Beef Liver Sandwich with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
Beef Liver Sandwich with Tahini Yogurt Sauce is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Fast and Yummy on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 13 min | Total: 43 min
Cost: $13.04 total, $3.26 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Coriander Powder (sifted)
- 1 tsp Cumin (ground)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
- 0.5 tsp Chili Powder (mild or hot depending on preference)
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg (freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Chili Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
- 4 tbsp White Vinegar (regular distilled)
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 pcs Garlic Cloves (minced for liver; 1 extra for sauce)
- 1 kg Beef Liver (trimmed, rinsed, patted dry)
- 80 g Vegetable Oil (about 5 tbsp, high‑heat oil)
- 70 g Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 2 pcs Red Chili Peppers (sliced thin; seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 pcs Green Bell Peppers (cut into strips)
- 100 g Yogurt (plain, full‑fat)
- 70 g Tahini (stirred before measuring)
- 1 pinch White Pepper (ground)
- 50 g Water (room temperature)
- 4 pcs Sandwich Rolls (soft rolls or pita pockets)
Instructions
Prepare the Spice Marinade
In a small bowl combine coriander powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, chili powder, nutmeg, chili paste, white vinegar, and lemon juice. Stir until a smooth paste forms.
Time: PT5M
Trim and Slice the Liver
Rinse the beef liver under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and trim any membranes or connective tissue. Using a sharp knife, slice the liver as thinly as possible (about 2‑3 mm).
Time: PT5M
Marinate the Liver
Place the sliced liver in a shallow dish and coat evenly with the spice paste. Let it rest for 5 minutes while you prep the vegetables.
Time: PT5M
Prep the Vegetables
Thinly slice the red chili peppers (remove seeds if less heat is desired) and cut the green bell peppers into thin strips. Mince the remaining garlic clove for the sauce.
Time: PT5M
Make the Tahini Yogurt Sauce
In a bowl whisk together yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, half a lemon’s juice, a pinch of white pepper, a pinch of salt, and water until smooth and pourable.
Time: PT3M
Heat the Pan
Add vegetable oil and butter to the large skillet. Heat over high heat until the butter foams and the oil shimmers.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: high heat
Cook the Liver
Add the marinated liver slices in a single layer. Cook for about 8‑10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liver is browned on the edges but still pink inside.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: high heat
Stir‑Fry Peppers
Add the sliced red chilies and green bell pepper strips to the pan. Stir‑fry for 1 minute, then splash a little extra lemon juice for brightness.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: high heat
Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice the sandwich rolls open, spread a generous layer of tahini yogurt sauce on each side, then pile the cooked liver and peppers inside. Serve immediately.
Time: PT4M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains sesame
Allergens: Dairy, Sesame, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Coriander Powder: ground cilantro
- Instead of Cumin: ground cumin seeds
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt
- Instead of Chili Powder: paprika + cayenne
- Instead of Nutmeg: ground mace
- Instead of Chili Paste: sriracha, harissa
- Instead of White Vinegar: apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Lemon Juice: lime juice
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Beef Liver: chicken liver
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, sunflower oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
- Instead of Red Chili Peppers: jalapeño, serrano
- Instead of Green Bell Peppers: yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Yogurt: Greek yogurt, sour cream
- Instead of Tahini: almond butter (different flavor)
- Instead of White Pepper: black pepper
- Instead of Sandwich Rolls: flatbread, ciabatta
Equipment Needed
- Large Cutting Board
- Sharp Chef Knife
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Spatula or Tongs
- Whisk (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice the liver as thinly as possible to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Do not overcook the liver; it should remain slightly pink inside for tenderness.
- Whisk the tahini sauce until smooth to avoid grainy texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Pat the liver dry before marinating to help the spice paste adhere.
- Use a high smoke‑point oil (like canola) together with butter for flavor without burning.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking for a bright finish.
Troubleshooting
Liver turns rubbery and tough.
Reduce cooking time; liver should stay slightly pink inside. Slice thinner next time and cook over high heat quickly.
Tahini sauce is grainy.
Whisk vigorously and add water a teaspoon at a time until smooth. Using room‑temperature yogurt helps.
Sandwich rolls become soggy.
Toast the rolls lightly before adding sauce, or spread sauce on the inside of the top half only.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover sandwich components (liver, peppers, sauce) in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Cooked liver can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Assembled sandwiches should be eaten within 2 hours at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the tahini yogurt sauce up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate; it may thicken, so stir in a little water before use.
- Marinate the liver for up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of beef liver sandwiches with tahini sauce in Middle Eastern cuisine?
Liver has long been a prized protein in Middle Eastern cooking, often grilled or sautéed and served with flatbreads. Combining it with tahini—a sesame‑based staple—reflects the region’s love for creamy, nutty sauces that balance rich meats. The sandwich format is a modern, portable twist on traditional street‑food liver wraps.
What are traditional regional variations of liver dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine?
In Iran, liver is often seasoned with turmeric and served with saffron rice; in Lebanon, liver kebabs are marinated in garlic, lemon, and sumac; in Turkey, liver is sautéed with onions and served on pide bread. The Fast and Yummy version adds chili heat and a tahini‑yogurt sauce for a fusion twist.
How is beef liver traditionally served in Middle Eastern street food culture?
Traditional street vendors serve thinly sliced, quickly fried liver on warm flatbreads or pita, often topped with pickled vegetables, sumac, and a drizzle of tahini or yogurt. The focus is on bold spices, high heat cooking, and immediate consumption for maximum tenderness.
What occasions or celebrations feature liver dishes in Middle Eastern culture?
Liver is commonly prepared for family gatherings, Ramadan iftars, and festive meals such as Eid, where its rich flavor symbolizes abundance. It is also a popular weekend street‑food snack in many Middle Eastern cities.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Middle Eastern liver sandwich, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include beef or lamb liver, sumac or cumin, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and tahini. Acceptable substitutes are chicken liver for a milder taste, Greek yogurt for a thicker sauce, and chili paste for heat if traditional hot peppers are unavailable.
What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with this beef liver sandwich?
Serve the sandwich alongside a simple cucumber‑yogurt salad (tzatziki), pickled turnips, or a fresh tabbouleh. A side of hummus and warm flatbread also complements the rich flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Fast and Yummy beef liver sandwich?
Common errors include over‑cooking the liver, which makes it rubbery; using too thick a slice, which prolongs cooking time; and not whisking the tahini sauce enough, resulting in a grainy texture. Follow the thin‑slice and high‑heat guidelines for best results.
Why does this Fast and Yummy recipe use a combination of oil and butter for frying the liver?
The oil raises the smoke point, preventing the butter from burning, while the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor. This blend gives a crisp sear without bitterness, which is essential for delicate liver.
Can I make the beef liver sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the tahini yogurt sauce up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Cooked liver and peppers can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
What does the YouTube channel Fast and Yummy specialize in?
The YouTube channel Fast and Yummy focuses on quick, flavorful home‑cooked meals that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, often featuring bold spices and easy‑to‑find ingredients for busy cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Fast and Yummy's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Fast and Yummy blends traditional Middle Eastern flavors with modern, time‑saving techniques, emphasizing high‑heat stovetop cooking and simple sauces rather than lengthy marinating or oven‑based methods common on other channels.
Last updated: August 20, 2026






