Fried Sweetbreads with Lemon
Fried Sweetbreads with Lemon is a classic dish featuring breaded and pan-fried thymus or pancreas glands, typically from veal or lamb, finished with a bright squeeze of lemon juice. The sweetbreads are first soaked, poached, then breaded and fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and creamy inside. This preparation is a staple in French bistro cuisine and is also popular in Italian and British culinary traditions.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very high in protein and fat, with minimal carbohydrates from the breading. It provides significant amounts of iron, vitamin B12, and selenium, and a typical serving contains roughly 350-450 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 12.0 mcg |
| Selenium | 42.0 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 380 mg |
| Zinc | 3.8 mg |
| Copper | 0.6 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.5 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6.2 mg |
Per 1 serving (about 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Sweetbreads are prized in gourmet cooking for their unique, delicate texture—often described as the 'foie gras of offal'—and their ability to absorb flavors. Nutritionally, they are a dense source of high-quality protein and essential minerals, making them a nutrient-rich, though indulgent, choice.
