Amino acids are essential nutrients for humans and have a wide range of biological functions. They are the constituent units of protein and energy metabolites. In addition, they are also widely involved in the maintenance and regulation of various physiological functions, and play a role in transcription, translation, post-translational modification and other levels. The liver is a key metabolic organ, and it acts as a hub that connects the metabolism of various tissues. Amino acid sensing plays a very important role in the regulation of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. Therefore, accurately sensing the levels of intracellular and extracellular amino acids is the key to maintaining cell homeostasis. There are several well-known amino acid sensors in eukaryotic cells, such as general control non-derepressible-2 (GCN2), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and taste receptors, which play an important role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. This article gives a detailed introduction to the role and mechanism of amino acids in regulating hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism, laying a foundation for further exploration of amino acid sensing mechanism and treatment of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism disorders.