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Brain (cooked) Calories
Extremely high in vitamin B12, choline, and iron; rich in omega-3
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 piece (medium) of Brain (cooked) (120 g) has 152 calories. That works out to 127 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.2 g of carbs, 13.1 g of protein, 11.4 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 24 µg of B12 covers 1000% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Brain (cooked) Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 piece (medium) · 120 g
152
KCAL / 120G
Carbs
1.2g
· 0% DV
Protein
13.1g
· 26% DV
Fat
11.4g
· 15% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 3% · Protein 33% · Fat 64%
Brain (cooked) nutrition facts table · 1 piece (medium) (120 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 152 kcal | |
| Total fat | 11.4 g | 15% |
| Saturated fat | 2.76 g | 14% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 144 mg | 6% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1.2 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 13.1 g | 26% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Medium Brain (cooked)?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 piece (medium) | 120 g | 152 kcal |
| 1 slice (thin) | 30 g | 38 kcal |
| 1 slice (thick) | 50 g | 64 kcal |
| ½ piece (half) | 60 g | 76 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 80 g | 102 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 127 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 100 g | 127 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 180 g | 229 kcal |
Calculated from 127 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brain (cooked)
What does cooked brain taste like?
Cooked brain has a mild, delicate flavor and a very soft, creamy texture. Lemon, herbs, and pepper complement it well; gentle handling matters because the flesh breaks apart easily.
How is cooked brain traditionally prepared?
Cooked brain is commonly served in dishes such as tacos de sesos, often chopped or lightly crisped and paired with salsa, lime, and herbs. Recipes vary by region, but cooks usually handle it gently to preserve its soft texture.
Can you fry cooked brain until crispy?
Yes, you can crisp cooked brain in a pan. Chill it first so it holds together, cut it into manageable pieces, and fry briefly in a little oil; extended frying can make it dry or cause it to fall apart.
How do you reheat cooked brain without it falling apart?
Reheat cooked brain gently, preferably in a covered pan over low heat with a little moisture, or in short bursts in the microwave. Avoid vigorous stirring and prolonged heating, since its delicate texture can quickly break down.
Can cooked brain be eaten cold?
Yes, cooked brain can be eaten cold if it was cooked safely, chilled promptly, and kept refrigerated. It works well sliced into a salad with lemon and herbs; discard it if it has been left at room temperature for too long.
Is cooked brain safe to eat?
Cooked brain from a properly inspected, traceable source is generally eaten as food, but ordinary cooking does not reliably destroy prions. Avoid brain from animals of unknown origin, and follow local food-safety rules for animal products.
Why is cooked brain soaked in milk before cooking?
Some recipes soak raw brain in milk to soften its flavor and help loosen the membrane; it is an optional preparation step, not a requirement. If the brain is already cooked, soaking it is usually unnecessary and may make its texture waterlogged.
What can you serve with cooked brain?
Cooked brain pairs well with acidic, fresh accompaniments such as lemon, salsa, pickled vegetables, or a crisp salad. These contrast with its rich, soft texture; serve it in tacos or alongside toast, depending on the recipe.
How long does cooked brain last in the fridge?
Keep cooked brain in a covered container in the refrigerator and use it within 3–4 days. Refrigerate it promptly after cooking or serving, and discard it if it sat out for an extended period or develops an unusual smell or texture.
Can cooked brain be frozen?
Yes, cooked brain can be frozen in an airtight container, though thawing may make its already soft texture more fragile. Thaw it in the refrigerator, use it soon afterward, and do not refreeze it once thawed.
Brain (cooked) Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
24µg · 1000% DV
B5
2.4mg · 48% DV
Biotin
10.8µg · 36% DV
B3
3.6mg · 23% DV
Minerals
Phosphorus
396mg · 57% DV
Selenium
24µg · 44% DV
Copper
0.24mg · 27% DV
Iron
2.76mg · 15% DV
Potassium ⭐
408mg · 12% DV
Sodium
144mg · 6% DV
Brain (cooked) Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Brain (cooked)
To burn the 152 calories in 1 piece (medium) (120 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Brain (cooked)?
Cooked brain is edible animal offal, prepared by methods such as poaching or frying; the animal and local traditions vary. Across cuisines, it may be served warm with herbs and lemon, pan-fried until lightly crisp outside, or chilled in a salad. Its use is less familiar in many English-speaking households, but it appears in traditional nose-to-tail cooking and specialist restaurants.
The texture is notably soft and delicate, with a mild, rich flavour that pairs well with acidity and fresh herbs. It is a concentrated source of vitamin B12 and choline, and provides 10.9 g of protein per 100 g. A small portion with salad or vegetables makes for a balanced plate; use a light hand with added fat when frying.
How Nutritious Is Brain (cooked)?
Nutrient density
Very high
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Brain (cooked) Processed?
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Brain (cooked) Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Brain (cooked) Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Brain (cooked) Fat Profile
SATURATED
2.76g
MONOUNSATURATED
3g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.2g
Omega 6:3 ratio 0.3:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.