Kao Yang Nao (Spiced Grilled Lamb Brain)
Abundance beyond white seeds and foie gras! Grilled Cumin in Sheep's Brain
Description
An absolute premium delicacy fiercely loved by hardcore foodies at Chinese street BBQs (Shao Kao). Lamb brain is placed in a small aluminum foil dish, covered in lamb fat, garlic, and massive cumin powder, and grilled directly over the coals until bubbling. Astonishingly creamy and entirely odorless.
Restaurants serving Kao Yang Nao (Spiced Grilled Lamb Brain)
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On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Lamb brain
- Lamb fat
- Garlic
- Cumin powder
- Chili powder
- Soy sauce
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- (Prep) Soak a fresh lamb brain in cold water. Using a toothpick, meticulously remove the thin outer membrane and any blood vessels without breaking the brain (this prep is the absolute requirement for zero odor).
- (Foil Prep) Prepare a small bowl made of aluminum foil (or a mini iron pan). Line the bottom with sliced scallions or onions.
- Place the whole prepped brain on top.
- [Flavor Magic]: Top the brain with massive minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and small chunks of 'lamb tail fat (Yang Wei You)'.
- Place the foil dish directly on the charcoal grill grate.
- As the lamb fat melts and vigorously shallow-fries the brain, heavily shower it with cumin powder (Ziran) and chili powder until the surface is invisible.
- Once the sauce becomes thick and fragrant smoke rises, it is done.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Cumin (Ziran) aroma and sweet lamb fat、羊脂の甘み
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
(Irreplaceable - texture and richness are entirely unique)
Pairing
Cold Beer / Baijiu
Trivia
[Trivia] In Chinese medicinal philosophy, 'Like nourishes like'—eating brain is believed to boost brain power. Often avoided due to its visual impact, but those who brave the first bite frequently become more addicted to this than standard lamb skewers.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Served directly in the foil dish. Scoop it with a spoon. Upon hitting your tongue, it melts effortlessly without chewing, exactly like 'premium Foie Gras' or 'top-tier Pufferfish Shirako'. The spicy cumin perfectly elevates the violently rich depth of the brain.
Allergen
Mutton, Soybeans, Wheat (depends on sauce), Sesame