Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. calf brain, cleaned and sliced into small pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 12 slider buns
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Deep-fryer or large skillet
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
3. Dip each piece of calf brain in the flour mixture, then in the buttermilk mixture, and then back in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated calf brain pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use tongs to remove the fried brain from the oil and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, red onion, and parsley to make the slider sauce.
6. Toast the slider buns until lightly golden.
7. Assemble the sliders by spreading the slider sauce on the bottom bun, placing a piece of fried brain on top, and then topping with the top bun.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Vegetable oil should be heated to 350°F.
Serving size:
- Makes 12 sliders
Nutritional information:
- Calories per slider: 310
- Fat: 19g
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken or pork brain can be substituted for calf brain.
- Regular milk can be substituted for buttermilk.
- Any type of hot sauce can be used.
Variations:
- Add sliced cheese to the sliders before toasting the buns.
- Serve with a side of french fries or onion rings.
- Use the slider sauce as a dipping sauce for the fried brain.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to clean the calf brain thoroughly before slicing and cooking.
- Use a deep-fryer for best results, but a large skillet will work as well.
- Shake off any excess flour before frying to prevent clumping.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Storage instructions:
- Fried brain sliders are best served fresh and should not be stored.
Reheating instructions:
- Fried brain sliders should not be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a platter with a side of fries or onion rings.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped scallions.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- Chopped scallions
Pairings:
- Beer or cider
Suggested side dishes:
- French fries
- Onion rings
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the flour coating is not sticking to the calf brain, try patting the brain dry with a paper towel before coating.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to clean the calf brain thoroughly before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the brain reaches 160°F.
Food history:
- Fried brain is a traditional dish in many cultures, including Southern and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, crispy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or main dish.
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