1 piece (medium) of Grilled sweetbread (120 g) has 300 calories. That works out to 250 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 28.8 g of protein, 20.4 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 1.9 µg of B12 covers 80% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Grilled sweetbread?

Grilled sweetbread is a traditional offal dish: “sweetbread” means the thymus gland, usually from lamb or veal, and in some culinary traditions the pancreas is used too. The pieces are cleaned and grilled until lightly browned outside, while the centre stays tender and creamy. The name has nothing to do with bread or a sweet flavour.

In Turkey, uykuluk is often ordered at kebab shops and served hot, sometimes with flatbread and sumac-dressed onions. Elsewhere, grilled sweetbread may appear as a restaurant starter or part of a mixed grill. It is protein-rich and contains no carbohydrates, though it is also fairly rich in fat. Pair it with a crisp salad or grilled vegetables for a more balanced plate.

Grilled sweetbread Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

250

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

· 0% DV

Protein

24g

· 48% DV

Fat

17g

· 22% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 39% · Fat 61%

Grilled sweetbread Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

1.6µg · 67% DV

5.2mg · 33% DV

0.35mg · 27% DV

1.1mg · 22% DV

Minerals

Selenium

28µg · 51% DV

Phosphorus

240mg · 34% DV

Zinc

2mg · 18% DV

Iron

2mg · 11% DV

How Nutritious Is Grilled sweetbread?

Nutrient density

High

68/ 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

45/ 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.

Grilled sweetbread Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

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

How to Burn Off Grilled sweetbread

To burn the 250 calories in 100 g:

🚶

62min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

26min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

34min

Cycling

🏊

29min

Swimming

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

Is Grilled sweetbread 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 Grilled sweetbread 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 Grilled sweetbread 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

Grilled sweetbread Fat Profile

SATURATED

6.1g

MONOUNSATURATED

7.1g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.7g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 3.8:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Grilled sweetbread

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Grilled sweetbread vs Ground BeefSame calories per 100 g

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Grilled sweetbread vs Chicken Skewer110 kcal more per 100 g

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Grilled sweetbread vs Sauteed Lamb20 kcal more per 100 g

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Foods Similar to Grilled sweetbread

🥩

Ground Beef

250 kcal

🍢

Chicken Skewer

140 kcal

🥩

Sauteed Lamb

230 kcal

🍗

Smoked Turkey

110 kcal

🥩

Beef Kavurma

230 kcal

🍆🍖

Meatballs with Eggplant Purée

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Beef Cubed

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Chicken (Sauteed)

165 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled sweetbread

What is grilled sweetbread, and what part of the animal is it?

Grilled sweetbread is an organ meat, usually the thymus gland of a lamb or calf; the term can also refer to the pancreas. It is not bread: the name describes a tender, mild-tasting gland cooked over a grill.

Are grilled sweetbreads brains?

No, grilled sweetbreads are not brains. They are glands, most commonly the thymus and sometimes the pancreas. Their soft texture can resemble other offal, but they come from a different part of the animal.

How do you clean sweetbread before grilling it?

Rinse the sweetbread, then carefully remove any tough outer membrane and visible connective tissue. If the membrane is difficult to peel, chilling or briefly soaking the pieces in cold water can help; pat them dry before grilling.

Should you soak sweetbread in milk before grilling?

You can soak sweetbread in milk to mellow its flavor, but it is not essential. Cold water is also commonly used to remove blood residue. Whichever you choose, drain and dry the pieces well so they brown instead of steam.

How do you grill sweetbread without making it tough?

Grill sweetbread over high heat and turn the pieces as they brown, taking care not to overcook them. Toughness often comes from cooking too long or leaving membrane and sinew attached; the center should be cooked through but remain tender.

What does grilled sweetbread taste like?

Grilled sweetbread has a mild, slightly rich flavor and a tender, creamy interior, with a browned, lightly crisp exterior. It is less strongly flavored than many organ meats, especially when simply seasoned with salt and served with lemon.

What is the difference between lamb and veal sweetbread for grilling?

Lamb sweetbread is often smaller and more delicate, while veal sweetbread can be larger and firmer. The exact texture also depends on which gland is used, so adjust grilling to the size and thickness of the pieces.

What seasoning works best on grilled sweetbread?

Salt and black pepper let grilled sweetbread’s mild flavor come through. Add lemon after grilling, or use a little paprika or cumin for more warmth; a heavy marinade can hide its delicate taste and interfere with browning.

What should you serve with grilled sweetbread?

Serve grilled sweetbread with lemon, a crisp salad, or grilled vegetables to balance its rich texture. In Turkish-style meals, sumac-dressed onions and grilled peppers are familiar accompaniments.

Can you freeze grilled sweetbread or keep leftovers in the fridge?

Yes, refrigerate leftover grilled sweetbread promptly in a covered container, or freeze it for longer storage. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator and reheat gently; repeated heating can dry out the tender interior.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 25, 2026