Fried Brains with Lemon
Fried Brains with Lemon is a traditional dish featuring animal brains (often calf or lamb) that are cleaned, seasoned, and pan-fried until crispy on the outside, then served with a bright squeeze of lemon. It is a specialty found in various cuisines, including Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and parts of Eastern Europe, where offal is valued for its rich texture and flavor.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat, with virtually no carbohydrates. It is a dense source of nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus, but also contains significant cholesterol; a typical serving may range from 300 to 450 calories depending on preparation and portion size.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 1 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 15 µg |
| Selenium | 45 µg |
| Phosphorus | 350 mg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.4 mg |
| Copper | 0.5 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Choline | 300 mg |
Per 1 serving (about 150 g of cooked brains) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's often considered a delicacy or a way to use the whole animal in nose-to-tail eating traditions. Nutritionally, brains are exceptionally high in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid important for brain health, making them a unique, if polarizing, food source.
