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.

A serving bowl of bang bang cauliflower with a small potions on a plate over rice with chopsticks

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.

A grey bowl filled with fried chicken strips with a red barbecue sauce on the side

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.

Tofu katsu curry

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.

Rolled Lamb Breast Recipe Stuffed with Herbs


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.

Chicken kiev with chips and greens

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.

Homemade scotch eggs on a plate

Crab cakes

Rich brown crab tartare sauce pairs perfectly with delicate white crabmeat in this classic starter idea.

A white rectangular platter topped with golden fried crab cakes, with wedges of yellow lemon and green leaves

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.

Breaded Plaice Recipe with Sauce Vierge

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.

Chicory with Grain Salad Recipe

’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.)

Arancini with 'Nduja Sausage

Authors

Adam Bush Chef Portrait
Adam BushDeputy food editor
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement