Beef Kidneys
Meats
Nutri-ScoreA

Beef Kidneys

Bos taurus

Clinical Encyclopedia

SM
Nutri-Score & Health Summary

Beef Kidneys provides 138 kcal, 20.5g of protein, 0.5g of carbohydrates, and 0g of fiber per 100g. With a Nutri-Score grade 'A', it is a highly recommended option for nutrient density.

Beef kidneys are nutrient-dense organ meats that provide a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly high in vitamin B12 and iron, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Also known as:
Beef OffalKidney Meat
Scientific NameBos taurus
Region of OriginVarious regions, primarily North America and Europe

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories138 kcal
Water
75%
Fiber0g
Total26.2g
Protein
20.5g(78%)
Fats
5.2g(20%)
Carbohydrates
0.5g(2%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin B1215 µg (250%)
Vitamin A200 µg (25%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DVNone registered

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Iron6.2 mg (34%)
Zinc4 mg (36%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

Rich in vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell formation and neurological function.
High in iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and preventing anemia.
Contains zinc, important for immune function and wound healing.
Low in carbohydrates, making them suitable for low-carb diets.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Excessive consumption may lead to high cholesterol levels due to their fat content.
!Individuals with gout should limit intake due to purine content.

How to Prepare & Consume

Best cooked by sautéing or braising to enhance flavor and tenderness. Ensure they are thoroughly cleaned before cooking.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose kidneys that are firm, moist, and have a bright color. Avoid any that appear dry or discolored.

How to Store

Store fresh kidneys in the refrigerator and use them within 1-2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container.

Myths vs Realities

MythEating organ meats is unhealthy.
RealityOrgan meats like kidneys are nutrient-dense and can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
MythKidneys are only for people who eat a lot of meat.
RealityKidneys can be enjoyed by anyone looking to diversify their protein sources.
MythAll organ meats taste bad.
RealityWhen prepared correctly, organ meats can be flavorful and delicious.

Healthy Recipes

Spiced Beef Kidney Stir-Fry

A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender beef kidneys, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of spices for a healthy meal.

Ingredients
  • 500g beef kidneys, cleaned and sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add sliced beef kidneys and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3. Stir in bell pepper, broccoli, soy sauce, and chili flakes, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Herbed Beef Kidney Salad

A refreshing salad combining marinated beef kidneys with mixed greens, herbs, and a zesty dressing for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients
  • 300g beef kidneys, cleaned and diced
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup mint, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Marinate diced beef kidneys in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
  2. 2. Grill or pan-fry the kidneys until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
  3. 3. Toss the salad greens with herbs and top with the cooked kidneys before serving.

Beef Kidney and Quinoa Bowl

A hearty bowl of quinoa topped with seasoned beef kidneys and roasted vegetables, perfect for a filling and nutritious meal.

Ingredients
  • 200g beef kidneys, cleaned and sliced
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and toss zucchini and carrot with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper; roast for 20 minutes.
  2. 2. In a skillet, cook sliced beef kidneys until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3. Serve the quinoa in a bowl topped with roasted vegetables and beef kidneys.

Beef Kidney Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Delicious tacos filled with sautéed beef kidneys and topped with a fresh avocado salsa for a healthy twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients
  • 300g beef kidneys, cleaned and chopped
  • 4 small corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1/4 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Sauté chopped beef kidneys in a pan until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
  2. 2. In a bowl, combine avocado, tomato, onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the salsa.
  3. 3. Assemble tacos by placing beef kidneys in tortillas and topping with avocado salsa.

Beef Kidney and Mushroom Stroganoff

A creamy yet healthy stroganoff made with beef kidneys and mushrooms, served over whole-grain pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients
  • 300g beef kidneys, cleaned and sliced
  • 200g mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-fat sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Whole-grain pasta, cooked
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. 2. Add sliced beef kidneys and mushrooms, cooking until kidneys are browned and mushrooms are tender.
  3. 3. Stir in sour cream, season with salt and pepper, and serve over cooked whole-grain pasta.

Beef Kidney Curry with Spinach

A flavorful curry featuring beef kidneys and fresh spinach, served with brown rice for a nutritious and filling dish.

Ingredients
  • 300g beef kidneys, cleaned and cubed
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Brown rice, cooked
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  2. 2. Add cubed beef kidneys and curry powder, cooking until kidneys are browned.
  3. 3. Pour in coconut milk, add spinach, and simmer for 15 minutes; serve over cooked brown rice.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef Kidneys

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of beef kidneys, brown rice, and spices, baked to perfection.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 300g beef kidneys, cleaned and chopped
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. 2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft; add chopped beef kidneys and cook until browned.
  3. 3. Mix in cooked brown rice, cumin, salt, and pepper; stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Beef Kidney and Sweet Potato Hash

A hearty hash made with diced sweet potatoes and sautéed beef kidneys, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients
  • 300g beef kidneys, cleaned and diced
  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until translucent.
  2. 2. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook until tender, about 10 minutes; then add diced beef kidneys and cook until browned.
  3. 3. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Beef Kidney Soup with Vegetables

A nourishing soup packed with beef kidneys and seasonal vegetables, simmered for a comforting and healthy meal.

Ingredients
  • 300g beef kidneys, cleaned and chopped
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until soft.
  2. 2. Add chopped beef kidneys and cook for 5 minutes, then pour in beef broth.
  3. 3. Simmer for 30 minutes, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Beef Kidney and Lentil Stew

A hearty stew combining beef kidneys and lentils, simmered with vegetables for a nutritious and filling dish.

Ingredients
  • 300g beef kidneys, cleaned and chopped
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, and carrots until soft.
  2. 2. Add chopped beef kidneys and cook until browned, then stir in lentils and vegetable broth.
  3. 3. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender; season with salt and pepper before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the health benefits of eating beef kidneys?

Beef kidneys are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and zinc, which support energy levels, immune function, and overall health.

How should I cook beef kidneys?

Beef kidneys can be sautéed, braised, or grilled. It's important to clean them properly and cook them thoroughly.

Are beef kidneys safe to eat?

Yes, when sourced from healthy animals and cooked properly, beef kidneys are safe and nutritious.

Can I eat beef kidneys if I have high cholesterol?

Moderation is key; consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about cholesterol.

How do I clean beef kidneys before cooking?

Rinse them under cold water, remove any fat or membranes, and soak them in milk or vinegar to reduce strong flavors.

What is the nutritional value of beef kidneys?

Beef kidneys are high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and provide significant amounts of vitamins and minerals.

How often can I eat beef kidneys?

They can be included in your diet a few times a month, but it's best to vary your protein sources.

Are there any dietary restrictions for eating beef kidneys?

Individuals with gout or certain kidney conditions should limit their intake due to purine content.