6 Unusual Meats You Should Try
One of the many luxuries of a Paleo diet is all of the high quality meat, fish and poultry there is to enjoy. For me, it doesn’t get better than a grass fed fillet steak, a crisp wild salmon fillet or a couple of juicy chicken thighs. However, there are times when it feels like you have hit meat monotony; which is the perfect time to shake things up and introduce something new to dinner times. There are plenty of exciting, more unusual meats just waiting to be enjoyed…
Which of the following have you tried?
Ostrich
Ostrich is a delicious, rich red meat that is a brilliant alternative to beef or lamb. The meat actually comes mainly from the legs and back of the bird – there isn’t any breast meat available! It makes excellent burgers, and the steaks are lovely simply pan fried and served rare. It’s a very good source of protein, iron and calcium – and almost always free range too.
Kangaroo
Like Ostrich, Kangaroo meat is almost always free range – I'm still yet to visit a kangaroo farm! It has a texture that is somewhat like liver, and is best served rare and paired with rich flavours like garlic, sun dried tomatoes and caramelised onions. I've also seen kangaroo sausages, although they were made with wheat flour and some strange looking ingredients, so I decided to give these a miss – but making my own is definitely on the to do list.
Zebra
A mild tasting meat, Zebra has delicate ‘gamey’ flavours similar to venison. As it has a low fat content, it’s important not to overcook it and make it too tough – serve the steaks medium rare and enjoy with roasted root vegetables or a big green salad. Demand is increasing for Zebra year on year, so it can be pretty expensive. Make sure it’s from a good source with humane hunting methods and fast shipping from its country of residence.
Bison
Bison is very similar to beef, but it’s always wild – so not subject to any of the artificial hormones, drugs and feeds found in modern day beef production. For this reason, it’s more expensive, but definitely worth it. Bison mince makes excellent burgers and Paleo Bolognaise, and the steaks are perfect just as they are. It has a more well-rounded amino acid profile than beef as well, and is very rich in Iron and Vitamin B 12.
Crocodile
Likened to chicken, crocodile is a mild tasting, lightly coloured meat that works well in curries and stir-fries. You’ll find most of the good meat in the tail, which means it’s very lean. Make sure you source this meat sustainably though, as some species of crocodile are at high risk of extinction.
Camel
Camel has been enjoyed for centuries across Africa and Asia, and is a popular choice with Muslims as it is considered Halal. The flavour is slightly sweet and similar to mutton, and it benefits from slow cooking as it can be rather tough. One camel yields an exceptionally high amount of meat, as almost the entire animal (including the hump!) is edible. Camel blood is also consumed by many indigenous tribes in Africa – but I’d recommend staying clear of this one!
Are there any unusual meats that you have tried that I've missed? Please feel free to share them with me below!
The Ultimate Paleo Guide to Cooking Oils
In the Paleo world, we’re not scared of fat. Quite the contrary – we embrace healthy fats and encourage liberal consumption. We worship the health giving properties of coconut oil, olive oil and grass fed ghee. At the same time, we understand the danger of rancid seed oils with a scarily high Omega 6 content. All the information about fats can be somewhat confusing – so do you know what oil to use, and when to use it?
Coconut Oil
My personal favourite – and perhaps the all-round king of cooking oils, coconut oil really is a product that no Paleo kitchen is complete without. It’s shelf stable, rich in healthy medium chain triglycerides and doesn’t oxidise easily. It’s perfect for using in baked goods, for frying, for roasting vegetables – or just eating by the spoonful. Many people also use it as a natural moisturiser, hair product or lip balm. It’s also been proven to have antibacterial effects and is excellent for improving your gut health, boosting your immunity and improving your metabolism. If you’d rather not stock up on lots of different oils, coconut oil has to be the first on your list.
Make sure you buy the unrefined ‘extra virgin’ kind – it’s solid at room temperature and liquid at around 24 degrees C (76F). It can be pretty expensive compared to things like olive oil, which is why I buy mine in bulk!
Ghee
Ghee always throws up a bit of confusion for us Paleo folk, not least because it’s a form of dairy and dairy isn’t part of the Paleo framework. Yes, Ghee is clarified butter – but the process that makes it removes the problematic casein and lactose content. If you don't tolerate other forms of dairy, you'll probably still be ok with ghee. I’ve recently started including it in my diet, with excellent results – and it tastes amazing too!
It has a great omega 3 : omega 6 ratio (roughly 1:1) and is rich in vitamins A, D, E and K2. It’s one of the most stable fats for cooking at high temperatures, so is great for frying and roasting. However, it is expensive, and if you can’t buy it grass fed, you’re probably better off without it altogether.
Palm Oil
Similar to coconut oil in that it is shelf stable and rich in healthy saturated fats, palm oil is generally more expensive and harder to find. It also draws about controversy because of its sustainability and the impact palm oil farming is having on Orang-utan populations. If you can find it from a verified, sustainable source, and you can afford it – then use it much as you would in coconut oil (except in baking). If you can’t, stick to the good stuff above.
Olive Oil
Probably the most popular and well known healthy oil – olive oil is one of those that you can enjoy with your conventional wisdom friends without getting into an argument about the health benefits of saturated fats. It stands up fairly well to heat, so makes a decent oil for light pan frying – but it’s much better as a dressing, drizzled liberally onto salads, meats, or used in pesto. You’ll find lots of different flavours and colours of olive oil on the shelves; just make sure you always buy ‘Extra Virgin’ and ideally organic. In my experience, the darker the colour, the tastier it will be.
Animal Fats
Animal fats are much maligned in conventional wisdom, but why so?
Avocado Oil, Walnut Oil and Macadamia Oil
Experiment with these as dressings and enjoy their unique flavours – but don’t attempt to cook with them. They’re not the most heat stable, and besides, they’re expensive so why would you want to? Buy them in dark bottles where possible to minimise oxidation.
Storage Matters: Keeping Your Oils Fresh
Even the healthiest Paleo cooking oils can become harmful if they’re stored incorrectly. Oxidation is a real issue — especially for oils that are sensitive to light, air, or heat. If your olive oil is sitting in a clear bottle by the stove, it’s probably well on its way to rancid. Make sure you always:
- Store oils in dark glass bottles (or stainless steel) away from sunlight
- Keep lids tightly sealed to reduce air exposure
- Avoid storing oils near the oven or other heat sources
- Buy smaller quantities if you don’t use oil quickly — freshness is key
As a general rule, saturated fats like coconut oil, ghee, and tallow are more stable and less prone to oxidation, whereas oils like walnut or macadamia are far more delicate.
What About Smoke Points?
If you’ve ever wondered why some oils are better for high-heat cooking while others are only suited for drizzling, it comes down to their smoke point — the temperature at which oil begins to break down and produce free radicals. Here’s a quick guide for common Paleo oils:
| Oil/Fat | Approx. Smoke Point (°C) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | 177–232°C | Frying, roasting, baking |
| Ghee | 250°C | High-heat cooking, sautéing |
| Olive Oil (Extra Virgin) | 160–190°C | Dressings, light pan-frying |
| Avocado Oil | 270°C | Grilling, frying, searing |
| Tallow | 200–250°C | Deep frying, roasting |
| Duck Fat | 190°C | Roasting, shallow frying |
Choosing the right oil for the right purpose isn’t just about taste — it’s also about health. When oils are overheated past their smoke point, they degrade, releasing harmful compounds and destroying beneficial nutrients.
Rendered Animal Fats: Rediscovering the Old Ways
While tallow, lard, and duck fat may have fallen out of favour during the low-fat craze of the 80s and 90s, they’re making a comeback in the Paleo community — and for good reason. These traditional fats are:
- Stable at high temperatures
- Rich in flavour
- Loaded with fat-soluble vitamins (especially if grass-fed or pasture-raised)
- Inexpensive to make at home from leftover cuts
If you roast meat regularly, don’t throw away the drippings. Strain and store them in a glass jar in the fridge — they make amazing roast potato fat or can be used in pan-frying savoury dishes. Homemade tallow (from beef) and lard (from pork) are especially good for stir-fries, frying eggs, or crisping up vegetables. Duck fat, in particular, is revered for its unmatched flavour when roasting root vegetables or making confit.
Sourcing Paleo-Friendly Oils
When buying fats and oils, the source is everything. Not all ghee is grass-fed. Not all coconut oil is cold-pressed. Not all olive oil is even real! Look for the following to get the best quality:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Cold-pressed, dark bottle, ideally Australian, Spanish, or Italian with harvest date on label
- Coconut Oil: Organic, cold-pressed, virgin (avoid refined unless deodorised for a specific purpose)
- Ghee: Grass-fed, cultured if possible
- Tallow & Lard: Grass-fed and pasture-raised, ideally homemade from clean animal fat
- Avocado & Macadamia Oils: Cold-pressed, sold in dark glass bottles, no additives
With so many oils diluted or blended with cheaper alternatives, it pays to read labels carefully. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Flavour First: Cooking Oils as Ingredients
In Paleo cooking, oils aren’t just functional — they’re part of the recipe. Each one brings its own distinct character to a dish. Use ghee to create nutty depth in your scrambled eggs. Roast pumpkin in duck fat for a rich, velvety texture. Drizzle macadamia oil over grilled zucchini for a slightly sweet, Australian bush-tucker edge.
The secret is to match the oil to the mood. Coconut oil adds a tropical twist to curries or baked sweet potatoes, while olive oil is perfect for Mediterranean-style dishes. And if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on homemade tallow? Roast up a big tray of carrots, parsnips, and beets and let the flavour do the talking.
Summary: Choose Wisely, Cook Boldly
Fats are foundational to the Paleo diet — not feared. They provide satiety, help absorb nutrients, and bring essential flavour to our meals. By choosing heat-stable, minimally processed, nutrient-dense oils, you’ll get all the benefits without any of the downsides of modern processed fats.
Still using vegetable oil “just to finish off the bottle”? Do yourself a favour and toss it. Stock your pantry with oils that your great-grandparents would recognise — and your body will thank you.
🥥 What’s your go-to Paleo cooking fat these days? Tried duck fat on roasted cauliflower yet? Let me know what you’re cooking with in the comments below!
My Vitamin C Secret Green Smoothie
Not only is this delicious smoothie bursting with over 100% of your daily requirement of vitamin C – you’d never know it was hiding a bunch of greens in there too! When I made it, it came out a wonderful deep red, thanks to just a touch of beetroot and a dash of pomegranate juice. A great way to load up on greens without drinking something, well, green! This is very low sugar for a smoothie as well, as it’s a good balance between fruit and veg.
Vitamin C Secret Green Smoothie
Equipment
- High-powered blender
Ingredients
- 200 ml water
- 50 ml pomegranate or acai juice
- 1 large handful fresh spinach
- 1 handful fresh blueberries
- ½ cucumber peeled and chopped
- ½ orange peeled
- ½ raw beetroot peeled and chopped
- Crushed ice for serving
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: Whizz together all ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth.
- Serve: Serve over a touch of crushed ice & enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of pomegranate or acai juice based on your taste preference.
- For added creaminess, consider adding a small piece of avocado.
- This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Why This Smoothie Works So Well
One of the biggest challenges people face with smoothies is the sugar content. Many shop-bought options are loaded with fruit sugars and lack protein, fat, or fibre to balance them out. This Secret Green Smoothie stands out for its balance of nutrients. It’s designed to provide a substantial hit of vitamin C, with minimal sugar, and a powerful dose of greens – all while tasting great.
The Power of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, collagen production, and antioxidant protection. This smoothie includes ingredients like pomegranate juice and beetroot, both naturally rich in vitamin C and other polyphenols. Regularly consuming foods rich in this vitamin supports your skin, joints, and cardiovascular system. For those following a Paleo diet, getting nutrients from whole food sources is key – and this smoothie delivers just that.
Hiding Greens the Delicious Way
Getting more leafy greens into your diet doesn’t have to mean eating endless salads. In fact, this smoothie is a stealthy way to pack in greens like spinach or kale. Because of the beetroot and pomegranate, you won’t even notice the green colour – or the earthy taste. If you’re trying to get kids (or picky adults) to eat more greens, this is a great way to do it without the fuss.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Nutrition
Depending on your preferences and dietary needs, there are plenty of optional extras you can add to this smoothie without impacting the flavour:
- Collagen peptides – great for skin, joints, and gut health
- Chia seeds – for added fibre and omega-3s
- Avocado – to boost healthy fat and make the smoothie creamier
- Ginger or turmeric – anti-inflammatory and great for digestion
- Lemon or lime juice – enhances the flavour and vitamin C even more
Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly
You can pre-portion your smoothie ingredients in freezer bags or containers to make your mornings easier. Just dump them into a blender with your chosen liquid (like coconut water or almond milk) and blend. The texture stays smooth, and the nutrient density is preserved.
Best Times to Enjoy This Smoothie
While it’s ideal first thing in the morning, this smoothie also makes a brilliant post-workout option. Its combination of nutrients helps replenish what you’ve lost while training and gives your cells a much-needed antioxidant boost. It’s also a perfect choice during flu season or any time your immune system needs extra support.
Making It Kid-Friendly
If you want to share this with younger family members, consider using a frozen banana or a few strawberries to make it a bit sweeter without relying on added sugars. A reusable smoothie pouch or fun straw can help get kids on board too!
What to Serve Alongside
Pair this smoothie with a boiled egg or some leftover roast chicken for a protein boost. You could also serve it with a few slices of avocado toast on a Paleo-friendly bread to make it a complete breakfast.
Tips for Getting the Smoothest Texture
Use a high-speed blender, and always blend the greens with your liquid first before adding the other ingredients. This helps break down any fibrous bits and creates a more pleasant texture. Adding the beetroot in small chunks also helps to avoid any grittiness.
Let’s Talk Colour
One of the reasons this smoothie is so appealing is its vibrant red hue. Colour plays a big role in how appetising we find food, and that’s part of why this smoothie works so well. It looks beautiful, tastes great, and still delivers a serious dose of nutrients.
Understanding Natural Vitamin C Sources
While oranges get all the fame, many other fruits and vegetables offer higher vitamin C content – without the sugar spike. Think of ingredients like kale, broccoli, capsicum, parsley, and even kiwi fruit. In this smoothie, we’re leaning on pomegranate, beetroot, and leafy greens to deliver a more stable, wholefood-based vitamin C hit. These sources are less likely to cause a blood sugar crash, making them ideal for anyone following a low-glycaemic or Paleo lifestyle.
Supporting Immunity the Paleo Way
The Paleo approach focuses on whole foods, seasonal eating, and nutrient density – all of which support a strong immune system. This smoothie aligns perfectly, offering immune-supporting compounds not just from vitamin C, but from plant polyphenols, natural nitrates (from beetroot), and anti-inflammatory compounds. For those prone to colds or fatigue, adding this smoothie into your morning routine can provide that extra layer of defence.
Blending vs Juicing: Why It Matters
Unlike juicing, which strips fibre from fruits and vegetables, blending keeps the whole food intact. This matters, especially in a Paleo context, where fibre plays a key role in digestive health, satiety, and gut microbiome balance. The leafy greens in this smoothie provide insoluble fibre, which helps to keep things moving, while the fruit and beetroot contribute soluble fibre for feeding beneficial bacteria.
Smart Smoothie Upgrades
Want to customise this base smoothie recipe for your specific health goals? Here are a few tailored ideas:
- Energy boost: Add a teaspoon of maca powder or raw cacao for a natural lift
- Gut health: Try adding a splash of coconut kefir or a spoonful of sauerkraut juice
- Hormonal support: Add flaxseeds or sesame seeds, which are rich in lignans
- Detox support: Add fresh coriander to help bind heavy metals
How to Batch Prep for the Week
To make weekday mornings stress-free, prep your smoothie ingredients in jars or ziplock bags and freeze them. Combine your greens, chopped beetroot, and fruit in each bag. In the morning, simply pour into your blender with your chosen liquid and blend until smooth. Not only does this save time, but it helps reduce waste and makes it far more likely that you’ll actually stick to your healthy breakfast habit.
Vitamin C Absorption: Best Practices
To get the most out of the vitamin C in your smoothie, pair it with ingredients that help absorption. Fat-soluble compounds, like the healthy fats found in avocado or chia seeds, aid in the uptake of certain antioxidants. Additionally, the iron in leafy greens is absorbed more efficiently when eaten alongside vitamin C – so this smoothie is doing double duty.
What Makes This Smoothie Paleo?
Unlike commercial smoothies, which often include yoghurt, added sugar, or processed juice concentrates, this recipe sticks to whole, unprocessed ingredients. No dairy, no grains, no additives – just nutrient-rich produce, blended to perfection. The natural sweetness comes from fruit and beetroot, not syrups or juices, aligning with the principles of ancestral nutrition.
Other Creative Ways to Use the Base
This smoothie isn’t just for drinking! Pour it into:
- Popsicle moulds for a summer-friendly treat
- Ice cube trays to use in future smoothies or mix into water for flavour
- Chia pudding bases for a vibrant, fruity breakfast option
Stretch your ingredients further and reduce food waste by reimagining your smoothie in creative ways.
Boosting Your Child’s Nutrient Intake
Fussy eaters often miss out on vital nutrients – especially if they dislike vegetables. By presenting this smoothie in a fun cup or even adding a silly name like “Super Red Power Juice,” you’re more likely to get buy-in from kids. You might even involve them in the prep process, letting them choose a few ingredients to feel ownership of their healthy choice.
Seasonal Swaps to Keep Things Fresh
Depending on what's in season, try rotating your ingredients:
- Swap beetroot for carrot or roasted pumpkin
- Use raspberries or mango instead of pomegranate
- Try cos lettuce or baby spinach when kale isn’t available
Eating seasonally is a big part of the Paleo lifestyle – and often far cheaper too, especially here in Australia where produce cycles can vary widely between states.
More Than Just a Smoothie
Think of this recipe not just as a drink, but as a simple, powerful tool in your health toolkit. It’s a low-effort, high-reward way to introduce variety, phytonutrients, and colour to your diet – without needing to cook. When mornings are rushed or your appetite is low, this smoothie can help you stay on track with your wellness goals.
Inspired to Try More?
If you love this smoothie, you might also enjoy experimenting with other vegetable-based blends. Think cucumber and mint, carrot and ginger, or even cauliflower and berry for a lower-carb option. The more vegetables you can sneak in without noticing, the more powerful your nutrition becomes – without sacrificing taste.
How do you sneak greens into your meals? Let me know in the comments – I'd love to hear your go-to tricks!
Final Thought
Don’t be afraid to experiment. The best thing about smoothies is how adaptable they are. You can swap the beetroot for carrot, use different greens, or even add herbs like mint or basil for a completely different profile. The core idea is to make vegetables delicious – and this recipe does exactly that.
YOUR Quick 20-Minute Paleo Dinner Ideas
I recently asked the followers of the Paleo Network's Facebook page for their favourite quick paleo dinner meals and got some great replies (and only one “McDonalds” comment!) – here are 70 of them…
Steak & beef ideas
This was by far the most popular meat people use for a quick dinner, here are some of the responses:
- Reheated beef stew that I make sure I have frozen
- Steak and salad
- Steak, eggs and broccoli.
- Steak and salad
- Steak and steamed veggies
- Steak with a side order of steak
- Sautéd kale & cherry tomatoes w garlic, onion & olive oil, sweet potato rosti & BBQ grilled steak – quick, easy & yummy
- Steak and sweet potato
- Grass fed beef broiled topped with egg. Sweet potato coins, Raw red onion slices on top of fresh spinach, grated carrots, sliced avocado with fresh lemon juice and thinly sliced elephant garlic. Yummy!
- Bbq steak sliced placed on a large salad topped with a soft boiled egg and crumbled blue vein. Yummo!
- Steak with Morton Bay bugs, Sweet Potato Mash and steamed beetroot and zucchini…..exactly what I'm having tonight!!
- Steak or pork chop, pan fried with cumin seeds … then cabbage, kale spring onions and broccolini all sauteed in the pan juices…. super quick and absolutely delicious!
- Steak on the BBQ on salad. That's what we are about to have.
- Bison burgers with caramelized onions and grilled zucchini slices.
- Steak and broccoli
Fish & Seafood
Another popular choice:
- Salmon cooked on the sandwich press and steamed veg
- Shrimp
- Coconut salmon and green salad!
- Tuna and salad
- Steamed shrimp with broccoli/cauliflower!
- Salmon with lemon, parsley and garlic, spinach and kale
- Salmon and salad, bacon & eggs, ham & salad
- Oven Grilled salmon or any other fish and greens or salad to go with it.
- Baked Salmon vegies and dip
- Half an avocado with fresh prawns
- Grilled salmon with green veg
- Salmon steak on a bed of English spinach with avocado and mango and drizzled with fresh lime….nom nom nom!!!!
Lamb Dinner
Lamb chops are so quick to cook, I thought a few more people would have suggested this:
- Lamb chops, cauliflower rice and sweet potato mash
- Lamb chops and sweet potato mash
- Lamb tagine
- Lamb chunks braised in onion garlic and ginger cooked with prunes
- Sliced cold lamb roast with salt and fruit/veggie juice.
Chicken & Turkey
Lots of great ideas here too:
- Chicken broccoli and kumara gets boring but fast and effective haha
- Baked chicken with kumara all in one tray
- Grilled chicken breast and sweet potato mash with steamed veggies.
- Paleo turkey nuggets pan fried in coconut oil. Yum!
- Baked chicken thighs with green beans & shallots sautéed in coconut oil.
- Chicken breast meatballs with herbs, sundried tomatoes, onion, garlic and Parmesan served with walnut salad. Or poached chicken breast and steamed veggies.
- Ground turkey, kale, Brussels Sprouts, bone broth fried over mashed parsnip
- Chicken (scrambled eggs with onion, spinach, bacon)
- Chicken Red curry on a bed of grated zucchini
- Salad & coconut chicken
- Salad and chicken Sandwich using lettuce instead of bread! Mmmm
- Chicken thigh marinated in my garden herbs and a big salad
- Spiced grilled chicken tenderloins on a mango, avocado, lettuce, tomato salad. With orange balsamic dressing… yummo…
- Chicken breast, grape tomatoes and shallots. Cook in oil of choice in a pan and any spices you like on top of stove. Easy peasy.
Eggs
I use eggs a lot when I need to prepare something to eat in a hurry, as do you by the looks of it:
- Eggs and almond butter
- Bacon and eggs
- spinach and mushrooms sautéed in ghee with soft boiled eggs= Heaven. It's the perfect meal.
- Eggs and shrimp for my daughter, eggs and salami for my son… lol. Add chicken broth to it and stir, microwave if you are in a rush. Cook over a pan if you have more time. Quick and easy. You can also add in frozen/non-frozen veggies, herbs, etc. Apple slices, Clementine, other fruit on the side.
- Squashed avocado with boiled eggs and steamed carrot and broccoli- all together it's DA BOMB
- Eggs and anything or everything.
- Eggs and sautéed sweet potatoes!
- Omelette!!
- Omelette filled with veggies, or meat and a big salad.
- Onion, sweet potato, mushrooms, turkey bacon, all fried up with two whole and two egg whites cracked on top
And the rest
A few paleo versions of non-paleo favourites cropped up to:
- Taco salad.
- Paleo fajitas.
- A salad with whatever meat I have cooked in the fridge.
- Jamaican curry
- Soup, salad, raw veggie tray, stir fry…
- Cabbage and bacon
- Fajitas and a great salad.
- Meat & veg. Who knew?
- A frittata loaded with veg, a chicken stir fry or Thai curry, grilled chicken and salad, or chicken thigh fillets marinated in coconut milk, ginger and chilli then grilled and served with steamed Chinese greens. So many quick, delicious, and stupidly easy meals to make!!
- Paleo chilli con carne
- Paleo bratwurst & sauerkraut
- Leftover spaghetti squash with 3 over easy eggs…salt and pepper of course.
- I make a stir fry….ANYTHING!! use eggs, meat, veggies, coconut aminos and spices…. The great thing about paleo….you can make dinner quickly and it is ALWAYS great!!! I keep my veggies cleaned…ready to cook or make salad. Always have a meat ready to cook…whether it is beef, chicken, fish or deer meat.
- Whatever animal is unlucky and slow enough to be near my chompers
Why Quick Paleo Dinners Work So Well
One of the best things about eating Paleo is how fast real food can be. With no processed sauces, grains, or complicated prep, a nutrient-packed dinner can hit the plate in 20 minutes — sometimes even less. Whether it's steak and sweet potato, a chicken stir-fry, or a veggie-packed omelette, Paleo makes it easy to whip up meals that are both satisfying and simple.
In Australia, access to fresh meat and seasonal produce makes quick Paleo cooking even easier. With a bit of prep — like keeping your veggies chopped and your proteins ready to go — there’s no reason to rely on takeaway or processed food.
If you’re just starting out or short on time, don’t overthink it. Pair a protein with veg, add healthy fats like avocado or olive oil, and season generously. Done.
Got a go-to fast Paleo dinner that’s not listed above? Share it in the comments — let’s keep the inspiration (and the dinners) coming!
So over to you. Please share your answer in the comments below: “You've got 20 minutes to put dinner together – what's your favourite quick paleo meal to make?”
Slow Cooked Chicken Livers with Cayenne & Paprika
After finally acting on my resolution to use more offal in my cooking, I went to the butcher and purchased some chicken livers (along with some other interesting-looking cuts, which I’m sure you’ll read about soon!). Initially, my first attempt was pretty unsuccessful; the meat turned out tough. Although the flavour was good, it felt like it hadn't quite reached its potential. Therefore, I decided that next time, I would cook them much more slowly to ensure they are ultra-tender and full of rich flavour. Consequently, I paired them with the smoky and pungent flavours of paprika and cayenne, which turned out to be a match made in heaven in these slow-cooked chicken livers.
Slow Cooked Chicken Livers with Cayenne and Paprika
Equipment
- Heavy-based frying pan
Ingredients
- 750 g organic free-range chicken livers
- 2 large onions peeled and finely chopped
- 2 red peppers deseeded and chopped into slices
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 200 ml tomato passata
- Olive oil
- Sea salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Trim and Cut: Firstly, cut any stringy bits away from the livers, then cut them into strips. This helps ensure even cooking and tender results.
- Brown the Livers: Then, heat a little olive oil in a heavy-based frying pan over high heat. Add the chicken livers and brown them by cooking for 2 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions: Next, lower the heat to medium, add a little more olive oil, and then add the chopped onions. Fry until softened, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices: Then, add the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the onions. Fry gently for another couple of minutes to release their flavours.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the tomato passata and about 200ml of water. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the browned chicken livers to the pan along with the sliced red peppers. Lower the heat to its lowest setting, stir well, and leave to simmer very gently for around 2 hours.
- Monitor and Adjust: Check occasionally, adding more water if needed to keep the mixture from drying out. This slow cooking process ensures the livers remain tender and absorb the rich flavours of the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Once cooked, season to taste with a little sea salt and black pepper. Serve hot, perhaps with a side of cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad.
This slow-cooked chicken liver recipe, with its smoky and spicy sauce, is sure to impress and satisfy. The tender livers and rich flavours make it a perfect dish for those who enjoy offal or are looking to incorporate more nutritious organ meats into their diet.
Have you tried cooking with chicken livers before? If so, share your experiences and favourite recipes in the comments below. Additionally, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious Paleo recipes and healthy eating tips. Enjoy your slow-cooked chicken livers with cayenne and paprika!
Why Eat Chicken Livers?
Chicken livers are one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can include in a Paleo diet. They’re packed with iron, vitamin A, B12, folate, and high-quality protein — all of which play vital roles in energy, immunity, and overall vitality. In traditional diets, organ meats were always prized, yet in modern Western culture, they’ve fallen out of favour. Cooking livers slowly and flavourfully is a great way to bring this superfood back into your weekly rotation.
Getting the Texture Right
If you’ve ever been put off chicken livers because they were dry or rubbery, it’s likely they were overcooked or cooked too quickly. Liver is delicate and benefits from either a quick flash fry or a long, slow cook. This recipe uses the latter approach, gently braising the livers in a flavourful blend of herbs and spices. The result? Silky, tender livers that soak up the smoky heat of paprika and cayenne, with none of the bitterness often associated with offal.
Spice Pairings: Why Paprika and Cayenne Work
Paprika, especially smoked varieties, adds a warm, earthy depth that beautifully complements the richness of chicken liver. Cayenne, on the other hand, brings a subtle kick that lifts the dish without overwhelming it. Together, they create a bold, well-balanced flavour profile that transforms the humble liver into something far more elevated. You can adjust the quantity to your taste — this dish can be as mild or as fiery as you like.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Livers
- Trim carefully: Remove any visible sinew or greenish parts before cooking. This improves both flavour and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear in batches if needed to prevent steaming and ensure good caramelisation before slow cooking.
- Use bone broth: For an added nutrient boost and deeper flavour, deglaze with homemade chicken or beef stock instead of water.
- Cook low and slow: Once the spices and liquid are added, allow plenty of time for the dish to simmer gently. This ensures the livers become tender and flavourful.
What to Serve With Chicken Livers
This dish pairs beautifully with several Paleo-friendly sides. Some of my favourites include:
- Cauliflower mash: Creamy and comforting, a perfect contrast to the richness of the livers.
- Sweet potato wedges: The natural sweetness balances the spice and adds lovely colour.
- Steamed greens: Think broccoli, kale, or spinach sautéed with garlic and lemon.
- Zucchini noodles or roasted veg: These keep things light and absorb the sauce well.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Slow-cooked chicken livers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Livers don’t freeze particularly well, as the texture can become grainy upon thawing — so enjoy them fresh if possible.
Customise It Your Way
This is a versatile recipe that welcomes additions or substitutions:
- Add onions or shallots for extra sweetness and body.
- Stir in mushrooms or capsicum for more texture and colour.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or coriander for a bright finish.
- Use duck or lamb liver for a variation, adjusting cooking time as needed.
You can also mix in a little coconut cream or mashed avocado for added creaminess, especially if serving this to someone who’s new to offal.
Health Benefits of Including Offal in Your Diet
Organ meats like liver have long been called “nature’s multivitamin” for a reason. A single serving of chicken liver delivers more than your daily requirement for vitamin A and B12. It’s also high in choline, which supports brain function and metabolism. For those who follow a nutrient-focused Paleo approach, incorporating offal even once a week can have a significant impact on overall health.
Overcoming the ‘Offal’ Stigma
If you’re hesitant about eating offal, you’re not alone. Many people grew up avoiding organ meats due to texture, smell, or negative associations. However, when cooked correctly and paired with bold flavours, liver can be not only tolerable — but delicious. This recipe is a great gateway, offering a well-seasoned, tender introduction to offal that even sceptics might enjoy.
Give It a Try and Share Your Thoughts
This slow-cooked chicken liver recipe is one of those dishes that surprises you. Rich, comforting, and deeply nourishing, it transforms a misunderstood ingredient into something truly satisfying. Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons, honour a nose-to-tail approach, or simply sneak more nutrients into your meals — this recipe is worth a try. Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you or if you have your own twist on offal dishes.
