Cooking with panko, Japanese-style bread crumbs, offers a unique and delightful twist to traditional breading techniques.
Panko is known for its airy, light, and crispy texture, which provides a distinctive crunch to various dishes, such as with this Warm Goat Cheese & Chicken Salad.
Panko breadcrumbs cook up lighter and crispier than traditional Western breadcrumbs.
How Is Panko Made
Panko, derived from the Japanese words “pan” meaning bread and “ko” meaning flour, is made from bread that is baked using an electric current, which creates a bread without crusts.
This process results in large, airy flakes that stay crisp longer and absorb less oil than regular breadcrumbs, making them ideal for frying and baking. Like with this Crispy Parmesan Breadcrumb Fried Eggs.
Characteristics of Panko
Texture and Flavor
As noted, panko breadcrumbs are light and airy, providing a distinctive crispy texture.
They have a neutral flavor, allowing them to complement a wide range of dishes without overpowering other ingredients.
Appearance
Panko is typically white, although some varieties may have a slightly off-white color.
The breadcrumbs are larger and more irregular in shape compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
Cooking With Panko – Japanese-Style Bread Crumbs
Because they are lighter and crispier in texture, panko breadcrumbs can help to achieve a unique crunch when used in cooking.
Panko comes in several varieties, including plain, whole wheat, and seasoned. Choose based on the flavor profile you desire for your dish.
If using plain panko, you can season it with herbs, spices, salt, and pepper according to your recipe’s needs. Like with this Herb Panko Mozzarella Cheese Sticks.
Applications
Frying
Panko is an excellent coating for fried or foods, like chicken, fish, shrimp, or vegetables.
The process usually involves dredging the food in flour, dipping it in beaten eggs, and then coating it with panko before frying.
Baking
The breadcrumbs can be used to top casseroles, gratins, or macaroni and cheese, providing a crunchy topping. Simply sprinkle panko over the dish and bake until golden brown.
You can also use it to coat boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs and including chicken pieces before baking. Like with this Kale Sweet Potato Chicken Salad With A Mango Chipotle Dressing.
Topping
Toasted panko can be used as a garnish for pasta dishes, like this Pasta With Spicy Tomato Lentil Sauce Topped With A Crunchy Spiced Panko And Zesty Lemon Blend, adding an unexpected crunch.
The breadcrumbs can be used to top soups, and salad greens, like this Dandelion Greens With A Lemon Yogurt Coriander Dressing.
It can also be used as a crunchy topping for macaroni and cheese, casseroles and gratins. Simply sprinkle panko over the dish and bake until golden brown.
Binding Agent
In recipes like meatballs or meatloaf, panko can be used as a binder. It absorbs moisture and helps hold the mixture together, offering a light texture.
Toasting
For use as a topping, toast panko in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown.
Use the toasted panko as crumbled croutons for soups and mixed in to salads for an extra crunch.
Stuffing
Panko can be used in stuffing mixtures for mushrooms, peppers, and other vegetables, adding a crunchy texture to the filling.
Seasoning
While panko is neutral in flavor, it can be seasoned with herbs, spices, citrus zest or grated cheese to suit the dish being prepared.
Find an example here of seasoning panko breadcrumbs with lemon zest – toasted panko-lemon mixture.
How To Store Panko Breadcrumbs
Keep panko in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its texture and it’s best to use it with 6 months.
It can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for extended shelf life.
Overall, panko is a versatile ingredient that enhances the texture and appeal of a wide variety of dishes, making it a staple in both Japanese and global cuisines.
More Recipes Using Panko Breadcrumbs
- Stuffed Chicken Breasts With Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Goat Cheese
- Greek Chicken Meatballs With Spinach Orzo & Tzatziki Dipping Sauce
- Greek Chicken Meatball Gyros
- Middle Eastern-Style Chicken And Sweet Potato Salad With Pomegranate Dressing
- Tsukune – Japanese-Style Chicken Meatballs
- Pork Chops With Roasted Pepper Mojo
- Asian Inspired Chicken Meatballs with a Lemongrass Ginger Dip
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I love using Panko crumbs!