Sweetbreads

[SmokeRN]

Anyone ever smoke sweetbreads (mollejas)? If like to hear any tips or rocks tricks you might have.

[CaptainMike]

I have only had them fried, but I think 15 - 20 minutes in smoke then seared would be a fun way to experiment.

[Henrik]

Time to bring in the real expert - what say you, Ahumadora ?

[Donw]

Exactly the person to tag. He must have prepared a few tons at least.

[Ahumadora]

HI. I am now the sweetbread expert??
Just happens I wrote an article for my site on these fatty little morsels. Here's the English version

Moelljas are the highlight of Argentine asados, now add is smoking them and you just took it took the next level!


Here's a quick and simple recipe on how I smoke moelljas. (Fusing Traditional Argentine asado with American BBQ to create something extraordinary).

• First step is buying fresh moelljas (you can use previously frozen and thawed). They should be firm, plump and pinkish color without any foul smell.
• Clean off the excess globs of fat and any undersirable parts or membrane.
• Put in a small bowl adding a teaspoon of salt and 50/50 mix of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. Place in fridge and soak for 30 mins - 2 hours. (You can miss this part out if short on time).
• Remove from brine, wipe off excess moisture and cover completely in Memphis rub.
• The smoker should be hot 325f/160c and we prefer to use a robust wood like Espinillo (Mezquite) throughout the cook.
• Smoke for 2 hours or until the moelljas reach an internal temperature of 180f/82c which is thoroughly cooked, but still has a little texture. The moelljas can take a beating ins the smoker, so cook em hot for best results. Visually the outside should have color and be golden brown. (Leave un wrapped to make the outside bark more crispy).
• Remove from the smoker and let cool uncovered. You can either bag them and freeze for later use or continue with this recipe.
• Either slice and place directly on a super hot parrilla (grill) or in a pan with herbed butter of your choice, fry at high heat until golden and crispy on each side. Tip:(Mix a little canola oil with the butter or use beef fat to raise the burning point of the butter).
• Remove from heat and serve!!!
• Another option is with marinated green apple.. Eyeball quantities Apple cider vinegar, apple juice, sugar, fresh ginger root and red jalapeno
• Soak green apple in the marinade for 6-8 hours until it becomes semi transparent. After smoking the moelljas slice and serve on kebabs with the green apple and finish with Teryaki sauce. Food of the gods!!

[scottranda]

Mad Scientist BBQ just came out with a video about these. Any idea where to find them? I’m thinking an international grocery store. I’ll have to check.

[DogFaced PonySoldier]

I just watched that video. Interesting... I dunno I could get my family to try them. Who knows.

[Jfrosty27]

Wildfork Foods has them. I ordered them once. Pretty good.

[BostonBestEats]

D'Artagnan sells them, although pricey.

Never had them grilled, but a staple of any good French restaurant.

[JeffJ]

I have no doubt they are quite the delicacy. But I think the name “sweet breads” is weird considering what they are and I have a hard time with eating entrails.

[Jfrosty27]

Wildfork Foods

[bbqLuv]

Meat from a bone is what to eat
Even the meat from pickled pig's feet

[Greygoose]

I like them,,,

[Dewesq55]

I'm not sure I could get them past my involuntary "yuck" response.

[DaveD]

No way, no how. Internal organs are a hard limit for me. Muscle only please.

[Old Glory]

Agree! Organ meat is not my favorite.

[hoovarmin]

I have always wanted to try them. I waited tables at the Seafoam Room at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club when I was 18 and sweetbreads were on the menu every night. They were an awful group of people to work for, and never let the wait staff try the food.

[TripleB]

My mother loved lamb or veal sweetbreads. She would prepare them in a butter/cream sauce. I made them for me once, 40 years ago. I eat them and looked at her and said, "Nope, I do not like sweetbreads". She was happy that I tried them and I have not had them since.

[BostonBestEats]

The adorable little tyke in Mad Scientist's video likes them better than steak or brisket. But she does admit that ribs and ice cream are better. I completely agree with her ranking.

Amusing how grownups can be such scaredy cats about food.