# panko

/ˈpæŋkoʊ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/panko
Updated: 2026-09-28

## Definition

a type of breadcrumb used in Japanese cooking that is very light and crunchy. You use it to coat food before frying to give it a crispy texture.

For teachers: a variety of flaky breadcrumb used in Japanese cuisine as a crunchy coating for fried foods. Produced from bread baked by electrical current, resulting in a crustless loaf that yields large, airy flakes.

## Examples

- I use panko to make the chicken extra crispy.
- The chef prefers using panko over traditional breadcrumbs because it absorbs less oil during the deep-frying process.
- While traditional breadcrumbs are often dense and sandy, panko consists of larger, jagged flakes that create a distinctively light and airy texture when applied to seafood or vegetables.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.