Kebda Iskandarani
Alexandrian Liver
A classic Egyptian street food from Alexandria, featuring tender beef liver quickly stir-fried with aromatic spices and peppers, typically served in fresh bread. This dish is known for its vibrant flavors and quick preparation.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Beef liver
- 2 medium Bell peppers
- 4-6 cloves Garlic
- 1 tbsp Ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp Chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 3 tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 4 pieces Fresh bread
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the liver: Ensure the beef liver is thoroughly rinsed under cold water, trimmed of any tough outer membranes or connective tissues, and then cut into small, uniform bite-sized cubes (approximately 1-1.5 cm). Pat the liver cubes dry with paper towels; this helps achieve a better sear.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Prepare the aromatics and vegetables: Mince the garlic cloves. Wash, seed, and thinly slice or dice the bell peppers. If using chili flakes, have them ready.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Sear the liver: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the dried liver cubes in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which would steam the liver instead of searing). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and a nice crust forms, but the inside is still slightly pink. Remove the liver from the skillet and set aside.
⏱️ 3-4 minutes - 4
Sauté the vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers to the same skillet (add a little more oil if needed). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crispness. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes (if using) and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 4-5 minutes - 5
Combine and season: Return the seared liver to the skillet with the peppers. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just to heat the liver through and allow the flavors to meld. Do not overcook the liver, as it can become tough.
⏱️ 1-2 minutes - 6
Finish and serve: Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, piping hot, stuffed into warm pita or baladi bread. It's traditionally served with tahini sauce and a side of pickles or salad.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓High heat and quick cooking are crucial for tender liver. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- ✓This dish is a beloved street food specialty in Alexandria, Egypt.
- ✓Serve with a drizzle of tahini sauce for an authentic taste.
- ✓For extra flavor, you can marinate the liver briefly in lemon juice and spices before cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a finely chopped hot green chili pepper along with the bell peppers.
- Add thinly sliced onions along with the bell peppers for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Some variations include adding a splash of vinegar or a pinch of coriander powder.