Panko

Panko is the name for Japanese breadcrumbs made by grinding yeasted crustless bread. They date back to the Meiji era when Western culture first started to appear in Japan and restaurants started to make food that was coated with breadcrumbs. Cooks started to use sliced bread and made it into breadcrumbs because imported breadcrumbs made from crushed biscuits and crackers were too expensive.

Authentic panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy texture to baked and fried foods. They are usually large and come in slivers. Panko breadcrumbs help to retain moisture in various foods such as crab cakes, meatballs, stuffings, and meatloafs.

They also absorb less oil during the frying process. Nowadays, these unique breadcrumbs are popular all over the world.