Grilled Sweetbreads with Chimichurri
Grilled Sweetbreads with Chimichurri is a dish featuring tender, marinated sweetbreads (typically the thymus gland or pancreas of a calf or lamb) that are grilled and served with a vibrant, herbaceous Argentinian sauce. The sweetbreads are usually soaked, poached, and then grilled to achieve a crispy exterior and a creamy interior, while the chimichurri provides a fresh, acidic counterpoint. This dish is a celebrated part of Argentinian and South American barbecue (asado) cuisine.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat, with minimal carbohydrates. It is a good source of essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and selenium. A typical serving contains approximately 400-500 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 3 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 15.0 mcg |
| Iron | 5.0 mg |
| Selenium | 42.0 mcg |
| Zinc | 4.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 350 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 850 IU |
| Cholesterol | 350 mg |
Per 1 serving (about 150g grilled sweetbreads with 2 tbsp chimichurri) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, sweetbreads are a prized delicacy in many cuisines, often associated with nose-to-tail eating and culinary skill. Nutritionally, they are an exceptionally dense source of high-quality protein and certain micronutrients, but are also high in cholesterol.
