What Can I Substitute for Panko?

Panko, a crunchy breadcrumb, originated in Japan. Panko flakes are larger and coarser than most commercially available standard breadcrumbs. Panko gives fried foods an airy coating that stays crispy because the flakes don't absorb much grease. Certain substitutions simulate panko coating.

Types

• Panko comes plain and seasoned. The type of panko your recipe calls for will determine what you can use as a substitution.

Substitutions for Plain Panko

• Plain panko contains only salt. Substitute coarsely crushed saltine crackers or Melba toast to imitate panko's crunchy texture.

Substitutions for Seasoned Panko

• Seasoned panko comes in several varieties. The two most commonly available are Italian, and garlic and herb. To substitute for Italian panko, add Italian seasonings, such as dried rosemary, basil and oregano, to coarsely crushed saltine crackers. For garlic and herb panko, add garlic powder to coarsely crushed butter crackers.