Rocky Mountain oysters are a delicacy made from the testicles of animals, usually bulls or buffaloes, and are often breaded and fried. They are served at annual festivals in Montana and can be found in select restaurants. They can also be made from the testicles of other animals, including turkeys.
Considered a delicacy, Rocky Mountain oysters are testicles of animals, usually bulls or buffaloes, that are often breaded and fried. Originating in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States, Rocky Mountain oysters are served at annual festivals in areas of Montana and can be found as appetizers in select restaurants around the country. There are many variations on how these unusual appetizers are made, but the general preparation is the same.
Also called prairie oysters and veal chips, fresh Rocky Mountain oysters aren’t usually sold in local grocery stores or even specialty meat stores. Butchers, however, may be able to order a supply if required and buyers can find them frozen in some specialist shops. The testicles are often removed from a calf when it is branded, but they can also be removed from adult bulls. Calf testicles are smaller and more tender, as is the preferred meat to use.
Called oysters because of their superficial resemblance to real oysters, the testicles should be off-white to tan in color and should have the skin peeled off. Also, a tough muscle surrounding the meat should be trimmed with a sharp knife before breading. Once all the meat is cut and peeled, it is left to soak for an hour or two in salted water or beer. Some recipes call for adding sugar to the water or transferring the meat from the water to the milk halfway through the soaking process.
Most recipes suggest parboiling, or partially cooking the meat before frying, to ensure the oysters are cooked through when done. Parboiling is generally done in water with vinegar. Once parboiled, oysters are usually cut and then breaded. The breading consists of flour, cornmeal, egg, salt and pepper and may also include garlic powder. When breading, some recipes suggest layering the breading and dipping each oyster in milk or wine after each layer of breading.
Once breaded, the meat is fried in vegetable or peanut oil. There should be enough oil in the pan to cover the oysters completely and they will rise to the surface once cooked. Rocky Mountain oysters are often served with a hot sauce.
The delicacy can also be made from the testicles of other animals, including turkeys. Turkey testicles are located inside the turkey’s body near its gizzard and are removed when the turkey is slaughtered for food. Turkey testicles are popular in some areas; Byron, Illinois, for example, has an annual turkey testicle festival just before Thanksgiving.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
