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Some tasting notes on different types of testicl*s, and two cooking methods for achieving optimal flavor and texture.
By
Chichi Wang
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Chichi Wang
Chichi Wang wrote a variety of columns for Serious Eats including The Butcher's Cuts, in addition to other stories. Born in Shanghai and raised in New Mexico, Chichi took her degree in philosophy but decided that writing about food would be more fun than writing about Plato.
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Updated October 12, 2023
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Why It Works
- Grilling adds a nice char and smokiness, which pairs well with the gamey notes of lamb testicl*.
- Dredging thick slices of testicl* in panko and frying until crisp and golden adds toasty flavors and textural contrast.
On a recent warm Friday night, I had the good fortune to while away the time in the company of friends out on their deck. The theme for the evening was a Man-B-Q, a barbecue in which, as our host announced, "No girly things, such as vegetables, utensils, or napkins," were allowed. Guests were encouraged to bring side dishes to the Man-B-Q, as long as they were "meaty comestibles" to accompany the meat that would be grilled throughout the evening.
What to bring to a Man-B-Q? The men I know love things like smoked ribs and beefy steaks, but then again, so do I. As I stood before my refrigerator and contemplated what to do, it dawned on me that the only logical thing to bring to a Man-B-Q is some part of a man. As luck would have it, I just happened to have a pair of testicl*s sitting in my freezer.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__20100510-nastybits-sideviewtesticl*s-08721aba3f8b4eebbdef08cf8ee3ef55.JPG "testicl*s, Grilled and Fried Recipe (3)")
The testicl*s are also referred to as testes; the singular is testis. In Latin, the word testis means "witness"; in ancient Rome it was the custom for men to place one hand on a testicl* when taking an oath in court.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__20100510-nastybits-testicl*scut-2930c27d832745ce8ce1572c0280ee87.JPG "testicl*s, Grilled and Fried Recipe (4)")
Not all genitalia is good to eat. Penis is often made into chew toys for dogs because it is nearly impossible to digest unless it's stewed for a long time, in which case the vascular tissue breaks down into a gluey, flaccid mess of a dish with virtually no flavor.
"Bigger is not always better."
testicl*s, on the hand, are extremely good to eat. Bigger is not always better. Duck testicl*s, which take the size and general shape of kumquats, are more tender and delicately flavored than those of lamb, which are more like small avocados. While duck testicl*s do not taste particularly ducky, lamb testicl*s are unmistakably lamby with a pungent, grassy smell and a offal-intensive taste that's akin to stomach. Their texture is almost identical to that of a succulent scallop.
There are two main options to consider when cooking lamb testicl*s. If you are primarily concerned with flavor, then grilling the testicl*s imparts a smokiness that complements the gamey undertone of the glands. Grilling also offers the advantage of retaining the testicl*s in their whole form. The outer membrane not only crisps and chars on the grilll, it also keeps the testicl*s juicy as they cook.
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If you're seeking more textural contrast, batter them in eggs and panko crumbs. They can either be deep-fried for classic Rocky Mountain oysters, or pan-fried in a heavy skillet.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__20100510-nastybits-deepfriedtesticl*s-4dcb822714484742912090392781fef9.JPG "testicl*s, Grilled and Fried Recipe (6)")
May 2010
Recipe Details
testicl*s, Grilled and Fried Recipe
Prep30 mins
Cook60 mins
Total90 mins
Serves3to 4 servings
Ingredients
Grilled Lamb's testicl*s:
1 pair lamb's testicl*s
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon juice to garnish
Deep-Fried testicl*s (Rocky Mountain Oysters):
1 pair lamb's testicl*s
1 cup pankocrumbs
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon juice to garnish
1 quart oil, for frying
Directions
Grilled Lamb's testicl*s:
Set up your grill, preferably charcoal, so that there's room on the grill to cook the testicl*s indirectly.
Salt and pepper the testicl*s and place them on the grill for 10 to 15 minutes, until the outside surface is nicely charred. The tissue may burst during the process.
When they are done, remove the testicl*s from the grill and cut into slices 1/3-inch thick. Garnish with lemon juice and more salt and pepper to taste.
Deep-Fried testicl*s (Rocky Mountain Oysters):
Cut the testicl*s int 1/3 inch slices, removing the membrane from each slice after it's cut. Set aside.
Combine the egg with the mustard in a small bowl. Have the panko crumbs ready for dipping on the side.
Heat the oil in a wok to 350°F (175°C).
Dip each slice of testicl*s in the egg, then dip into the panko crumbs. Slip into the oil and fry from 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oil and place on a rack. Serve immediately, with lemon to garnish.
Variation: For pan-fried testicl*s, place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add approximately 3 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Coat the testicl*s in the egg and crumb coating and place into the pan. Pan-fry on one side for 2 minutes, taking care not to touch the disturb the coating on the testicl*. Flip and pan-fry on the other side for 2 minutes. Serve immediately; garnish with lemon.
Special Equipment
Grill or wok, chimney starter (optional)
Read More
- How to Get Started Grilling
- Wok Skills 101: Deep-Frying
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- Sauteed Sweetbreads with Fava Beans Recipe
- Lamb
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 258 | Calories |
| 18g | Fat |
| 7g | Carbs |
| 17g | Protein |
Show Full Nutrition Label
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 3to 4 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 258 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 18g | 24% |
| Saturated Fat 2g | 11% |
| Cholesterol 394mg | 131% |
| Sodium 270mg | 12% |
| Total Carbohydrate 7g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 2% |
| Total Sugars 1g | |
| Protein 17g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 2% |
| Calcium 27mg | 2% |
| Iron 2mg | 10% |
| Potassium 220mg | 5% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
