What are panko breadcrumbs and where can you buy them?
Discover what panko breadcrumbs are, where to shop for them, and how to use them in our ingredient glossary
Check out our guide to panko breadcrumbs, including where to buy them and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about gochujang, kimchi and mirin.
What are panko breadcrumbs?
'Panko' translates as 'breadcrumbs' in Japanese. Coarsely ground, they come in two varieties – white panko, made from crustless bread, and tan panko, made from the whole loaf. Panko breadcrumbs are good for making breaded foods such as goujons and katsu sando and, as they don't easily absorb oil, result in a lighter, less greasy end product. They can also be used to give a crisp topping to gratin and macaroni cheese.
Where to buy panko breadcrumbs
Tesco panko breadcrumbs, £1.80/150g, Tesco
Cooks' Ingredients Panko Breadcrumbs, £2.50/150g, Waitrose
Yutaka Panko Breadcrumbs, £3.01/300g, Amazon
Panko breadcrumb recipes
Bang bang cauliflower
This sweet and spicy dish, made with sriracha, honey and crispy baked cauliflower, is full of flavour and texture. Use maple instead of honey to make this completely plant-based.
Couscous-crusted chicken tenders
A mix of couscous and panko breadcrumbs gives a gentle crunch to these crowd-pleasing chicken tenders – serve with barbecue sauce for the ultimate Friday night snack.
Tofu katsu curry
A clever veggie version of a Japanese curry classic, made by coating slabs of tofu with breadcrumbs, baking them, and serving with a curried carrot, ginger and honey sauce.
Rolled lamb leg with salsa verde stuffing
Pair fresh, zingy, vibrant salsa verde with lamb for a zesty alternative to your usual stuffing – it's a summery twist on a classic Sunday roast.
Chicken kiev
Master a classic family favourite tonight in just over an hour. With tender chicken breast, pools of garlic butter and a crisp golden coating, this is comfort food at its very best.
Thai scotch eggs
These Thai-style (or sai oua) scotch eggs from Birmingham-based chef Lap-fai Lee are ideal for a posh brunch. Expect bursts of lemongrass, red curry paste and sweet chilli sauce.
Crab cakes
Rich brown crab tartare sauce pairs perfectly with delicate white crabmeat in this classic starter idea.
Breaded plaice with sauce vierge
Coat this delicate fish in panko breadcrumbs and serve with a herby sauce vierge for a seasonal dinner idea ready in 30 minutes.
Chicory with mixed pulses and grains
Check out this chicory salad with lentils, borlotti beans and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. This easy recipe comes from Italian restaurant Bancone in Covent Garden.
’Nduja arancini
Check out this crunchy arancini idea with punchy 'nduja, Grano Padano and saffron. (This easy yet impressive recipe comes from Italian restaurant Bancone in Covent Garden.)