Any plain panko breadcrumbs work well, the main choice is white or golden, and whether you want plain or seasoned. Panko is made from crustless bread, giving larger, airier flakes than regular breadcrumbs, which is why it fries lighter and crispier.
Panko is now stocked in most UK supermarkets, usually with the other Asian ingredients or near the regular breadcrumbs. Here is what actually differs between brands.
White panko vs golden panko
White panko is the traditional style, pale and made without crusts. Golden panko, sometimes called toasted panko, is lightly baked before packing, giving a head start on colour. Both fry up light and crunchy. White is the more common choice for chicken katsu and tonkatsu, since it browns evenly as it fries.
Plain vs seasoned
Plain panko is the more useful choice, since it takes on whatever seasoning goes into the flour and egg stage of breading. Seasoned panko, with added herbs or spice, can work for a quick coating but limits what the crumb goes with.
What to check on the label
- Whether it says panko or Japanese style breadcrumbs, since regular dried breadcrumbs are a different, denser texture.
- Plain panko for the most flexibility across recipes.
- Bag size, since panko takes up more volume than regular breadcrumbs for the same weight.
Panko vs regular breadcrumbs
| Type | Texture | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Panko | Large, airy flakes | Katsu, tempura style frying |
| Regular breadcrumbs | Fine, dense | Meatballs, stuffing, thin coatings |
FAQ
Can I make panko at home?
Yes, though it takes effort. Tear crustless white bread into pieces, dry it out in a low oven, then pulse briefly in a food processor so the pieces stay coarse rather than turning to fine crumbs.
Does panko go off?
An unopened bag lasts for months in the cupboard. Once opened, keep it sealed and use within a few weeks, since it can pick up moisture and lose its crunch.
Is panko gluten free?
Standard panko is made from wheat bread, so it is not gluten free. Some brands sell a gluten free panko made from rice flour, worth checking the label for if that matters to you.
Read more on what makes panko different, or put a bag to use in our chicken katsu recipe.
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- Panko breadcrumbs. Plain, ready for any coating.
