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Irregular bite-sized pieces of sweetbread with lightly browned, golden surfaces and pale, tender-looking interiors, served together on a plate.
●Low GI
💪High Protein

Sauteed sweetbreads Calories

High-protein organ meat rich in vitamin B12 and selenium

CALORIES · 100 G

215kcal

GI

0low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

285mg

FIBER · 100 G

0g

Quick answer

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.

Sauteed sweetbreads Nutrition Facts

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%

Sauteed sweetbreads nutrition facts table · 1 serving (medium) (120 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories258 kcal
Total fat18.5 g24%
Saturated fat6.12 g31%
Trans fat0.22 g
Sodium94 mg4%
Total carbohydrate2.5 g1%
Fiber0 g0%
Protein20.2 g40%

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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How Many Calories in 1 Serving of Sauteed sweetbreads?

ServingAmountCalories
1 serving (medium)120 g258 kcal
1 piece (small)40 g86 kcal
2 piece (medium)80 g172 kcal
100 g100 g215 kcal
4 ounce (medium)113 g243 kcal
3 piece (large)120 g258 kcal
1 serving (large)180 g387 kcal
1 serving (jumbo)250 g538 kcal

Calculated from 215 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sauteed sweetbreads

What are sauteed sweetbreads?

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.

Are sauteed sweetbreads brains?

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.

What do sauteed sweetbreads taste like?

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.

Do you need to soak sweetbreads before making sauteed sweetbreads?

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.

How do you clean sweetbreads for sauteed sweetbreads?

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.

Why do sauteed sweetbreads release water instead of browning?

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.

How do you keep sauteed sweetbreads tender?

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.

Can you freeze sweetbreads for making sauteed sweetbreads later?

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.

What should you serve with sauteed sweetbreads?

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.

How should you store leftover sauteed sweetbreads?

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.

Sauteed sweetbreads Vitamins & Minerals

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

Sauteed sweetbreads Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

0
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

0
Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Sauteed sweetbreads

To burn the 258 calories in 1 serving (medium) (120 g):

🚶

64min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

26min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

35min

Cycling

🏊

30min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Sauteed sweetbreads?

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.

How Nutritious Is Sauteed sweetbreads?

Nutrient density

High

72/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

44/ 100

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.

Is Sauteed sweetbreads Processed?

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.

Does Sauteed sweetbreads Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Sauteed sweetbreads Good For?

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

Sauteed sweetbreads Fat Profile

SATURATED

6.12g

MONOUNSATURATED

7.44g

POLYUNSATURATED

1.08g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 5:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (5:1).

Compare Sauteed sweetbreads

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Sauteed sweetbreads vs Ground Beef35 kcal fewer per 100 g
→
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🍖vs🥩
Sauteed sweetbreads vs Sauteed Lamb15 kcal fewer per 100 g
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Foods Similar to Sauteed sweetbreads

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250 kcal

🍢

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140 kcal

🥩

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230 kcal

🍗

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110 kcal

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.