The EASIEST Beef Kidney Recipe (Keto Carnivore) (2024)

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You’ll be mind blown by how good this easy beef kidney recipe is. It is very exciting to find organ meat recipes you actually want to eat! If you are interested in eating nose to tail carnivore diet recipes or like exploring healthy ways to add organ meats to your diet, this 3-step stovetop dish is a great way to normalize the presence of nutrient-dense foods in your home.

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An easy beef kidney recipe you have to try

Truth be told, kidney hasn’t received much attention in my nose to tail journey until a few months ago and I wish I hadn’t waited so long!

I’ve spent a good amount of time experimenting withdifferent ways to make kidney.

From soaking to sautéing to braising to grilling, there aremany different approaches to take. However, nothing can compare to the ease andsimplicity of this keto carnivore kidney recipe.

These beef kidneys are more than just easy to make; they taste good too!

You might be as surprised as I was to learn this but it’s true! Without any fancy sauces or cooking technique and without trying to disguise them, kidney is right there in the open for all to enjoy.

Please tell me in the comments what you think of this dish. It’s the only way I make kidney now and feel like everyone should be talking about it! Do you love it as much as I do?

Where to buy beef kidney?

A few decades ago, kidney could still be found in mostsupermarkets. Unfortunately, today they are not always so easy to come across.

Ethnic grocers (think Eastern European, Russian and Mexican markets) often sell kidney as do local butchers. Ask whoever stands behind the glass display case for an order of fresh kidney. If they don’t have any at the time, you may be able to make a custom order and have them source it for you.

If you prefer to shop online, I highly recommend grass-fed beef kidneys from US Wellness. They offer grass-fed beef, bison, lamb and goat kidney.

The EASIEST Beef Kidney Recipe (Keto Carnivore) (2)

As with most foods, seek a fresh source of the best quality you can access. Some people consume conventionally raised organ meats without any problems, however, I prefer to prioritize grass-fed organs.

How do I prepare and clean beef kidneys?

Little to no preparation is required before adding the kidney to the boiling water. Depending on how the kidney is sold to you and on your personal taste, you may or may not want to trim the central piece of fat.

My family prefers to leave on as much fat as possible. In fact, we playfully fight over the fatty bites. They are always the first pick.

To trim, use a very sharp knife and thin out the fat or remove it completely by cutting away carefully between the membranes of meat and the fat. Once removed, you will have a small piece of suet, which is prized for rendering into tallow. This cooking fat is excellent for steak, burgers and high temperature searing or frying. Save fat to cook with later.

How to Cook Beef Kidney

Cooking time may vary due to the size of kidney. I cook the average 16 ounce (454 grams) beef kidney for 8 minutes, extra-large ones may go for as long as 10 minutes. Lamb, sheep, and goat kidneys are smaller, typically I only boil them for 4 to 5 minutes or so.

Boiling beef kidney for 8 minutes cooks the outside while leaving the inside rare. For a well-done kidney, boil for as long as 12 minutes.

I recommend you stop early rather than continue longer and enjoy the tender inside. Kidney has a soft texture and flavor full when kept rare.

Most people find rare and blue rare meat digests better than medium and well done.

The more you cook kidney, the more it shrinks. As it condenses, it will become more firm. Overcooked kidney will be slightly rubbery. This texture is nothing like a tough piece of meat but you will need to chew it more and the flavor is noticeably blander.

Do you have to soak kidney before cooking?

In many recipes, it is recommended to soak the kidney in brine prior to cooking. This draws out the “kidney flavor” and mellows the taste significantly.

I would do this for grilling or pan-frying but not in this recipe where we boil.

How do you make kidney taste good?

You boil the piss out of it!

After boiling, the kidney tastes good. There is no hint of ammonia or potentially offensive smell or taste.

Maintaining a full boil is important for the entire length of cooking. Regulate temperature by adjusting the flame and setting the lid more or less cracked (open) to find the sweet spot of boiling but not boiling over.

Each stove is a little different. You will soon learn how to achieve this in your own kitchen. I cook on a medium burner and reduce the flame from high to medium-low once kidney is added. The lid gets cracks by about an inch or so after kidney is added.

The best way to serve boiled kidney

To serve, simply cut in half, medallions or bite-sized pieces. I place the kidney on a small cutting board and cut it at the table. You can just as easily use a plate. Because the fat is in the middle, each bite may be slightly different. I find it is best to serve all pieces on a platter of sorts (in my case, a cutting board) and people can pick and choose what they want, piece by piece.

You may sprinkle quality mineral salt to taste, although I tend not to use any. A few pats of cold butter on the side are very complimentary.

Kidney is best as an appetizer or side to the main entrée. A large beef kidney can easily serve up to 4 people this way.

I’m sure you see how easily this recipe may be doubled if needed. You should look for a larger pot and add more water. Cooking times remain the same.

Chop it up and serve with keto cheese sauce!

Are beef kidneys good for you?

Eating offal, also known as organ meats, is good for you in a number of ways. Beef kidney is

  • an affordable source of protein and fat-soluble vitamins
  • a respectful way to use all parts of an animal, leaving minimal waste
  • new and novel for most people, adding a sense of excitement to cuisine

Apart from just health, there are other benefits of organ meats too!

I love using the combo of ground beef with liver, heart, and kidney premixed for me. It’s an easy way to get a great nutritional bang for your buck and super easy to add to any ground beef recipe without anyone giving it an “eww”.

Keto Organ Meat Recipes

If the above combo of ground meat and organs appeals to you, order some online or ask your butcher to make a blend for you.

The ground organ meat may be used as the main meat portion in any of these keto diet approved recipes (all are fantastic for a carnivore diet too!)

  • Organ Meat Pie
  • Homemade Pemmican with Organ Meats
  • Beef Heart Meatballs
  • Hidden Liver Meat Muffins
  • Easy Cheeseburger Pie

Beef kidney nutrition

According to NutritionData beef kidneys contain significant amounts of bioavailable

  • Protein
  • Vitamin C
  • Zinc
  • Thiamin
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • Vitamin B6 and B12
  • Folate
  • Pantothenic Acid
  • Iron
  • Phosphorus
  • Copper
  • Selenium

Animal organs are known to be packed with nutrients! Once you know what to look for shopping and cooking is easy. Your wallet will thank you too!

The EASIEST Beef Kidney Recipe (Keto Carnivore) (5)

Easy Beef Kidney Recipe (Keto Carnivore)

Jessica Haggard

You'll be mind blown by how good this easy beef kidney recipe for keto and carnivore diets is! If you want to eat more nose to tail, this 3-step stovetop dish is a great way to normalize the presence of nutrient-dense organ meats in your home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 6 mins

Cook Time 8 mins

Total Time 14 mins

Course Sides and Salads

Cuisine Traditional

Servings 4

Calories 117 kcal

  • Small saucepan

  • 1 beef kidney
  • salt to taste, optional
  • butter best cold, optional
  • Fill a small pot with enough water to submerge the kidney.

  • Cover and bring water to a boil over medium high heat.

  • Reduce the heat, add kidney and leave the lid cracked to allow heat to escape.

  • Boil for 8 minutes, monitor the heat so water does not boil over.

  • Remove from heat. Drain water and quickly rinse kidney under cool water if desired.

  • To serve, simply cut into half, medallions or bite sized pieces. Sprinkle with optional salt to taste and eat with cold butter ad libitum.

The fat is excellent and should be left on.

Cooking time may vary due to size of kidney. I cook the average beef kidney for 8 minutes, extra large ones may go for as long as 10 minutes. Lamb, sheep, and goat kidneys are smaller, typically I only boil them for 4 to 5 minutes or so.

You want the kidney to boil for the full cooking time. Regulate temperature by adjusting the flame and setting the lid more or less cracked (open) to find the sweet spot of boiling but not boiling over.

Nutrition facts are for a 4 ounce serving of beef kidney; butter not included.

Serving: 4ouncesCalories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 20gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 207mgNet Carbohydrates: 1g

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.

Tag a photo with @Primal_Mom and #PEHRecipe on Instagram to share with us!

Take a look How to Cook Meat on a Carnivore Diet and brush up your skills with other cuts and techniques!

More Beef Kidney Recipes

The EASIEST Beef Kidney Recipe (Keto Carnivore) (6)

Calf Kidney in Cream Sauce

This easy kidney recipe with calf's kidney makes a delicious and nutrient-dense meal. It is very satiating and perfectly suited for low carb diets.

The EASIEST Beef Kidney Recipe (Keto Carnivore) (7)

Steak and Kidney Pie (Paleo, AIP)

Enjoy the incredible nutritive benefits of grass-fed beef kidney in a truly delicious, warm, and comforting pie, perfect for winter. The crust is gluten-free, Paleo, AIP, and has an incredible buttery flavor.

The EASIEST Beef Kidney Recipe (Keto Carnivore) (8)

Crispy Pan-Fried Kidney (contains flour)

You've never fully enjoyed beef kidney until it's pan-fried and sautéed with garlic, butter, and lemon.

The EASIEST Beef Kidney Recipe (Keto Carnivore) (2024)

FAQs

Is beef kidney Keto friendly? ›

You'll be mind blown by how good this easy beef kidney recipe for keto and carnivore diets is! If you want to eat more nose to tail, this 3-step stovetop dish is a great way to normalize the presence of nutrient-dense organ meats in your home.

Do you have to soak kidneys before cooking? ›

Once you cut off the parts that need to be removed from the kidneys, you need to soak them in salted water or milk to ensure that the kidneys will not smell “funky” (urine smell) when you cook them.

Is eating beef kidneys good for you? ›

Rich in nutrients and proteins, kidney meat contains omega 3 fatty acids. It is also known to contain anti-inflammatory properties and to be good for the heart.

Can you eat organ meat everyday? ›

Potential Risks of Organ Meat

While organ meats are highly nutritious foods, they also contain a lot of cholesterol (especially the liver and heart). High cholesterol levels raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, it's recommended that organ meats be eaten in moderation.

Is beef kidney high in cholesterol? ›

You'll get 1.2 grams of saturated fat from 3 ounces of cooked beef kidney, or 5 percent of your allowance for the day. The bigger concern is the high cholesterol content in beef kidney. Cholesterol from foods can contribute to hardened and clogged arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease.

How long should you boil kidneys? ›

Boil the kidneys until they are done to your liking. For a kidney that weighs about 1 lb (454 g), after 8 minutes the kidney should be rare. Cook for 10 minutes if you want it medium, 12 minutes if you want it well-done. Remove from the pot, slice up and enjoy!

What are the best kidneys to eat? ›

Calves' kidneys or veal kidneys

Calves' kidneys (aka veal kidneys) are the Rolls-Royce of kidneys, and they tend to get hoovered up by the smart restaurant trade. They are the most tender and have the best flavour of all.

How do you get rid of beef kidney smell? ›

To get rid of the urine smell in beef kidney; put water in a bowl, add vinegar or lemon juice and a bit of salt. Dip the cut pieces of beef kidney into the mixture and let it soak for about 2 hours. It is effective and gets rid of the smell allowing you to enjoy your beef kidney.

What is the healthiest organ meat? ›

While tongue and heart are both excellent choices and great introductions to organ meat consumption, liver is by far the most important organ meat you should be eating. It's one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence, and contains many nutrients that are difficult to get elsewhere.

How often should you eat organ meat? ›

Too much, however, increases the risk of fibrosis and scarring of the liver and lungs, which are irreversible. For that reason, I recommend eating no more than 6 to 8 ounces of liver per week, plus an additional 6 to 8 ounces of mussels, clams, oysters, heart, or other organ meats each week.

Which animal liver is most nutritious? ›

Gram for gram, beef liver is probably the most nutritious food on earth. This nutrient-dense organ meat contains substantial amounts of vitamin B12, copper, and many other essential nutrients.

Do you have to soak beef kidney? ›

Preparing kidneys

Then, you can soak in cold water – one tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and two teaspoons salt to two cups of water. This is optional and some dissuade soaking. However, it's a nice gesture to temper your own uncertainty in the beginning. Soaking for thirty minutes is good, 15-90 will do.

Do you soak kidneys in milk? ›

If you do not want your kidneys to taste too strong, soak them in a bowl of milk for 30 minutes, then drain. To prevent the kidneys from curling up when cooking, soak in a bowl of hot water for 2-3 minutes, then rinse with cold water to refresh.

How do you remove fat from beef kidney? ›

How to Prepare and Cook a (Beef) Kidney - YouTube

What is the best tasting organ meat? ›

Of all the organs, liver is probably the strongest tasting, and the hardest for many people to stomach, but trust me, it's worth it. As I mentioned earlier, liver is a great source of riboflavin.

How much liver should I eat a week carnivore diet? ›

With 400g of beef liver a week, you're close to hitting the recommended amounts of every essential vitamin and mineral even without anything else. Couple this with some eggs, bone marrow and grass-fed muscle meat and you'll be getting more nutrients than 99% of people.

Can diabetics eat organ meat? ›

Dr. Weil says “Don't eat any meat — organ or otherwise — from animals raised in toxic environments.” Experts seem to agree it's best to eat liver from organically raised animals, so they'll be less toxic.

What organ meat has the most protein? ›

Liver. One of the most common organs, liver is a great source of high quality protein and is one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin A, along with copper, folic acid and iron.

Is beef kidney high in B12? ›

Beef kidney is an organ meat rich in vitamin B12, selenium, and heme iron.

Is liver and onions good for you? ›

It is also involved in healthy brain function. Vitamin A: 860–1,100% of the RDI. Vitamin A is important for normal vision, immune function and reproduction. It also helps organs like the heart and kidneys function properly.

How do you cook nice kidneys? ›

how to cook beef kidneys. Benefits of Beef Kidneys - YouTube

How do I stew kidney? ›

Clean kidney thoroughly, then cut up into bite sizes. Put into large skillet add 1 or 2 cups water, or until kidney is cover then cover and cook on medium-high for about 20 minutes.

How do you boil a kidney? ›

How To Boil Kidney Beans - YouTube

Is lemon water good for kidneys? ›

Helps prevent kidney stones

Lemon water helps prevent painful stones in those deficient in urinary citrate (a form of citric acid). More importantly, increased fluids help prevent dehydration — a common cause of kidney stones.

How do you make organ meat taste good? ›

The flavor of a rich tomato sauce will outshine just about any organ meat, especially heart or tongue. (Avoid if you're sensitive to nightshades.)

Is Ginger good for kidneys? ›

Ginger is identified as an excellent herb, which can improve functional attributes of kidneys. They are helpful in food digestion, improvement in blood purification and increase in the flow of oxygenated blood towards kidneys.

What is the white stuff in beef kidney? ›

In the centre, you will see a white piece of fat — extract and discard this. Before using, soak the kidney for an hour in something acidic, such as buttermilk or water with some vinegar or lemon juice in it. This will help to make the taste a bit milder, by leeching uric acid out of it.

Does beef kidney taste like urine? ›

Provided your kidneys are cored and washed, the final taste should have no trace of urine – with a texture very similar to more fashionable joints of meat, without that odd grainy and metallic taste that, say, liver has.

Can you eat kidney raw? ›

Kidney. Kidney is the most commonly known other organ included in raw diet and it is concentrated in selenium and provides a wide variety of B vitamins. Kidney, specifically beef kidney, is a better source of vitamin D in comparison to the other organ options.

What organs should you eat on carnivore diet? ›

A List of the Best Organ Meats to Eat
  • Heart.
  • Kidney.
  • Liver.
  • Sweetbread.
  • Tongue.
  • Tripe.

What does beef kidney taste like? ›

Kidney can be very strong-tasting, iron-rich and can sometimes even be a bit bitter. To offset this you want to match your flavours through adding pepper, mustard, and spices to enrich the taste and cook it at the right temperature.

Do you have to eat organ meat on carnivore diet? ›

Don't get me wrong, muscle meat like steak is very nutritious, but on a carnivore diet, paleo diet, or animal-based diet, if you're not getting organs, you are missing out on valuable nutrients necessary for optimal performance.

Why is organ meat so cheap? ›

Cheaper cuts and reduced waste: Organ meats are not a popular cut of meat, so you can often get them at a cheap price. Eating these parts of the animal also reduces food waste.

What organ meat has magnesium? ›

Liver
Beef Liver: Raw
MINERALS
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium5mg 4.9mg 18mg 387mg 4mg 9.8mg 0.3mg 39.7μg
7 more rows
Oct 28, 2021

What is the carnivore diet meal plan? ›

Following the diet involves eliminating all plant foods from your diet and exclusively eating meat, fish, eggs, and small amounts of low-lactose dairy products. Foods to eat include beef, chicken, pork, lamb, turkey, organ meats, salmon, sardines, white fish, and small amounts of heavy cream and hard cheese.

Can I eat beef liver everyday? ›

Even though liver is incredibly healthy and nutritious, it should not be consumed daily.

What happens if you eat too much liver? ›

Eating large amounts of liver can lead to symptoms of vitamin A toxicity. Your own liver cannot process the excess vitamin A quickly enough, so eating a significant amount of liver regularly might lead to hypervitaminosis A.

Which is healthier chicken liver or beef liver? ›

Chicken liver is higher in minerals like selenium and iron, but as a whole doesn't reach the same level of superfood as beef liver. Beef liver is significantly more nutritionally dense and provides a variety of vitamins and minerals to cover all your micronutrient needs.

Does beef kidney have Dao? ›

A beef kidney is high in DAO (diamine oxidase). DAO is one of the enzymes that breakdown histamine.

How do you remove a kidney membrane? ›

How to clean lamb, goat, or venison kidneys for cooking - YouTube

Can you eat the fat in beef kidney? ›

You can either eat the suet when cooking your Kidney or separate it and use it as a healthy cooking fat.

How do you cut a kidney? ›

Slice the kidney in half lengthwise straight through the white vein. Once cut in half, you will see where the vein enters the kidney and fans out inside. Use a small, sharp knife or scissors to cut away all of the white vein from the interior of the kidney. Once trimmed you should be left only with dark kidney meat.

Can keto damage kidneys? ›

High in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates, ketogenic diets have the potential to exacerbate metabolic acidosis. Higher-protein ketogenic (keto) diets may hasten kidney failure and cause other medical problems in patients with kidney disease, according to the most comprehensive review yet of these diets.

Why do my kidneys hurt on keto diet? ›

Fatty keto options like butter and meat can increase your blood pressure, while a higher protein intake can put added stress on kidneys, because it adds more acid to them and messes with the body's balance of calcium.

How do I protect my kidneys on a keto diet? ›

In the keto diet, extra sodium is often recommended, especially when you are starting out. Plant-based proteins: Recent research has suggested that plant-based protein may be better for people with kidney disease than animal protein.

Does beef kidney have Dao? ›

A beef kidney is high in DAO (diamine oxidase). DAO is one of the enzymes that breakdown histamine.

Can keto cause diabetes? ›

They found that keto diets don't allow the body to properly use insulin, so blood sugar isn't properly controlled. That leads to insulin resistance, which can raise the risk for type 2 diabetes.

What are the side effects of the carnivore diet? ›

There are short-term and long-term carnivore diet side effects. At first, you may experience a set of symptoms known as the keto flu that are caused by depriving your body of glucose.
...
Short-term side effects.
NauseaVomiting
HeadacheFluid imbalances
FatigueDizziness
InsomniaConstipation
Oct 15, 2020

Why keto diet is unhealthy? ›

The keto diet could cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease. Strict diets like keto could also cause social isolation or disordered eating. Keto is not safe for those with any conditions involving their pancreas, liver, thyroid or gallbladder.

How long should you stay on the keto diet? ›

Registered dietitians warn that nutrient deficiencies may be possible if you're on it for too long. Stick to the keto diet for three to six months max, says Mancinelli, noting that some people opt to cycle in and out of the diet throughout the year.

What happens if you don't drink enough water on keto? ›

Not Drinking Enough Water on Keto

Carbs are stored along with water in the body, so as these stores are depleted, that water is lost along with them,” says Alyssa Tucci, RDN, nutrition manager at Virtual Health Partners in New York City.

Who should not do keto? ›

Considering these risks, people who have kidney damage, individuals at risk for heart disease, pregnant or nursing women, people with type 1 diabetes, pre-existing liver or pancreatic condition and anyone who has undergone gallbladder removal shouldn't attempt the Keto diet.

How do people on keto not get kidney stones? ›

Five steps for preventing kidney stones
  1. Control sodium intake. Sodium, frequently from salt, makes the kidneys discharge more calcium into the urine. ...
  2. Stay hydrated. ...
  3. Limit the intake of animal protein. ...
  4. Avoid stone-forming food. ...
  5. Avoid vitamin C supplements.
Jul 14, 2020

Is Low Carb hard on your kidneys? ›

Low carb diets, such as Atkins, which are popular for people who want to lose weight, have been found not to cause any noticeable harm to the kidneys, researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine reported in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

What is a kidney friendly diet? ›

Diet Tips for Kidney Health. A kidney-friendly diet should limit sodium, cholesterol, and fat and instead focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats (seafood, poultry, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products), says Maruschak.

How do you increase DAO naturally? ›

Enhancing DAO Function
  1. fresh meat and fish.
  2. eggs.
  3. most fresh vegetables — except spinach, tomatoes, avocado, and eggplant.
  4. most fresh fruit — except citrus and some berries.
  5. oils like coconut and olive oil.
  6. grains, including rice, quinoa, corn, teff, and millet.
Mar 4, 2019

Is kidney high in histamine? ›

The level of the histamine metabolite N‐methylhistamine, resulting from the enzymatic activity of HNMT, is higher in the kidney as compared to most other organs (Zimmermann et al., 2011).

Is kidney high in selenium? ›

The kidneys and the thyroid gland have the highest concentration of selenium in the body.

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