Fried Brain Sandwich

The Fried Brain Sandwich is a regional American delicacy, particularly associated with St. Louis, Missouri, and the Midwest. It typically consists of breaded and deep-fried slices of calf or pork brain, served on a hamburger bun with toppings like pickles, onions, and mustard. The dish is a classic example of historical 'nose-to-tail' eating, utilizing organ meats.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is very high in fat and protein, with minimal carbohydrates coming primarily from the breading and bun. It is a dense source of nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, but a single serving can easily exceed 500 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	520 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbs	32 g
Fat	30 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	780 mg
Vitamin B12	15 mcg
Selenium	45 mcg
Phosphorus	350 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.4 mg
Copper	0.3 mg
Choline	280 mg
Omega-3 (DHA)	500 mg
Iron	2.5 mg

Per 1 sandwich (approx. 200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a nostalgic comfort food that has become increasingly rare, often found only at specific diners or festivals. Nutritionally, brain is one of the richest natural sources of DHA, an important omega-3 fatty acid crucial for brain health.