Beef, variety meats and by-products, pancreas, cooked, braised
FDC 169453oz (85 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 56 · +2 vs Beef medianBraised beef pancreas, a variety meat, scores 56 of 100, a Fair rating that ranks 29 of 60 in the Beef category, just above the group's median of 54. Protein is exceptional here at 54% DV, and this organ meat also carries vitamin C at 23% DV and iron at 14% DV, a mineral spread uncommon in muscle cuts.
Variety meats like pancreas are braised low and slow to soften their dense texture, often served sliced with an acidic sauce to cut the richness. The honest caveat: it's high in saturated fat at 5.9 grams per 100 grams and notable in cholesterol at 262 milligrams per 100 grams, figures worth weighing for anyone watching either.
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Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 271 kcal | 14% |
| Total fat | 17 g | 22% |
| Saturated fat | 5.9 g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 262 mg | 87% |
| Sodium | 60 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | - | |
| Protein | 27 g | 54% |
| Potassium | 246 mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 16 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% |
| Magnesium | 21 mg | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg | 23% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | - |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal | 12% |
| Total fat | 15 g | 19% |
| Saturated fat | 5 g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 223 mg | 74% |
| Sodium | 51 mg | 2% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | - | |
| Protein | 23 g | 46% |
| Potassium | 209 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 14 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% |
| Magnesium | 18 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 17 mg | 19% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | - |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 169453Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the beef median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Beef, variety meats and by-products, tripe, cooked, simmeredDensity 59 vs 56Beef, variety meats and by-products, tripe, rawDensity 60 vs 56Beef composite, separable lean only, trimmed to 1/8" fat, choice, cookedDensity 61 vs 56Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Beef pancreas, sold as sweetbreads along with thymus, has a soft, custard-like texture once braised or pan-seared, quite different from muscle cuts of beef; it's typically soaked, parboiled, then trimmed of membrane before being sauteed in butter or braised with wine, shallots, and stock until tender. This is a classic preparation in French cuisine, often finished with a pan sauce and served alongside mashed potatoes or a simple green vegetable to offset the richness. Its mild flavor takes well to acidic or aromatic sauces, capers, lemon, or mustard, that cut through the richness.
Because organ meats spoil faster than muscle cuts, buy beef pancreas fresh from a butcher and cook it within a day or two, or freeze it promptly if not using right away. Braised, it runs 271 calories per 100 g with a striking 27.1 g of protein, or 54% DV protein, making it one of the highest-protein items in this comparison, alongside 14% DV iron. Sodium stays moderate at 60 mg per 100 g before any added seasoning or sauce.
Frequently asked questions about beef
How many calories are in braised beef pancreas?
Braised beef pancreas has about 271 calories per 100 g, with 27.1 g of protein.
Is beef pancreas a good source of protein?
Yes, it provides 54% DV protein per 100 g, one of the highest protein levels among the foods compared here.
How is beef pancreas prepared?
As sweetbreads, it's typically soaked, parboiled, trimmed, and then sauteed or braised with butter, wine, and aromatics until tender.