace elements like copper, zinc, and chromium. In addition, liver provides an unidentified anti-fatigue factor, CoQ10, and serves as a good source of purines, which are essential for DNA and RNA.
Carnivore Chips: A Crisp Extravaganza
You can call them chips or crisps – either way, you know what I mean! I like to add beef liver to my homemade pemmican recipe, and trust me, it blends in flawlessly. You wouldn’t even know it’s there unless I told you.
Traditionally used by Native American tribes and early American fur traders, pemmican has a fascinating history. Did you know that wars were fought over the supply lines of this food? If you’re interested, I highly recommend learning more about it from my Pemmican Guide.
One day, while I was drying liver for a new batch of pemmican, I decided to take a little nibble of the dry liver. I was totally blown away! It tasted just like the perfect healthy chip replacement.
These liver chips are a single-ingredient carnivore chip recipe that you can double or triple batch whenever you want. The drying process takes a few hours, but it’s completely worth it because you end up with gluten-free, grain-free chips that are actually good for you.
Introducing liver into your diet for the first time can be challenging, but these chips provide a great option. The flavor of dried liver is milder than that of fresh liver. However, if you’re worried it might be too strong for you, you can try making grass-fed calves liver chips instead. Organs from younger animals tend to have a smoother, less pronounced flavor than those from mature animals.
How to Make Beef Liver Chips
Some people might call this liver jerky, but I prefer to dehydrate liver until it becomes completely dry and crunchy. Jerky has a different texture – it’s pliable and chewy. However, if you prefer that kind of finish, you can certainly experiment with liver to achieve it.
Before you begin, decide which of the two methods you want to use for making this liver chip recipe:
- Buy whole liver and thinly slice it into even pieces.
- Spread ground liver in a thin layer and break it apart into smaller pieces with your hands.
For most people, sourcing a pound or two of whole liver is the easier option. Thinly slice the liver into individual pieces and then dry it either in a food dehydrator or in the oven. It’s as simple as that.
Ground liver produces an interesting result. It tends to be flakier and has a different mouthfeel. You can ask your butcher to grind the liver ahead of time or do it at home. If you choose to do it yourself, cube the liver, remove any thick connective tissues, and blend it in a food processor until smooth.
Spread the liver mixture on a food dehydrator sheet or an ovenproof baking sheet using a spatula. Make it as thin as possible. You might be surprised to find out just how sticky the texture is.
Food Dehydrator vs. Oven
If you’re using a food dehydrator, set it to the meat setting and dry the liver until the top is dry and firm to the touch. Flip it once to dry the other side. This process typically takes up to 4 hours per side.
Alternatively, you can use an oven set at the lowest temperature. Check after an hour and flip the liver once the center is completely dry. Continue drying for another hour or so.
Feel free to season the liver chips with your favorite herbs and spices if desired. However, I recommend trying them without any additional herbs because the natural flavor of grass-fed liver is incredibly delicious on its own.
Dry liver has a tangy funk to it, similar to parmesan cheese. I suggest keeping the chips plain (at least for your first batch) and using them in a flavorful low-carb dip or with a soft cheese spread.
Beef Liver Chips for Dogs
These beef liver chips also make a fantastic treat for your furry friends. Liver is a healthy food for dogs, just as it is for humans. So whether you’re making dehydrated liver for yourself or for your dog, the process remains the same.
It’s not the first time my husband and I have laughed at the realization that our dog eats the same food as us. Or do we eat dog food? One of the benefits of animal-based nutrition is that meal prep becomes much easier for both humans and animals in your home. If you have cats or dogs, they are sure to enjoy the scraps left over from your table. Give them bones, collagen-rich bits, and any meat that might linger in the fridge for a bit too long.
If you’re looking for more delicious zero-fiber recipes, check out The Carnivore Cookbook, which offers over 100 recipes made from just the essentials: animal protein and fats.
Where to Buy Beef Liver
If you’re based in the US or Canada, Eat Wild is an excellent directory of farms and ranches that offers a variety of options. Simply select your area, and you’ll find listings with descriptions, available products, and contact information.
For a comprehensive guide on buying liver, be sure to read my Shopper’s Guide to Buying Liver. However, if you prefer to purchase beef liver online and have it delivered to your doorstep, here are my top recommendations:
- White Oak Pastures – This supplier offers liver from a wide range of animals, including beef, goat, lamb, and more. White Oak Pastures is known for its commitment to regenerative grazing methods, which improve soil quality and result in better quality meat. If you’re interested, you can also listen to our podcast together to learn more about their journey.
- US Wellness Meats – This supplier delivers grass-fed beef, lamb, and bison liver across the US and Canada.
Originally published on August 18, 2019, this post was updated on November 18, 2020, with new images and information.
More Keto Carnivore Liver Recipes:
- Classic Beef Liver Pate – Dazzle your dinner guests with a Classic Beef Liver Pate appetizer. It’s easy to make and super nutritious!
- How to Cook Beef Liver without Flour – These Crustless Mini Meat Pies with hidden liver are the perfect nutrient-dense addition to breakfast or lunch. Pack them in a lunchbox or keep them in the fridge – they pair well with everything. It’s a great way to get your liver in without any unusual taste, texture, or appearance.
- Hidden Organ Meat Pie – Organ meats are not only affordable but also incredibly nutritious. This nourishing meat pie combines ground beef, liver, and heart. It’s simple and satiating.
- Cabbage Noodles with Hidden Liver – Enjoy an Asian-inspired skillet meal with pan-fried cabbage noodles and ground beef. Add “hidden liver” for extra nutrient density, and no one will even know it’s there!
Now that you have the ultimate beef liver chip recipe, it’s time to satisfy your cravings and reap the incredible nutritional benefits. Don’t miss out on this delicious and healthy snack!
