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High-protein organ meat rich in vitamin B12 and selenium
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 serving (medium) of Sauteed sweetbreads (120 g) has 258 calories. That works out to 215 calories per 100 g. It contains 2.5 g of carbs, 20.2 g of protein, 18.5 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 17.4 µg of B12 covers 725% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 120 g
258
KCAL / 120G
Carbs
2.5g
· 1% DV
Protein
20.2g
· 40% DV
Fat
18.5g
· 24% 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 4% · Protein 31% · Fat 65%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 258 kcal | |
| Total fat | 18.5 g | 24% |
| Saturated fat | 6.12 g | 31% |
| Trans fat | 0.22 g | |
| Sodium | 94 mg | 4% |
| Total carbohydrate | 2.5 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 20.2 g | 40% |
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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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 120 g | 258 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 40 g | 86 kcal |
| 2 piece (medium) | 80 g | 172 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 215 kcal |
| 4 ounce (medium) | 113 g | 243 kcal |
| 3 piece (large) | 120 g | 258 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 180 g | 387 kcal |
| 1 serving (jumbo) | 250 g | 538 kcal |
Calculated from 215 calories per 100 g.
Sauteed sweetbreads are a minimally processed dish made by cooking the thymus gland, and sometimes pancreas, of a young animal. Despite the name, sweetbreads are organ meat, not bread or a sweet dessert.
No, sauteed sweetbreads are not brains. They are made from the thymus gland or, less commonly, the pancreas, usually from lamb or veal; the name refers to these organs rather than any part of the head.
Sauteed sweetbreads have a mild, delicate flavor and a rich, creamy interior when cooked well. Their taste is less strong than many other organ meats, while a browned outside adds a savory, slightly crisp contrast.
Yes, soaking sweetbreads briefly in cold water can help remove traces of blood and soften their flavor. Rinse and dry them afterward; leaving them submerged too long can affect their texture and make them harder to brown.
To prepare sweetbreads for sauteing, rinse them and remove the thin outer membrane and any tough connective tissue. A brief blanch can make the membrane easier to peel, but pat the pieces dry before they go into the hot pan.
Sauteed sweetbreads release water when they are wet, the pan is not hot enough, or too many pieces are crowded together. Dry the pieces thoroughly and cook them in batches so moisture can evaporate and the surfaces can brown.
Cook sauteed sweetbreads quickly over medium-high heat and avoid leaving them in the pan after they are done. Overcooking makes their delicate texture tough, while evenly sized pieces help them finish at the same time.
Yes, raw sweetbreads can be frozen in an airtight, well-sealed package. Thaw them in the refrigerator, then clean and dry them before cooking; freezing may slightly change their delicate texture, so fresh sweetbreads are preferable when available.
Serve sauteed sweetbreads with lemon, a crisp green salad, or simply cooked vegetables to balance their rich texture. Crusty bread is also a common accompaniment, while sharp sauces can overpower their mild flavor.
Refrigerate leftover sauteed sweetbreads promptly in a sealed container rather than leaving them at room temperature. Reheat them thoroughly in a pan, knowing that reheating can make the tender pieces firmer; discard leftovers with an unusual smell or appearance.
Vitamins
B12
17.4µg · 725% DV
B3
5.76mg · 36% DV
B2
0.38mg · 29% DV
B5
1.32mg · 26% DV
Minerals
Selenium
34µg · 62% DV
Phosphorus
288mg · 41% DV
Zinc
1.92mg · 17% DV
Copper
0.14mg · 16% DV
Potassium ⭐
342mg · 10% DV
Sodium
94mg · 4% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 258 calories in 1 serving (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.
Sauteed sweetbreads are a Turkish-style preparation of sweetbreads, usually the lamb’s thymus gland, cut into pieces and browned in a pan. The outside takes on a little colour while the centre stays tender, and seasoning and cooking fat shape the flavour.
They are best served hot, either with bread or alongside a fresh salad; in Turkey, they may also be enjoyed as part of a meze spread. Sweetbreads provide protein, vitamin B12 and selenium, but the dish is also rich and fairly fatty. For a lighter plate, use little added oil and pair them with greens and a squeeze of lemon.
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.
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.
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.
No known major allergens
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
SATURATED
6.12g
MONOUNSATURATED
7.44g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.08g
Omega 6:3 ratio 5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (5:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.