Everybody has heard of breadcrumbs and panko is simply a variety of Japanese breadcrumbs used to add a classic crunch to certain Japanese foods and cooking. If you’re wondering what makes panko breadcrumbs different from regular breadcrumbs, it’s all in the way panko is made, keep reading to learn more.
While technically panko and regular bread crumbs can be used interchangeably when a recipe calls for personal preference, what makes panko so unique is the result in texture and performance when used in all types of cooking, not just Japanese cuisine. Regular breadcrumbs are typically dense, round, flavoured and have a relatively small yield but panko is quite the opposite. Authentic panko breadcrumbs are light, crispy and full of air pockets which are hugely beneficial for releasing excess oil when frying food.
Want to try panko breadcrumbs for yourself? Check out our range of Panko Breadcrumbs.
So how is panko made?
Well panko is actually made from bread that isn’t cooked in the oven but rather, cooked using electric currents. That’s right, after combining the required ingredients into a dough, panko bread is left to rise several times until the strength and texture is perfect to be cooked in an specialised oven that uses electrical currents instead of heat. This results in a crustless bread loaf which is then carefully ground into light and fluffy breadcrumb pieces. Despite this, not all panko breadcrumbs are the same. Different brands of panko will each have their own unique methods and bread recipes which make subtle differences in shape, texture, taste and yield. However, all panko should be light, cripsy, airy and have minimal flavour so as not to interfere with the flavours you might add to your recipes.
Panko is most commonly used in Japanese cuisine to make meals such as tonkatsu or chicken katsu, panko breaded prawns and even to add extra crunch to tempura. These are all classic and delicious ways to use panko breadcrumbs, however, in the blog we want to share 5 creative ways to use panko bread crumbs (from delicious onion rings, crispy breaded tofu and more) so you can get the most use out of this incredible ingredient.
These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the perfect treat with simple ingredients that allow the crunchy panko flakes shine through in this minimal recipe by Fork In The Kitchen. Vegan-friendly cauliflower pieces coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and tossed in delicious homemade buffalo sauce. What’s even better is that these bites are oven baked rather than deep fried, which makes it even more healthy. If you want to see how great panko breadcrumbs are with a nice and easy recipe, this is the one to try.
Shop the recipe ingredients:
If you love onion rings, you will be pleased to know that panko breadcrumbs take standard onion rings to another level. Onion rings are great to whip up during summer BBQ’s alongside grilled meats and other side dishes. It’s Incredibly easy to make and arguably slightly better quality than some restaurants because it will be so fresh. You also have the option to bake or fry the onion rings, maybe even try both methods to see which result you prefer on the panko breadcrumbs.
Shop recipe ingredients:
We all know panko works well with prawns but why not try it with a different kind of seafood like this baked crusted salmon from Cooking Classy. Jaclyn describes this dish as “Buttery, flaky salmon fillets coated in a golden brown panko, parmesan and herb crust”. You don’t necessarily have to coat the whole salmon in panko either. This is a great example of how panko breadcrumbs are also a great ingredient to simply sprinkle over existing recipes to add texture and crunch.
Shop recipe ingredients:
Tofu is a widely consumed food in Japan but more often than not, it’s used in it’s softer and more mild state in dishes such as Hiyayakk and Yudofu or mixed into soups such as Miso. Panko breadcrumbs are the perfect way to make tofu more interesting with more texture, colour and even flavour (the breadcrumbs will help the tofu hold on to more flavours from seasoning0. Try breading your Tofu with panko breadcrumbs to use in stir-fries, sandwiches or other existing recipes you love!
Shop recipe ingredients:
Leave a comment