Delighting in a culinary experience like no other, it’s clear why panko breadcrumbs have become a staple in many kitchens. Diverse recipes can benefit from the unique texture and lightness of panko, whether it’s for chicken tenders, meatballs, crab cakes, or even crunchy tofu. Distinct from regular breadcrumbs, panko is made from crustless white bread, resulting in a flaky consistency that sets it apart.
During cooking, this characteristic means panko won’t absorb as much oil as other breadcrumb types, yielding dishes that are impressively crispy and golden.
20 Dinner Recipes with Panko Breadcrumbs
Tonkatsu
Often underestimated, Tonkatsu is a deeply ingrained part of Japanese cuisine. On the surface, it may appear as a straightforward fried pork cutlet, but the use of panko breadcrumbs elevates its texture to an unexpectedly satisfying crunch. Opting for deep-frying yields a more balanced heat, allowing the delicate flavors to shine through. To elevate this dish further, pair it with a variety of accompaniments such as noodles and rice or a refreshing crunchy slaw.
Mozzarella Sticks
Keeping in mind that many people have a weakness for mozzarella sticks, it’s no surprise that even those with lactose intolerance may be tempted to indulge in just one bite of these crispy and gooey treats. In fact, they’re more enjoyable when deep-fried because the coating cooks evenly and the cheese melts rapidly. Using an oven would likely result in a different outcome, as the cheese would melt before the coating has a chance to turn golden, leaving behind a sad puddle of melted cheese.
Lighthouse Inn Potatoes Copycat Recipe
Yellowing with envy, it’s hard not to crave a big casserole dish overflowing with creamy and tender potatoes. Although most gratin-style dishes do develop a golden crust on top, adding an extra layer of texture can be achieved with just one simple trick: sprinkling panko breadcrumbs over the top.
Homemade Scotch Eggs
Understanding scotch eggs is a great starting point for any food enthusiast, particularly those interested in traditional British cuisine. Often found on menus across the UK and its pubs, these tasty treats are known to bring together different textures and flavors in one delicious package. To make them, you’ll typically start by wrapping sausage meat around a soft-boiled egg, which is then coated with eggs and breadcrumbs before being deep-fried until golden brown.
A key challenge when cooking scotch eggs is achieving the perfect balance between the yolk’s doneness and the rest of the dish. If served hot, it’s essential to maintain some runniness within the yolk, whereas serving them cold means ensuring the yolk is cooked through.
Crispy Sweet Potato Croquettes with Bacon
Gourmet croquettes are not only visually appealing due to their vibrant colors but also boast an incredibly rich flavor profile. To begin, cook bacon until crispy, then incorporate it with the cooked and mashed potatoes in the same pan, allowing the flavors to meld together. Finally, add a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, complemented by the richness of butter and the earthy undertones of sage, resulting in a harmonious balance of sweet and savory notes.
Brussels Sprouts au Gratin
You don’t have to be a seasoned foodie to appreciate the simplicity and flavor of Brussels sprouts when they’re cooked with a combination of savory ingredients like crispy bacon and caramelized onions. Whether you’re looking for an easy side dish or a comforting main course, this cheesy gratin is sure to become a family favorite – even among picky eaters.
Easy Crab Cakes Recipe
Honestly, one of the most crucial steps in making great crab cakes is selecting the right type of crab meat. While it’s tempting to opt for convenience, products like crab sticks are often overly processed and lacking in flavor. In contrast, lump crab meat offers a tender, slightly sweet texture that will elevate your dish to the next level. You can typically find high-quality lump crab meat at specialty seafood stores or even at the fish counter of larger supermarkets.
Baked Salmon with Honey Mustard and Pecan-Panko Crust
Stuffed Mushrooms
Justifiably, stuffed mushrooms make an excellent choice for both appetizers and side dishes, boasting meaty, earthy flavors alongside generous helpings of delectable cheese and fresh spinach. The filling bears a notable resemblance to spinach dip, and it’s crucial that you thoroughly drain the excess moisture from the spinach to prevent an unappealing watery consistency.
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
Just as we elevated the original recipe, this version takes it to the next level by incorporating two key ingredients that enhance its flavor profile. Joining the mix are buttery artichokes, which add a deep, rich note, and nutritional yeast, providing a nutty and cheesy depth. In a recent serving, I paired these bites with a nicely grilled steak, and the contrast between the creamy spinach and artichoke filling and the beef’s richness was truly delightful.
Baked Scallops
Visually appealing, scallops are prized for their tender and buttery texture. When prepared correctly, they should be easily pierced with a fork. However, as someone who prefers a crunchy element in their dishes, I often modify this recipe by sprinkling panko breadcrumbs on top of the scallops. This added crunch provides an interesting contrast to the delicate flavor of the scallops. You can follow the instructions for baking everything together as described in the original recipe.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a quicker option, you can toast the breadcrumbs and seasonings separately, then spoon the mixture over the cooked scallops.
Panko Crusted Pork Chops
Generally speaking, bone-in pork chops possess a distinct advantage over regular chops and cutlets when it comes to juiciness and flavor, due to their thicker profile. This inherent characteristic makes them more appealing to cooks seeking tender results. To achieve the perfect crispy coating, it’s crucial to pan-fry these thick cuts first, followed by finishing them in the oven to prevent overcooking.
By utilizing a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperatures, you’ll be able to ensure that they reach a safe level of doneness without sacrificing moisture.
Oven-Baked Shrimp Scampi
Vibrant presentation is key when showcasing a dish like this seafood extravaganza. If you have a cast-iron skillet on hand, you can whip it out to make this impressive meal even more visually appealing. Baking and serving in an oven-proof skillet is not only easy but also lends a super professional touch to the overall dining experience. I often find myself using mini-skillets to serve individual portions, which adds to the charm of the dish.
Truly Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Virtually any cooking method for chicken tenders can be improved by making a few tweaks to the breading process. Unfortunately, relying solely on traditional breadcrumbs often results in a disappointing meal with a soft and soggy coating. Fortunately, panko breadcrumbs offer a solution to this problem. These larger flakes are not only drier than regular breadcrumbs but also toast more evenly in a hot oven, ensuring a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.
Parmesan Crusted Cod
Nothing complements the mild flavor of cod like a bold combination of flavors. To elevate this type of white fish, you’ll want to add a generous amount of spices or create a tasty sauce that will make it truly shine. One effective way to transform cod into a mouth-watering dish is by incorporating parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs into the recipe.
This method not only adds flavor but also yields a crispy exterior, reminiscent of battered fish, without the messiness associated with traditional battering techniques.
Bang Bang Tofu
Crucially, tofu has become a staple in many modern kitchens due to its versatility and nutritional benefits. As more individuals adopt meatless diets, tofu is experiencing a surge in popularity. With its high protein content, ability to absorb flavors easily, and ease of preparation, it’s no wonder people are drawn to this popular plant-based option.
One key tip for achieving the perfect texture is to ensure that excess liquid is pressed out of the block before cooking; if not, the result can be a mushy mess.
Panko Crusted Salmon
Understanding that not all recipes need to be elaborate or complicated, this salmon dish takes on a different approach with its simple yet effective garlic lemon marinade.
Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets
Need a healthier alternative to frozen chicken nuggets? Why not make your own nuggets from scratch using simple ingredients? The key to achieving crunchy nuggets is to pre-bake the breadcrumbs until they’re golden brown. This step helps prevent overcooking the chicken, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful. By making these nuggets at home, you can control the quality of ingredients and avoid any unwanted preservatives found in store-bought options.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Panko Breaded Fried Shrimp
Honestly, it’s almost as if the air fryer was designed specifically for this recipe, and countless other breaded dishes that come to mind. It only takes 8 minutes to perfectly bake the shrimp, requiring minimal effort – simply a light coating of cooking spray is all you’ll need to achieve a golden-brown finish.
Skillet Chicken Parmesan
Undoubtedly, one of my all-time favorite meals is the classic Italian dish known as chicken parmigiana. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed in various ways, whether served over noodles or adapted with ham and cheese like its Aussie counterpart – it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The use of Panko breadcrumbs is particularly effective here, as they help to create a crispy coating that complements the tender chicken, even when cooked in tomato sauce which might otherwise soften the breading.
20 Best Ways To Use Panko Breadcrumbs
Ranging from delicate seafood dishes to hearty meatballs, panko breadcrumbs play a vital role in elevating the texture and appearance of various culinary creations. For instance, when used in chicken tenders or as a coating for crab cakes, panko’s unique properties yield crispy, golden-brown results that are undeniably appetizing.
Whether you’re looking to experiment with new recipes or simply seeking to add some crunch to your favorite dishes, exploring the possibilities of panko is an excellent starting point.
Instructions
Understanding that planning is key to executing a successful meal, start by selecting a recipe that catches your eye and sparks your interest. Next, take some time to gather and organize all the necessary ingredients, ensuring you have everything on hand before beginning. With these essentials in place, whipping up a delicious panko dish can be achieved in 30 minutes or less, allowing for a quick yet satisfying meal.
