Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe (Great for Vietnamese Bánh Mì) - Hungry Huy (2024)

Huy Vu 9/19/20 Jump to Recipe

This creamy and rich chicken liver pâté recipe is full of buttery, fatty flavor and amazing to eat with even just a slice of baguette.You will most likely see Vietnamese pâté in bánh mì and it’s the perfect amount of extra flavor that boosts the sandwich’s flavor.

If you want to make bánh mi at home and don’t want to use the canned varieties you find at Lee’s sandwiches or at your local Vietnamese grocery store, this recipe is easy to follow and will give you extra batches to share with friends and family (or to make tons of bánh mì).

Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe (Great for Vietnamese Bánh Mì) - Hungry Huy (1)

Background

Pâté is generally a type of meat paste with a main ingredient of liver, but you can also find other types including ground meat of pork, beef, or even chicken.

While there are different types of pâté from all over the world, Vietnamese pâté was introduced by French colonialism and cuisine. Different French variations of pâté include a baked crust version (pâté en croûte) where it’s similarly baked like a pie or a pâté en terrine where it is baked in a mold usually in a water bath in the oven.

Not to be confused with pâté chaud, which is a meat pie that is made of ground pork or beef (and not liver). pâté is essentially a formed meat pie, but it’s known that pâté chaud has origins from a seafood stuffed pastry–not technically the forcemeat (or grounded and molded meat) version we know pâté to be these days.

The Vietnamese version of pâté is called pâté de campagne, or country pâté; This usually has a coarser texture and is traditionally made with cheaper ingredients like pork liver because they could not afford to make the traditional chicken or goose liver pâté. These days, there are plenty of pâté versions that are made with chicken and pork livers.

Prep & cooking chicken livers

Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe (Great for Vietnamese Bánh Mì) - Hungry Huy (2)

Chicken livers have somewhat of a bad rap to them because of their iron taste, but I feel like it’s definitely misunderstood. After learning a few adjustments in my cooking, I realized chicken livers can have a flavorful profile.

Before I even start to cook my chicken livers, I like to soak them in a milk bath overnight. I know I know, this sounds like a LONG time, but it’s definitely worth it. The milk helps to remove some of the gumminess in the texture and also mellows out the flavor.

Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe (Great for Vietnamese Bánh Mì) - Hungry Huy (3)

One of the easiest things about this recipe is that you don’t need to bake or water bath this pâté to cook it. All the cooking is done over the stove and then pulsed in a food processor.

Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe (Great for Vietnamese Bánh Mì) - Hungry Huy (4)

Even though this is a rustic type of pâté that is often more coarse than other types, I still like the option of straining it to remove the chewy pieces of ground pork.

Serve

Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe (Great for Vietnamese Bánh Mì) - Hungry Huy (5)

Sometimes when I buy bánh mì sandwiches, I find that there’s never enough pâté inside so I love having the option of adding more when I make homemade pâté. Other ways I like to eat pâté is also on a cheeseboard with plenty of crackers and Stilton cheese.

Tips

Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe (Great for Vietnamese Bánh Mì) - Hungry Huy (6)
  • Remove stringy tendons and fatty white/yellow parts when prepping the livers. This will help prevent more chewy pieces in the pâté.
  • Soak the livers in milk overnight in the fridge. While this obviously is a long time to wait, soaking the livers in milk helps reduce the gumminess and mellow out the flavor of the livers. If you don’t have enough time, I would still suggest at least 3-4 hours soaking in the fridge.
  • Don’t overcook livers in the pan. I like to use a meat thermometer to test the livers while cooking to make sure I’m not overcooking them. Otherwise, they will start to taste very bitter and dry or tough. I stop cooking once the livers hit 160 °F because I know they will continue to cook a little more while they cool.
  • Cool your livers and ground pork mixture before processing. This allows the sauce to slightly thicken, cook the livers a little more without overcooking, and doesn’t give you a hot mess when you try to pulse them into a pulp.
  • Option to strain. While pâté de campagne is known to be coarse, I still like to strain the pâté before putting them in the mold to remove the chewy ground pork pieces. This is optional.
  • Line your molds with plastic wrap to make it easier to remove after they have firmed up.
  • Add a layer of clarified butter on top to help seal the surface and prevent the pâté from drying up.
  • You can freeze the pâté if you have extras and defrost them for later use as well.

How long can you keep chicken liver pâté?

In the fridge, chicken liver pâté is only good for a few days. You also have the option for freezing leftover untouched pâté.

Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe (Great for Vietnamese Bánh Mì) - Hungry Huy (7)

Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe (Great for Vietnamese Bánh Mì) - Hungry Huy (8)

Chicken Liver Pâté (great for bánh mì)

5 from 10 votes

This creamy and buttery chicken liver pate is an easy to follow recipe and you'll want to make this for any Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich.

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BY: Huy Vu

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

Marinating, resting, and chilling: 10 hours hrs

Total: 10 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

SERVINGS: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (453.6 g) chicken livers
  • 1 c milk
  • ½ lb (226.8 g) ground pork minced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • ¾ c yellow onion (about 1 small onion) chopped
  • 1 tbsp garlic (about 5 cloves) minced
  • 4 tbsp butter unsalted
  • 2 tsp white sugar
  • 1 tsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp bourbon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Equipment Used

Instructions

  • Prep liver by cleaning the livers under running water to remove any random debris and using a knife to cut out fatty pieces or dark brown spots.

  • Put the livers into a glass container, pour milk until it covers all of the livers, and cover with a lid. Marinade the livers in milk overnight in the fridge.

  • The day after, remove the livers from the fridge, transfer them into a strainer to remove the excess milk, and rest on the counter to get to room temperature (about 20 minutes before cooking).

  • Place the ground pork in the food processor and grind until it’s minced.

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and saute the onions for about two minutes or until fragrant, then add the garlic and saute for another one minute. Add the butter and stir until it melts.

  • Add the chicken livers and ground pork in the saucepan and simmer for 2 minutes.

  • Then, mix in the other ingredients into the saucepan and cook for about 7 minutes or until the liver’s temperature measures to about 160 °F and it feels firmer to the touch. The whole cooking time should not take longer than 15 minutes.

  • Turn off heat and let the liver mixture come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

  • Once it’s cooled down, add everything into a food processor and chop until it’s smooth. Option to strain if you want a smoother texture.

  • Transfer the pâté to containers and cling wrap over the top of the container to prevent the pâté from drying out. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let it form.

  • Optional: line containers with cling wrap to prevent it from sticking after forming in the fridge. I like to use airtight containers with a lid so the pâté will stay fresh in the fridge. You also can add a top layer of clarified butter to further keep the pâté from molding.

  • Transfer the pâté from the fridge and onto a serving container and eat immediately. Fresh pâté can be stored in the fridge for up to three to four days. You can also freeze untouched pâté too.

Nutrition Facts (1 serving)

Calories: 332.5kcal (17%) | Carbohydrates: 6.7g (2%) | Protein: 21g (42%) | Fat: 23.9g (37%) | Saturated Fat: 12.2g (76%) | Cholesterol: 315.9mg (105%) | Sodium: 628.2mg (27%) | Potassium: 365.2mg (10%) | Fiber: 0.4g (2%) | Sugar: 4.6g (5%) | Vitamin A: 8714IU (174%) | Vitamin C: 15.7mg (19%) | Calcium: 66.6mg (7%) | Iron: 7.2mg (40%)

Nutrition Facts

Chicken Liver Pâté (great for bánh mì)

Amount per Serving

Calories

332.5

% Daily Value*

Fat

23.9

g

37

%

Saturated Fat

12.2

g

76

%

Cholesterol

315.9

mg

105

%

Potassium

365.2

mg

10

%

Carbohydrates

6.7

g

2

%

Fiber

0.4

g

2

%

Sugar

4.6

g

5

%

Protein

21

g

42

%

Vitamin A

8714

IU

174

%

Vitamin C

15.7

mg

19

%

Calcium

66.6

mg

7

%

Iron

7.2

mg

40

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Appetizer, Sides

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Keyword: banh mi, chicken liver, pate

Did you cook this recipe?Tag @HungryHuy or #hungryhuy–I’d love to see it!

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Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe (Great for Vietnamese Bánh Mì) - Hungry Huy (14)

Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe (Great for Vietnamese Bánh Mì) - Hungry Huy (2024)

FAQs

What kind of pâté is used in banh mi? ›

Pate – pork or chicken, the very best Banh Mi vendors make their own. Any normal pate that's not heavily flavoured with liquor or a flavouring like orange is just fine. Mayo – mayo + pate creates a unique juiciness and savoury richness that we know and love about Banh Mi!

Is chicken liver pâté bad for you? ›

Liver and liver products, such as liver pâté and liver sausage, are a good source of iron, as well as being a rich source of vitamin A. However, because they are such a rich source of vitamin A, we should be careful not to eat too much liver and liver product foods.

Why is liver pate a high risk food? ›

The major risks from microbiological hazards for liver pâté consumption are associated with the low cooking temperatures (including the possibility of undercooking), contamination after cooking and the growth of bacteria in the product during storage.

What is banh mi sauce made of? ›

Spicy mayo – A banh mi essential! This sauce, made from mayo, sriracha, lime juice, and sesame oil, adds delicious richness and heat to this fresh sandwich. To make this recipe vegan, substitute your favorite store bought vegan mayo, or make your own. Cilantro – The perfect fresh finishing touch!

What does Vietnamese pate taste like? ›

However there are variants that can include chicken liver and other meats. Vietnamese pate is famous for its savoury flavour combination, thick and creamy texture. Salt, pepper, and a little sugar is added to the ground pork, skin, and liver mixture before it is stir-fried with onion and garlic.

What is the white stuff in banh mi? ›

Traditionally, the mayo used in Banh Mi is actually cut with butter to add that melty feel and nutty flavour. Fresh Herbs – Most often, it is sprigs of cilantro but other herbs are common as well.

Who should not eat chicken liver? ›

Liver is low in calories and rich in high quality protein, all while providing an incredible amount of vital nutrients. For most people, liver can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, it should be eaten in limited amounts if you are pregnant and avoided if you have gout.

Is it bad to eat chicken liver everyday? ›

In fact, chicken liver is so nutrient rich that it is best consumed as a supplement to a healthy diet - you don't need to eat it every day to obtain its benefits unless you have certain health issues such as anemia that would benefit from the excess nutrients.

How often can I eat chicken liver pate? ›

Most people should eat liver no more than once a week, according to the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. Those with severe vitamin A or iron deficiencies might get the OK from their doctors to eat larger amounts.

What 3 foods harm the liver? ›

Alcohol: Alcohol can be a major cause of fatty liver disease as well as other liver diseases. Added sugar: Avoid sugary foods like candy, cookies, sodas, and fruit juices. High blood sugar increases the amount of fat buildup in the liver. Fried foods: These are high in fat and calories.

Why is liver pate so expensive? ›

Pate Foie Gras is French for fat liver paste. It is a luxury item because few countries allow it to be made, due to the extreme cruelty involved. It is the cancerous liver of a duck or goose fattened by force in a process known as gavage. Birds spend their lives in semi-darkness.

What happens if you eat too much liver pate? ›

It's possible, and dangerous, to get too much vitamin A. Eating large amounts of liver can lead to symptoms of vitamin A toxicity, which happens when your own liver can't process the excess vitamin A quickly enough. Most doctors recommend that people without vitamin deficiencies eat just one serving of liver per week.

What is the yellow stuff in banh mi? ›

Butter/mayonnaise.

It's mixed with oil and egg yolks, so it becomes a creamy yellow dressing. (Many banh mi recipes call for mayonnaise, which is an egg-based dressing).

What does banh mi mean in Vietnamese? ›

Bánh Mì (pronounced BUN-mee) is the Vietnamese term for “bread”, but it also refers to a special kind of sandwich: a culinary fusion of two cultures and a prime example of how food is always tied with history… The story begins in the mid-19th century when Vietnam fell under French colonial rule.

What does banh mean in Vietnamese? ›

In Vietnamese, the term bánh (Hanoi: [ɓaʲŋ̟˧˥] or Saigon: [ɓan˧˥], Chữ Nôm: 餅) translates loosely as "cake" or "bread", but refers to a wide variety of prepared foods that can easily be eaten by hands or chopsticks.

What is a substitute for pâté in banh mi? ›

The answer is a mushroom pâté

When dried, mushrooms pack a much more intense flavor that will match the funky, earthy banh mi bite you remember from the days before going vegan. For even more umami flavor, throw in a dash of vegan fish sauce and MSG, along with aromatics like shallots and garlic.

What is duck liver pâté called? ›

Foie gras is the liver of a goose or duck that has been fattened by a process of force-feeding. It is considered a delicacy of French cuisine. Foie gras is ideally very firm and smoothly textured, with a colouring of creamy white tinged with pink.

Does banh mi have liver in it? ›

Bánh mì thịt nguội (also known as bánh mì pâté chả thịt, bánh mì đặc biệt, or "special combo") is made with various Vietnamese cold cuts, such as sliced pork or pork belly, chả lụa (Vietnamese sausage), and head cheese, along with the liver pâté and vegetables like carrot or cucumbers.

What is Banh Nam made of? ›

Banh Nam is a traditional cake, originating from Hue. The batter is usually made from rice, tapioca flour, sugar and salt. The cake also includes minced shrimp, chopped pork, pepper, scallions, and annatto oil.

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