If you’re a fan of bold, tangy, and savory flavors, then this Pickled Chicken Liver and Gizzard recipe is a must-try! This dish combines the rich, creamy texture of chicken liver with the chewy, meaty bite of gizzards, all soaked in a flavorful pickling solution made with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices. It’s a fantastic appetizer or “pulutan” (beer match) and can also be enjoyed as a side dish with hot steamed rice.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Unique Filipino Twist – Inspired by traditional Filipino pickling methods, this dish brings out deep umami flavors with a satisfying vinegar punch.
Great for Meal Prep – Pickling preserves the liver and gizzards, allowing you to store and enjoy them over several days.
Perfect for Adventurous Foodies – If you love offal dishes like adobong atay at balun-balunan, this is a must-try variation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious pickled offal dish, gather the following ingredients:
For the Main Proteins:
- 300g chicken liver – Cleaned and trimmed
- 300g chicken gizzard – Washed thoroughly, tough inner lining removed
For the Pickling Solution:
- 1 cup vinegar – White vinegar or cane vinegar works best
- 1/4 cup water – To balance the acidity
- 1 tbsp soy sauce – For depth of flavor
- 1 tbsp sugar – Just a touch of sweetness to mellow out the vinegar
- 1 tsp salt – Enhances the overall taste
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper – Adds a mild spice
Aromatic Enhancements:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for depth and fragrance
- 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced – Helps cut through the richness of the liver
- 1 small onion, sliced – Adds subtle sweetness
- 1-2 bay leaves – For an earthy aroma
- 1 tsp whole peppercorns – Adds mild heat and spice
- 1-2 pieces red/green chili (optional) – For a spicy kick
Step 1: Cleaning and Preparing the Chicken Offal
Properly cleaning and preparing the liver and gizzard ensures that the dish turns out delicious and free from any unwanted bitterness.
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Prepare the Gizzards:
- Wash the chicken gizzards under running water.
- Remove any tough inner lining to ensure tenderness.
- Slice into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
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Prepare the Liver:
- Rinse the chicken liver gently.
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, lightly pan-fry the liver for 2-3 minutes before pickling.
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Pre-Cook the Gizzards:
- In a pot of boiling water, cook the gizzards for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Making the Pickling Solution
This step is where all the magic happens! The vinegar, soy sauce, and spices will infuse the liver and gizzards with a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor.
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In a pot, combine:
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
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Add the aromatics:
- Garlic, ginger, onion, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns.
- For spice lovers, toss in sliced red or green chili.
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Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 3: Pickling the Liver and Gizzard
Now, it’s time to infuse the liver and gizzard with the flavorful pickling brine!
- Add the pre-cooked gizzards and liver into the simmering vinegar mixture.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes, ensuring the pieces are well-coated.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool completely to allow the flavors to develop.
- Transfer to a sterilized glass jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a cold appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking.
- Enjoy as a side dish with hot steamed rice.
- Pair with garlic fried rice and a fried egg for a unique breakfast meal.
- For pulutan, serve with an ice-cold beer to balance the vinegar’s sharpness.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Avoid using metal containers, as vinegar can react with metal and alter the taste.
- Always use a clean spoon when scooping out servings to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Pickled Chicken Liver and Gizzard dish is an absolute game-changer for those who love bold flavors and Filipino-inspired pickled dishes. It’s a great make-ahead dish that gets even tastier over time. Whether you’re a liver lover or just looking for a new way to enjoy offal, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings!
