This easy 5-minute Cod Liver Pate recipe will show you how you can quickly and easily turn canned cod livers into a creamy, rich, and delicious spread. This cod liver recipe is an easy way to enjoy the savory flavors and health benefits of cod livers. Serve this nutritional powerhouse as a simple breakfast with toast or a fancy appetizer with crackers.
If you've been in the crunchy community for any length of time, you've certainly heard of the health benefits of cod liver oil. Cod liver and its oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D, which may be linked to reduced inflammation. According to this Healthline article, regular consumption of cod liver oil may benefit stronger bones, better eye health (thanks to vitamin A), and reduced joint and arthritic symptoms.
But as with most supplementation, if I can go directly to the food source instead of relying on capsules - I will. For example, I'd gladly enjoy beef liver pate over liver pills any day. Don't get me wrong - I'm thankful to have good quality resources like Perfect Supplements beef desiccated beef liver powder when you can't stomach beef or cod liver.
But wouldn't you much rather indulge in a good pate recipe spread over a sourdough toast? If so, this cod liver pate recipe is for you. It's a nutritional powerhouse that's so creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
Looking for more delicious and unique condiments? Check out oven garlic confit recipe, red cabbage sauerkraut, and garlic yogurt sauce.
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Recipe Overview
- Prep and Cook Time: 5 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to chill
- Cooking Method: No-cook
- Dietary Info: Whole 30, GAPS, Paleo, Low-Carb/Keto, WAPF
- Tools Needed: mixing bowl, immersion blender
- Skill Level: Easy
What is WAPF? Read my post on what nourishing foods are based on the traditional dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Key Features & Benefits
- Health benefits from food - Enjoy the health benefits of cod liver oil directly from the food source.
- No-cook spread - This cod liver recipe is incredibly quick to make. Use an immersion blender or a food processor. You can even use a fork and whisk just until smooth.
- Suitable for dietary needs - The cod liver pate nutrition profile makes it an excellent food for most healing diets.
- Versatile serving options - Enjoy it as a simple but nourishing breakfast or a fancy foie de morue hors d'ouvres.
- Bold flavor profile: Let's face it, it's not your usual spread but has rich creaminess and savory flavor.
Ingredients for Cod Liver Pate Recipe
Learn how to make cod liver pâté with 2 simple ingredients. This easy recipe literally comes together in less than 5 minutes.
- Tinned cod livers: I have loved and used King Oscar Norwegian cod liver for many years and can usually find it at my local European, Ukrainian, or Russian grocery store. However, recently I discovered iCan Icelandic cod liver and am so in love with it. It's wild-caught cod and has a clean and smooth taste. Whatever brand you use, make sure it's cod liver in own oil with nothing else added to it.
- Lemon: A squeeze of lemon is enough to cut through the richness of the cod livers. Even that is optional but I love the fresh and bright flavor it adds.
- Fresh dill: This aromatic herb is used as garnish. Dill pairs wonderfully with seafood and chopped fresh dill makes an excellent yet simple topping. You can use other fresh herbs or even parsley substitute in a pinch.
- Bread or crackers: To serve cod liver pate.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
💭Make it Nutrient-Dense: Check the ingredient label to make sure the cod livers aren't preserved with other oils and are sourced from wild-caught cod fish only. Both of those things should be indicated on the label.
How to Make Cod Liver Pâté
The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.
Step 1. Transfer
Using a slotted spoon or a fork, transfer the cod livers from the cans into a dish, being careful not to transfer too much oil. Add lemon juice.
Step 2. Process
Using an immersion blender, process into a smooth consistency. Add more cod liver oil as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Helpful Tips for Cod Liver Recipe
- Cut oil with lemon - The lemon lightens the texture and adds a touch of bright acidity to balance the richness. Add to taste, but don't overdo it as it will also change the consistency.
- Adjust consistency slowly - Start with a little oil and increase as needed, being careful not to overprocess. Don't blend to a smooth consistency because it won't emulsify completely. You just want it combined well.
- Chill properly afterward - For best results, chill the cod liver pâté for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to firm up.
- Stir before serving - Due to the natural oils in cod livers, you may notice some oil pooling on the surface of the pâté, especially after refrigeration. To prevent this, simply give the pate a quick stir before serving to redistribute the oils and ensure a uniform texture throughout.
Serving Suggestions
If enjoying this as a small meal like breakfast or lunch, I love spreading cod liver pâté over a slice of toasted sourdough bread. But it's also great served in a small dish with crackers as an appetizer before a hearty meal. Add some sumac onions or thinly sliced red onion for an extra kick.
Cod Liver Pâté pairing suggestions:
Storage Instructions
How long does cod liver pate last in the refrigerator?
To store: Transfer cod liver pate into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. It will become firm, and you may see oil solidify on the top. That is normal. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, stir, and enjoy.
Storage containers: These tulip jelly jars are perfect for leftovers.
To freeze: You can freeze cod liver pate for longer storage, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing, becoming slightly grainy, so I don't recommend it. If necessary though, freeze for up to 3 months in a glass container with plenty of headspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cod liver is an incredibly nutrient-dense food, and like most nutritious foods, it should be consumed in moderation. The cod liver pate nutrition profile reflects its high content in omega-3 fatty acids, essential vitamins like A and D, and minerals. These may be beneficial for heart health, vision, and immune function among other things.
Maximize the health benefits of your cod liver oil in the can by using the remaining oil in other recipes. You can always use it as a dipping oil—just add a few fresh herbs, like fresh dill, parsley, or basil, and drizzle some lemon juice. You can also add it to seafood recipes like salmon fish head soup, fish fumet, and healthy Caesar salad dressing.
Yes! Tinned cod livers are already cooked and safe to eat. You can process it into a smooth pate or skip this recipe altogether and eat cod liver straight from the can. Spoon some livers out onto a piece of toast and using the back of the fork, mash into a smooth consistency. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and garnish with fresh herbs.
Looking for more organ meat recipes? Here are some ideas:
Did you make this Cod Liver Recipe? Please leave a ⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚
Printable Recipe
Cod Liver Pate Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tins cod livers packed in own oil 115 gram cans
- 1 lemon
- fresh herbs
- 2 slices bread or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Process: Transfer the cod livers and 2 teaspoons of own oil to a small shallow dish or a food processor. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Blend into a smooth consistency using an immersion blender or a food processor. Add more cod liver oil as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Chill: Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for 20 minutes for flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
- Serve: Toast some bread in a skillet or a toaster until slightly browned. Spread the pate and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Cut oil with lemon - The lemon lightens the texture and adds a touch of bright acidity to balance the richness. Add to taste, but don't overdo it as it will also change the consistency.
- Adjust consistency slowly - Start with a little oil and increase as needed, careful not to overprocess. Don't blend to a smooth consistency because it won't emulsify completely. You just want it combined well.
- Chill properly afterward - For best results, Chill the cod liver pâté for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to firm up.
- Stir before serving - Due to the natural oils in cod livers, you may notice some oil pooling on the surface of the pâté, especially after refrigeration. To prevent this, simply give the pâté a quick stir before serving to redistribute the oils and ensure a uniform texture throughout.
PeterD says
Starting this summer, I will have easy access to fresh cod livers. I will try this as a base, but sub in fresh, smoked cod liver instead of tinned.
Anya says
That sounds lovely!
lee says
I was looking for a good recipe like this one right here
Anya says
Glad you liked it!