At first glance calf fries sounds like a dish made from fried calf meat. But there’s more to this Southwestern delicacy than meets the eye. This dish is actually the testicles of young bulls, deep fried. Whoa, right? Not for everyone, but calf fries have a long history and cultural significance in certain parts of the US.
In this post we’ll cover the origin of calf fries, how they’re made, where you can find them and why they’re a special treat. We’ll also share some fun facts, answer your questions and give you everything you need to know about this weird dish.
What are Calf Fries?
Calf fries, also known as “Rocky Mountain oysters” or “prairie oysters” are the testicles of young bulls, typically peeled, breaded and fried. The idea might make you shudder, but this dish is often compared to other fried foods in texture and taste. Once you get past the idea, many people say they’re delicious, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
They’re popular in various parts of the US, especially in cattle ranching areas like Texas, Oklahoma and the Rocky Mountains. Some people see them as a novelty, others as a regional specialty and a staple at community gatherings, fairs and festivals.
The History of Calf Fries
The origins of calf fries can be traced back to the cattle ranching days of the American West. Ranchers needed to castrate young bulls for herd management and instead of wasting the testicles, they found a way to cook and eat them. This practical approach to food turned this dish into a popular dish.
In the early days of the American West, resources were scarce and nothing went to waste. Ranchers would throw “calf fry cookouts” where they would fry up the testicles and share with family, friends and fellow ranchers. Over time the dish spread beyond the ranching communities and became a weird but beloved part of Western food culture.
Now you can find calf fries at restaurants, rodeos, fairs and even the annual “Testicle Festival” in Montana.
How Are Calf Fries Made?
Making this dish is not as hard as you think. It’s basic cleaning, slicing, seasoning and deep frying. Here’s how they’re typically made:
- Cleaning: The outer membrane of the testicle is removed and the tender inside is exposed.
- Slicing: The testicles are sliced into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper and sometimes other seasonings are added to the slices.
- Breading: The slices are dipped in flour, cornmeal or breadcrumbs to get that crispy outside.
- Frying: The breaded slices are deep fried until golden.
This dish is often served with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, hot sauce or cocktail sauce to add more flavor.
How to make Calf Fries at home step by step Guide
Making this dish at home is an adventure! I know it sounds weird to some of you, but this dish (also known as Rocky Mountain oysters) are actually pretty easy to make. Follow these steps to make this Southwestern classic.
Ingredients:
- Fresh calf testicles (2-3 per serving)
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 cup of cornmeal (optional, for crunch)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup of milk or buttermilk
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Other spices (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, etc.)
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable oil or canola oil)
- Dipping sauces (ranch, hot sauce, cocktail sauce, mustard)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Clean the Calf Testicles
- First you need to clean and prepare the testicles. They are usually covered in a tough outer membrane that needs to be removed.
- Peeling the membrane: Place the testicles in warm water for a few minutes to loosen the membrane. Once loosened, use a sharp knife to make a small cut and peel away the outer layer.
- Rinse: Rinse the cleaned testicles in cold water to remove any remaining membrane.
Step 2: Slice the Testicles
- Once the testicles are cleaned and peeled, slice them into pieces. You can cut them into ¼-inch thick slices or small bite-sized pieces. Cutting them thin will help them cook evenly and fast.
Step 3: Breading Station
- You’ll need three bowls for the breading process.
- Bowl 1: Mix the flour with salt, pepper and any other seasonings you like. A pinch of garlic powder, paprika or cayenne pepper can add extra flavor.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs with the milk or buttermilk until smooth.
- Bowl 3: Pour the cornmeal or extra flour for the final coating.
Step 4: Coat the Slices
- Take each slice of testicle and coat it first in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is fully covered. Then dip the slice in the egg mixture, then coat again in the cornmeal or flour.
Tip: For extra crunch, repeat the egg wash and cornmeal dip once more to double coat.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
- Pour 2-3 inches of oil into a large pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread or flour in; if it sizzles and floats, the oil is ready.
Step 6: Fry the Calf Fries
- Drop the breaded dish into the hot oil. Fry in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pot and lower the oil temp and make the fries soggy.
- Fry time: Fry each batch for 2-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through to cook evenly.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
- When the dish are golden brown, remove them from the oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot: This dish is best served hot, right after frying. Serve with ranch dressing, hot sauce or cocktail sauce.
Tips for making the perfect
Use fresh testicles: Fresh calf testicles taste and texture best. Make sure they are clean before you start.
- Season liberally: Don’t be shy with the seasoning in the flour mix. Cayenne pepper, garlic powder and paprika are great additions to the breading.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer: Frying too many at once will make them greasy and not crispy. Fry in small batches for best results.
Dipping Sauces to go with Calf Fries
This dish are great on their own, but the right dipping sauce can take it to the next level. Here are some choices:
- Ranch dressing: The creamy coolness of ranch dressing goes well with the crispy the dish.
- Hot sauce: For those who like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce.
- Cocktail sauce: A tangy cocktail sauce will go well with the fried flavor.
- Honey mustard: Sweet and savory, honey mustard is another good choice.
Making this at home is a great way to try out a part of Southwestern cuisine. Though it may be unconventional, the crispy texture and mild flavor will win over even the most finicky eaters. Just follow these simple steps, season liberally and serve with a good dipping sauce.
What Do Calf Fries Taste Like?
If you haven’t tried them, calf fries taste way better than you think. Many people compare them to chicken nuggets or other fried meat dishes. They’re tender and slightly chewy and mild not overpowering. The breading and seasonings add a lot to the flavor so this dish often taste like other fried foods.
Some say they have a slight beef flavor, others say they taste like any other fried snack. The key is to go in with an open mind.
Where Can You Find Calf Fries?
This dish is found in areas where cattle ranching is big. States like Texas, Oklahoma, Montana and Colorado are where you can find calf fries at local restaurants and festivals. Here are some places to try them:
- The Testicle Festival in Montana: An annual event where thousands of people gather to eat the dish and other testicle based dishes. A must visit for foodies!
- Rodeos and Fairs: Local fairs and rodeos in cattle ranching areas will have the dish on the menu.
- Steakhouses: Some Western themed steakhouses serve the dish as an appetizer.
If you’re not in an area where calf fries are served, you can still find them at specialty restaurants or order them online to make at home.
Nutrition value of Calf Fries
Calf fries like most fried foods aren’t the healthiest option. They are high in protein which is good but because they are deep fried they also have a lot of fat and calories.
A serving of the dish might have 15-20 grams of protein but the nutrition content may vary depending on preparation and portion size. If you’re health conscious, consider sharing with friends or having them as an occasional treat.
Are Calf Fries Safe to Eat?
Yes calf fries are safe to eat as long as they are prepared and cooked properly. Like any other meat product it’s important they are cleaned and cooked thoroughly to avoid any health risks. When cooked right calf fries are just as safe as eating beef or chicken.
Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s get into some frequently asked questions about calf fries.

FAQs about Calf Fries
Are calf fries the same as Rocky Mountain oysters?
Yes, calf fries and Rocky Mountain oysters are the same thing. Both terms refer to fried testicles from young bulls but the name “Rocky Mountain oysters” is more commonly used in certain regions like Colorado.
What do calf fries taste like?
Calf fries have a mild flavor that’s often compared to chicken or other fried meats. The breading adds a crispy texture and the inside is tender and slightly chewy.
Are calf fries a delicacy?
In some parts of the US, particularly in the Southwest and Rocky Mountain regions, calf fries are considered a delicacy. They are often served at special events, rodeos and festivals.
Can you make calf fries at home?
Yes you can make calf fries at home if you have access to the ingredients. All you need is fresh calf testicles, a good breading mixture and a deep fryer. There are many recipes online to guide you through the process.
Are there other ways to cook calf fries?
While frying is the most popular way to cook calf fries, some people grill or bake them as a healthier option. But the traditional deep fried way is the most common.
Where did the idea of calf fries come from?
The idea of eating calf fries came from the cattle ranching communities of the American West. Ranchers would castrate young bulls and fry the testicles to use every part of the animal.
Conclusion
Calf fries are a weird and wonderful dish with a long history in the American West. Not for everyone but loved by foodies and those who enjoy regional specialities. Whether you’re trying them for the first time or you’re a seasoned fan, you won’t forget calf fries.
If you find yourself at a rodeo, fair or festival in the Southwest or Rocky Mountains, be sure to try calf fries. You never know, you might just like them.