11223 How Is Panko Different from Breadcrumbs? Thu Jul 24 15:55:00 -0700 2008 http://www.chow.com/stories/11223 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:55:00 GMT One includes the crust One includes the crust. http://www.chow.com/assets/2008/05/NQ_105_3.jpg Michele Foley 62 Nagging Question 1 Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb traditionally used as a coating for deep-fried foods such as tonkatsu. The biggest difference between panko and standard breadcrumbs is that panko is made from bread without crusts, says Pam Becker, media representative for Progresso, which makes both types.

Panko’s crustless bread is coarsely ground into airy, large flakes that give fried foods a light, crunchy coating. The flakes tend to stay crispier longer than standard breadcrumbs because they don’t absorb as much grease.

Although predominantly used in Asian cuisine, panko has been gaining popularity in Western dishes, for example as an excellent topping for Eggplant Parmesan and as a binding agent for crab cakes or Veggie Burgers.

CHOW’s Nagging Question column appears every Friday.

]]> 5898 michele foley 1 chow 20683 breadcrumbs 7165 panko 20685 deep fried food 20686 pam becker 20687 progresso foods 19 bread 20688 asian cuisine 20689 western food 20690 eggplant parmesan 2580 veggie burger 20696 tonkatsu 2249 crab cakes