Lamb, veal & game

Veal, sirloin, separable lean only, raw

FDC 173840oz (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 73 · +1 vs Lamb, veal & game median

Lean veal sirloin scores 73 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, placing it in the Good band at rank 27 of 60 within Lamb, veal & game, just ahead of the category median of 72. Its single standout nutrient is protein, reaching 40% of the Daily Value.

Sirloin is a tender cut suited to quick pan-searing or grilling rather than long braising, and a one-ounce (28 g) portion carries just 2.59 g of fat, among the leaner options in its category. Sodium sits at a modest 80 mg per 100 g, and no limits are flagged, making this a straightforward lean protein choice for weeknight cooking.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around veal, sirloin, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 20.2 g · 78%Carb 0 g · 0%Fat 2.6 g · 22%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories110 kcal6%
Total fat2.6 g3%
Saturated fat0.78 g4%
Cholesterol79 mg26%
Sodium80 mg3%
Carbohydrate0 g0%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars-
Protein20 g40%
Potassium348 mg7%
Calcium11 mg1%
Iron0.8 mg4%
Magnesium26 mg6%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E0.25 mg2%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 173840

Original 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.

Protein40% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the lamb, veal & game median

Nutrient density73 vs 72 median
Protein / 100 g20 vs 21 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g80 vs 79 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Game meat, bear, rawDensity 73 vs 73Game meat, muskrat, cooked, roastedDensity 74 vs 73Game meat, horse, cooked, roastedDensity 74 vs 73

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Veal sirloin is pale pink, fine-grained, and milder in flavor than beef, which makes it well suited to quick, high-heat cooking rather than long braising. It is a classic choice for scaloppine, thin-pounded and pan-seared in butter with lemon and capers, or for a quick marsala or mushroom sauce. Because the lean-only cut has very little fat to keep it moist, overcooking dries it out fast, so most preparations call for searing for just a minute or two per side and pairing it with a pan sauce built from the browned bits left in the pan. It can also be cut into thin medallions and quickly grilled alongside vegetables for a simple weeknight dinner.

Choose veal that is light pink and moist-looking rather than pale gray or slick, and keep it refrigerated for two to three days, cooking or freezing it promptly. This cut is very lean, with just 2.59 g of fat per 100 g, while providing 20.2 g of protein per 100 g, about 40% of the daily value in a serving, so it works well as the centerpiece of a light dinner built around a quick pan sauce, sauteed greens, and a starch like rice or potatoes.

Frequently asked questions about veal, sirloin

How is veal sirloin best cooked?

Because it is very lean, veal sirloin is best cooked quickly over high heat, as in scaloppine, rather than braised for a long time.

Is veal sirloin a good source of protein?

Yes, it provides 20.2 grams of protein per 100 grams, about 40% of the daily value in a serving.

Is veal sirloin low in sodium?

Yes, at 80 milligrams per 100 grams it is naturally low in sodium.

View the USDA source record