Updated on April 9th, 2023
Panko bread crumb is one of the three most common types of breadcrumbs, with the other two being plain bread crumbs and Italian bread crumbs. Panko bread crumbs are light and crisp with a coarser texture than fine, dry crumbs. The word panko comes from Japanese, and panko is used for light breading in Japanese cuisine. Panko breadcrumbs are made from a particular kind of white bread without crusts – never from whole wheat bread. This gives panko its light, crispy and flaky texture. Panko bread crumbs absorb less oil and grease; this makes breaded fried foods less heavy.
Commercial panko breadcrumbs may be made of wheat flour, yeast, oil, and salt, and, unlike other bread crumbs, they come unseasoned.
Panko bread crumbs, like regular bread, are rich in healthy calories, carbohydrates, protein, sodium, potassium, calcium; and have low fat, sugar, and fibre.
Bread Crumbs Nutrition Facts
Panko Bread Crumbs Recipes
This crispy richness can be used as a coating for fried and baked foods or as a binder in meatball, meatloaf, and vegetable burgers. Panko breadcrumbs can also be used to form a crispy topping on casseroles, salads, and pasta. In soups, panko bread crumbs control the moisture by absorbing the extra liquid and adding a bit of texture in the process.
Below is a list of recipes to make with panko:
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Shrimp Carbonara
- Smoked Mozzarella Cheese
- Spicy Chicken Parm
- Crab Cakes With Lemon And Panko
- Pork Milanese With Gribiche
- Hasselback Potatoes
- Panko Fried Chicken
- Cheesy Chicken Casserole
- Meatballs
- Soups
Substitute for Panko Bread Crumbs
The golden flakes of panko bread crumbs don’t only give a satisfactory crunchy chew it also gives an appetizing ecstasy to any dish. However, if you lead a gluten-free or keto-friendly lifestyle, this ingredient might not be an option for you.
Below are a few substitutes for panko bread crumbs to consider.
Regular Breadcrumbs
If you can’t get panko breadcrumbs, you can always use regular breadcrumbs. This substitute is easy to make is readily available – you most likely have bread in your home. You can heat up the bread before crushing it into desired consistency to give a texture similar to panko bread crumbs – not really, but close enough. Use the same amount as you would panko bread crumbs.
Corn Flakes
Crushed corn flakes or another unsweetened flake cereal can sufficiently replace panko bread crumbs. They’ll add just the right amount of texture and crunch. This substitute is best used as a casserole topping or chicken breading.
Three cups of corn flakes will produce one cup crushed substitute. However, this may change depending on the size of the crumbs you desire. You can either pulse the corn flakes in a food processor or pour them into a freezer bag and use a rolling pin to crush them up. Substitute with an equal amount of the required panko bread crumbs.
Crushed Chips
Potato chip (unflavored works best), these are a great gluten-free substitute to panko breadcrumbs. You can use these crunchy crumbs to coat chicken cutlets and fish fillets, or you can fold crushed tortilla chips into your meatball mixture, too. If you used salted or flavored chips, you should consider that the crumbs will boost the salt in your dish or alter the overall taste.
Golden Flaxseed
Keto-friendly eaters may want to try golden flaxseed as a panko substitute. Unlike regular flaxseeds, golden flaxseeds have more polyunsaturated fatty acids and less monounsaturated fatty acids. Coating meat in an egg wash and flaxseed can provide a golden tone that resembles the color of panko breaded chicken.
Besides, this substitute provides your body with two fats that your body can’t naturally produce: linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). Flaxseed gives the exact same crunch panko bread crumbs will give your recipe. Lastly, flaxseeds can improve digestive health, lower blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol. This is the best option for people with diabetes.
Chopped Nuts and Seeds
The crunchy consistency of crushed nuts can make a great substitute for panko bread crumbs. Nuts like blitz almonds, sesame seeds, and hazelnuts can be put in the food processor to substitute. This substitute is perfect for those on a paleo diet and those on a keto diet, too (but quantity must be controlled). Note that these nuts may have a peculiar taste and aroma; this will alter your dish’s overall presentation.
Pretzels or Crackers
You most likely have this ingredient in your snack cabinet right now. Pretzels are regular pastries made from dough, and the dough has a similar foundation to bread. Hence pretzels are a worthy substitute for panko bread crumbs. Crackers flakes have the same texture as panko bread crumbs and work best as a substitute in recipes where bread crumbs are used as toppings. However, you much watch out for the saltiness in crackers and pretzels, for these substitutes will add extra salt to your recipe.
Simply add sleeve crackers or a handful of pretzels to a plastic bag and crush using a rolling pin. Replace with an equal amount. Note: two cups of uncrushed pretzels or crackers will make one cup of crushed pretzels or crackers. This substitute will give the same crunchy effect as panko bread crumbs but cannot be used in soups.
Croutons
No substitute measures up to croutons. This is because croutons are simply renamed bread. But unlike panko bread crumbs, croutons come cubed and seasoned. Crush some croutons up, and use them as a substitute for breadcrumbs. They can be used as a breading, binder, casserole topping, or filler. Since croutons usually come seasoned, consider whether the seasonings will work with the rest of your ingredients before using them. Use this substitute in the same amount as you would some panko bread crumbs. Remember to watch out for the extra flavor croutons’ seasoning give.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between panko and regular bread crumbs?
Panko bread crumbs are made from crustless white bread processed into flakes and dried for longer shelf life. Regular bread crumbs, on the other hand, are made from crushing regular bread. They may be wet, not so flaky, and may absorb too much oil in your recipe.
How do you get panko to stick to chicken?
Dip both sides of the chicken in flour, remove excess by shaking, and repeat this egg wash process. Finally, gently press on the panko.
Do you have to cook panko bread crumbs?
No, you don’t. Like other panko dishes, breaded chicken can be made in the oven. Panko can also be sprinkled on top of baked dips, casseroles, or mac and cheese baking.
Conclusion
Panko breadcrumbs are a great addition to fried cuisine, but it is not keto, paleo, or gluten-free. Also, a dietary restriction may cause a need for panko bread crumbs substitution. The alternatives listed in this article are some of the best substitutes for panko bread crumbs; choosing the best to go for, consider the texture and consistency of your desired dish.