Homemade Spiced Panko Bread Crumbs in a Bowl

Panko, the Japanese crumb

In 1867, Emperor Mucuhito came to power and the ‘enlightened rule’ (Meiji) began: the rule of the shoguns ended, modernization began and the country opened its ports to Western goods. The Japanese then began to take an interest in European cuisine, and Japaneseised versions of European dishes were given a special umbrella name (josoku). These include tonkatsu, or fried pork, which is said to have first appeared on the menu of the Rengatei restaurant in Tokyo in 1899. The ‘fried’ meat is sliced to make it suitable for eating with chopsticks and served with rice and grated cabbage. However, its European origins are also revealed by its name: ton is Japanese for pork, while kacu is a twist on the English word cutlet. In any case, the meat of tonkatsu is crunchy without being pounded, and the skin is crispy. The secret of the crispy breadcrumbs is the panko, the crumbs used by the Japanese.

emperor-mutsuhito

Bread Dough With Electric Shock

Panko is nothing more than Japanese breadcrumbs. It’s a very simple ingredient, yet you don’t see it in the grocery store, or if you do, it’s quite expensive, but it’s still the most common thing you see in specialty food stores. That’s why you might think it’s a curiosity, a special Japanese dish, but it’s not. After all, panko is a coarse-grained breadcrumb that can be used for many things, but it’s best when it’s added to breadcrumbs – instead of breadcrumbs.

There are two types of panko in Japanese cuisine, white and ‘brown’. The white version has just the bread ‘inside’, in large chunks, while the other has the crust, and is usually made from wholemeal bread – even rarer in this country.

We might well ask ourselves what is so special about it, and what makes it any better or different from our good old breadcrumbs, which our grandma used to use…

Well, thanks to the fact that the panko pieces are several times the size of breadcrumbs, you get a different quality and texture. This texture is less absorbent than our breadcrumbs, which means that it absorbs less oil, so if you use it for breadcrumbs, it’s a much lighter dish. It’s also crispier, which is no mean feat for this Sunday dish.

Tonkatsu – panko-breaded deep-fried pork cutlet served with fresh shredded cabbage salad, tomatoes and lime slices on a plate on a bamboo mat, Japanese cuisine

Where to buy panko breadcrumbs

Check the price on amazon.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Bread Crumbs Panko, 8 Ounce

365 by Whole Foods Market, Bread Crumbs Panko, 8 Ounce

  • 365 by Whole Foods Market products give you that dance-down-the-aisles feeling, virtual aisles too! Our huge range of choices with premium ingredients at prices you can get down with makes grocery shopping so much more than tossing the basics in your cart.
Progresso Panko Plain Bread Crumbs Box, 8 Ounce (Pack of 6)

Progresso Panko Plain Bread Crumbs Box, 8 Ounce (Pack of 6)

  • PANKO: Japanese style bread crumb with larger flaky crumbs for a light, crunchy coating
  • REAL INGREDIENTS: Flavorful blend of real ingredients to bring an authentic crispy taste
  • PANTRY STAPLES: A great alternative to traditional breadcrumbs with a delicate crispiness perfect for frying or baking
  • BREAD CRUMBS: Use as breading on fish, vegetables, meat or as a crispy topping on baked dishes
  • CONTAINS: 8 oz (Pack of 6)

F.A.Q

What is panko breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs are a special type of breadcrumbs used mainly in Japanese cuisine to make fried dishes such as tonkatsu.

Origin of Panko breadcrumbs

Panko originated in Japan but is used in other Asian countries outside Japan and now practically all over the world.
The name panko is derived from the compound of two words, “pan” in Japanese for bread and “ko” in Japanese for small pieces.

How are panko breadcrumbs different from traditional breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs are made up of much larger pieces, light in texture, airy and flaky. Because of this, it absorbs less fat, so a stir-fry made with panko breadcrumbs will contain fewer calories, making it healthier.
In addition, panko breadcrumbs produce a much crispier patty than the patty of traditional breaded meat.

Panko breadcrumbs ingredients

Panko breadcrumbs are made from white bread, so they have the same ingredients as bread, flour, water, yeast, salt, sugar and fat.
Panko bread crumbs are special not because of their ingredients but because of the way they are made, which is to say that they have a light, flaky texture.

Author

  • Brandt Elliot

    Hello, I'm Brandt, a Certified Grillmaster, chef, and culinary enthusiast with a lifelong passion for creating exceptional flavors through grilling and cooking. Over the past 30 years, I've honed my barbecue skills on a wide range of smokers, grills, and culinary techniques. I've served as a BBQ judge and earned awards and recognition for my achievements in the world of barbecue.

    I'm also an author, writer, and contributor to sites such as Fine Cooking, The Food Chronicles, My Tasty Dish, and The Cooking. I'm dedicated to sharing my expertise and guiding you on your culinary journey.

    Join me as we dive deep into the art of grilling, where I'll be unveiling my time-tested tips and secret recipes that bring people together, one sizzle at a time!

Last updated: September 24, 2023