Beef, variety meats and by-products, brain, cooked, simmered
FDC 168624oz (85 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 62 · +8 vs Beef medianSimmered beef brain scores 62 of 100, a Good band ranking 25th of 60 in Beef, above the category's median of 54. It delivers 23% DV of protein along with smaller contributions of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E, each in the 11 to 13% DV range.
Brain is a traditional organ meat, simmered or breaded and fried in various regional dishes, with a typical 85-gram, 3-ounce portion. The honest caveat is cholesterol: this cut carries 3100 milligrams per 100 grams, an exceptionally high figure that sets it apart from muscle cuts like ground beef.
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Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 151 kcal | 8% |
| Total fat | 11 g | 13% |
| Saturated fat | 2.4 g | 12% |
| Cholesterol | 3100 mg | 1033% |
| Sodium | 108 mg | 5% |
| Carbohydrate | 1.5 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 12 g | 23% |
| Potassium | 244 mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 9 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% |
| Magnesium | 12 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 11 mg | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 6 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 1.7 mg | 11% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 128 kcal | 6% |
| Total fat | 8.9 g | 11% |
| Saturated fat | 2 g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 2635 mg | 878% |
| Sodium | 92 mg | 4% |
| Carbohydrate | 1.3 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 9.9 g | 20% |
| Potassium | 207 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 7.7 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2 mg | 11% |
| Magnesium | 10 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 8.9 mg | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 5.1 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 1.4 mg | 9% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 168624Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the beef median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Beef, ground, 93% lean meat / 7% fat, rawDensity 62 vs 62Beef, variety meats and by-products, brain, rawDensity 63 vs 62Beef, New Zealand, imported, ribs prepared, rawDensity 66 vs 62Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Beef brain is a variety meat with a soft, custard-like texture once simmered, traditionally poached in seasoned water or milk, then sliced and pan-fried or breaded and fried. It appears in dishes across French, Mexican (sesos), and Southern American cooking, and its mild flavor readily takes on whatever butter, herbs, or spices it's cooked with.
Because organ meats spoil faster than muscle cuts, buy it very fresh or frozen, keep it refrigerated, and cook within a day or two. Simmering firms the delicate texture enough to handle in the pan; at 151 calories per 100 g it supplies 11.7 g of protein, about 23% of the Daily Value, along with iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E, a distinctive ingredient for cooks exploring nose-to-tail dishes.
Frequently asked questions about beef
How many calories are in cooked beef brain?
Simmered beef brain has 151 calories per 100 g.
What does beef brain taste like and how is it cooked?
It has a mild flavor and soft, custard-like texture once simmered, and is often poached, then sliced and pan-fried or breaded.
Is beef brain a good source of protein?
It provides 11.7 g of protein per 100 g, about 23% of the Daily Value.