Kibda Alexandrian Style
A classic Egyptian street food from Alexandria, this dish features tender, pan-fried calf or lamb liver quickly cooked with vibrant peppers and aromatic spices. It's known for its intense flavor and rapid preparation.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Calf or lamb liver(Fresh, trimmed of any membranes and tough bits. Slice thinly against the grain.)
- 2 Green bell peppers(Deseeded and thinly sliced.)
- 5-7 cloves Garlic(Minced or finely grated.)
- 2 tsp Cumin(Ground cumin.)
- 1-2 Hot peppers(Such as jalapeño or serrano, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to spice preference).)
- 4-5 tbsp Vegetable oil or Ghee(For frying.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice(Optional, for serving.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the liver: Trim any silverskin or tough membranes from the liver. Slice the liver thinly, about 1/4 inch thick, against the grain. This ensures tenderness. Pat the liver slices dry with paper towels.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Prepare the vegetables: Deseed and thinly slice the green bell peppers. Mince or finely grate the garlic. Finely chop the hot peppers, removing seeds if you prefer less heat.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Heat the pan: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wok over high heat. Add the oil or ghee and heat until it shimmers and is very hot – almost smoking. This high heat is crucial for a quick sear.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Sear the liver: Carefully add the sliced liver to the hot pan in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding, which would steam the liver instead of searing it). Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side, until browned and just cooked through. The liver should still be slightly pink inside for maximum tenderness. Remove the liver from the pan and set aside.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Sauté the peppers: Add the sliced green bell peppers to the same hot pan (add a touch more oil if needed). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still have a bite (al dente).
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
Add aromatics: Push the peppers to one side of the pan. Add the minced garlic and chopped hot peppers to the cleared space. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 1 minute - 7
Combine and season: Stir the garlic and hot peppers into the green peppers. Return the seared liver to the pan. Sprinkle generously with cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together quickly for about 1 minute to combine the flavors and ensure the liver is heated through.
⏱️ 1 minute - 8
Serve immediately: Transfer the Kibda Alexandrian Style to a serving platter. Drizzle with optional lemon juice. Serve hot.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use very high heat for searing the liver to achieve a beautiful crust and keep it tender.
- ✓Do not overcook the liver; it should remain slightly pink inside. Overcooked liver becomes tough and dry.
- ✓This dish is traditionally served in crusty bread (like baladi bread or a baguette) as a sandwich, often with tahini or a simple salad.
- ✓Adjust the amount of hot peppers to your personal spice preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier kick, add more hot peppers or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Add thinly sliced onions along with the green peppers for a sweeter flavor profile.
- A splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can be added at the end for brightness.