Best 4 Grilled Sweetbreads Recipes

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Sweetbreads, also known as thymus or pancreas glands, are a unique and versatile ingredient often used in gourmet cuisine. While they may seem intimidating to some, grilled sweetbreads, when prepared properly, offer a tender, slightly chewy texture and a rich, buttery flavor that is sure to impress. This article will guide you through selecting high-quality sweetbreads, essential preparation steps to ensure a safe and delicious outcome, and a collection of delectable grilled sweetbread recipes that showcase the diverse culinary potential of this often-underrated delicacy.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

STUFFED SWEETBREADS



Stuffed Sweetbreads image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 peeled hard boiled eggs, sliced and cut into cubes
1 bunch parsley leaves, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cups bread crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth (or more as needed)
1 1/2 pounds calf's sweetbreads
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup grapeseed oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the hard boiled eggs, parsley, onions, bread crumbs, melted butter, and enough broth, as needed, to make a wet stuffing. Pat the sweetbreads dry with a paper towel and make a pocket in the middle of the sweetbreads big enough to fill. Season the sweetbreads with salt and pepper and fill cavity with stuffing mixture. Heat the grapeseed oil in a medium skillet with an oven safe handle. In a shallow bowl, season flour with salt and pepper and dredge sweetbreads in flour, shaking off excess. Gently transfer sweetbreads to hot skillet and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Place the whole pan in the preheated oven to finish. Test for doneness after about 5 more minutes by touching the sweetbreads to see if the interior has "tightened up" enough so it will remain intact when it is sliced. When this point has been reached remove from oven and let rest for about 20 minutes to allow all the flavors to flow back into the sweetbreads and allow it to set up before slicing.

GRILLED SWEETBREADS



Grilled Sweetbreads image

Categories     Beef     Pork     Vinegar     Summer     Grill/Barbecue     Boil     Gourmet

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb sweetbreads
1 gallon cold water
1 cup distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Accompaniment: chimichurri sauce
Special Equipment
4 (12-inch) wooden skewers, soaked in warm water 1 hour

Steps:

  • Rinse sweetbreads well, then transfer to a 6-quart pot and add water, vinegar, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer gently 10 minutes. Drain sweetbreads in a colander, then transfer to a bowl of ice and cold water to cool.
  • While sweetbreads are cooling, prepare grill for cooking over direct heat with medium-hot charcoal (moderately high heat for gas; see "Grilling Procedure").
  • Drain sweetbreads, then pat dry gently and separate into roughly 1 1/2-inch pieces (about 20) using your fingers. Toss sweetbread pieces with oil in a bowl, then thread onto skewers (about 5 pieces on each). Season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill sweetbreads on lightly oiled grill rack (covered only if using a gas grill), turning occasionally, until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes total. Transfer to a platter and let stand, loosely covered with foil, 5 minutes.

SWEETBREADS



Sweetbreads image

Sweetbread are a gland in cattle, and this is the way my husband and I prepare them. We like them in tiny pieces, but others make them in larger portions. This method of cooking and the taste remind me a little of chicken hearts, only better. One pound of sweetbreads makes plenty for 2 people using our method.

Provided by Norma

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 pound beef sweetbreads
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup oil for frying
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Tear the sweetbread apart into 1 inch sections. Discard the stringy ligaments that hold it together. Rinse with water as you go. Dip the slightly wet sweetbreads into flour.
  • Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large heavy skillet. Fry the sweetbreads in the hot oil until golden brown, turning once. Remove from oil, and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 373.4 calories, Carbohydrate 11.9 g, Cholesterol 253.1 mg, Fat 28.8 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 15.4 g, SaturatedFat 8.7 g, Sodium 109.3 mg

SWEETBREADS (PAN SEARED)



Sweetbreads (Pan Seared) image

Sweetbreads (thymus gland) are the ultimate organ meat, highly prized by chefs and connoisseurs for their mild flavor and velvety texture. They can be sauteed, braised, poached, grilled, fried, and even roasted. In addition to center of plate entrees, sweetbreads can be served as hot or cold appetizers or hors d'oeuvres. They can be purchased in specialty gourmet markets. If you have any questions e-mail me: [email protected]

Provided by Alan Leonetti

Categories     Beef Organ Meats

Time 55m

Yield 2-3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 lbs sweetbreads
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/2 cup shallot (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley (finely chopped)
1/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Place the salt and vinegar into a saucepot, with enough water to cover the sweetbreads, and bring to a boil.
  • Add the sweetbreads, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Drain and cover with cold water.
  • Remove all membranes and tubes.
  • Slice each sweetbread in half crosswise.
  • Mix the flour and garlic powder together and dredge the sweetbreads in the flour mixture.
  • Heat butter and oil in a skillet until very hot.
  • Place the sweetbreads and shallots into the hot skillet and once you place them in, DO NOT move them around.
  • When they are a light golden color on the bottom side, (about 3 to 5 minutes), with tongs, carefully turn them over to sear the other side until that side becomes a light golden color.
  • Remove the sweetbreads and plate them as you desire. Garnish them with the Italian parsley leaves and serve as a wonderful appetizer.

Tips:

  • Choose the right sweetbreads: Look for sweetbreads that are plump, firm, and have a light pink color. Avoid any sweetbreads that are bruised, discolored, or have an off odor.
  • Soak the sweetbreads: Soaking the sweetbreads in cold water for at least 30 minutes will help to remove any impurities and make them more tender.
  • Blanch the sweetbreads: Blanching the sweetbreads in boiling water for a few minutes will help to further tenderize them and remove any remaining impurities.
  • Marinate the sweetbreads: Marinating the sweetbreads in a flavorful marinade for several hours or overnight will help to add flavor and moisture.
  • Cook the sweetbreads properly: Sweetbreads can be grilled, pan-fried, roasted, or braised. Be sure to cook them over medium heat so that they do not overcook and become tough.

Conclusion:

Sweetbreads are a delicious and versatile organ meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. By following the tips and recipes in this article, you can prepare sweetbreads that are tender, flavorful, and sure to impress your guests. So next time you are looking for something new and exciting to try, give sweetbreads a try!

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