29 Yummy Dishes You Can Make With Panko

Panko is a must-have kitchen pantry staple for any home chef that loves the sound, texture, and taste of a crunchy, crispy, breadcrumbed coating. So that's everyone, right? Before you contest that you can easily make your own using stale bits of bread, in this case, it's not the same. While ordinary breadcrumbs may suffice for certain recipes, it's Japanese-style panko that makes many dishes stand out. Think deep-fried bites like chicken nuggets and fried green tomatoes, breaded escalopes, and panko-topped casseroles and pasta dishes. 

Panko is different from other breadcrumbs. It's made from bread without the crusts, which results in a light, dry, and airy final product (via Allrecipes). If you want a more delicate crumbed texture — rather than a heavy, denser crumb — then panko is the best choice. Trust us, it makes a difference. If you're looking for some culinary ideas for these game-changing crumbs, then here are dozens of yummy dishes you can make with panko, from all-American snacks to Italian classics. 

What you really love about a nugget, if you think about it, is the crispy, breadcrumbed crunch on the outside. As long as the middle is soft and savory, then it really doesn't matter too much if it's not chicken, does it? Another versatile protein that's perfect for a deep-fried bite is tofu. Don't skip draining the water from the tofu. Wrap it in kitchen towels and weigh it down, so it's firmer and less watery when frying. Dip your nuggets in ketchup or Sriracha for some spice, or mix up some Sriracha mayo. 

Recipe: Crispy Tofu Nuggets

If you're trying to stay away from deep-fried food, try these air-fryer nuggets, which are a way healthier option — and far better than buying some bland and processed store-bought chicken nuggets. Panko mixed with Parmesan gives these bite-sized kids' dinnertime favorites a wonderfully cheesy crunch. Just make sure you don't overcook them. Get creative with dips: Make horseradish-mayo, combine Sriracha with Worcestershire sauce, or stick with classic ketchup. Garlic mayonnaise with lemon is fresh, or try honey-mustard, ranch dressing, marinara, or barbecue sauce. 

Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

You don't need to stop by the Whistle Stop Cafe to enjoy fried green tomatoes. The secret to this classic dish is double-coating the tomato slices with a satisfying panko crumb. That way, they're extra crispy as you bite into the juiciness inside. You'll need buttermilk for this recipe, but you can make your own by adding lemon juice or distilled white vinegar to milk. If you want a bit of a kick, add some spicy sauce to the egg and buttermilk blend. Make a batch, freeze, and enjoy out of season too.

Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

If you're an onion ring lover, and know you're not alone, then you're probably always searching for the ultimate recipe. Here it is, and if you're not sure if you prefer battered or breadcrumbed rings, then you'll be happy that you can have both. It's the thin batter coating followed by an outer layer of panko that creates that sublime culinary magic between the craggy breadcrumbs on the outside and the silky onion interior. You can customize this all-time favorite snack by adding garlic powder or paprika to the dry ingredients. 

Recipe: Crispy Fried Onion Rings

This crunchy summer squash is a great crowd-pleasing bite that's perfect to whip up for a casual snackfest such as game night. While panko guarantees a crispy coating, it's adding cornmeal into the mix that gives these deliciously meat-free discs their own appetizing texture. You can also serve up some healthier Southern-style hospitality by air-frying the slices instead of deep-frying. Serve with ranch, aioli, or blue cheese dressing, or try these with some tangy buffalo sauce. Pairing with some fresh veggies works well too, to balance out the fried taste. 

Recipe: Southern Style Fried Squash

An Italian snack or appetizer you can't help but fall in love with is arancini. What's not to adore about deep-fried Parmesan-laden risotto balls stuffed with stretchy mozzarella and coated with panko? The breadcrumbs complement the cheesy flavors, while the Arborio rice creates a contrasting texture to the crunchy outside. Add meat or change the variety of cheeses if you like, or pair with a salad for more of an entree feel. Either way, just don't forget the marinara dipping sauce!

Recipe: Traditional Arancini

There're so many marvelous ways to eat bread and cheese, but making your own panko-encrusted mozzarella sticks has to be one of the best. Cook these molten cheese crunchers in an air fryer rather than plunging them in hot oil, so they're a little less indulgent. Use cheese that's packed dry (rather than in liquid) and cut with a sharp knife so you get clean edges. What's better than a coating of Italian-seasoned panko? Two coats! For more durable breading, freeze your sticks for an hour before cooking.

Recipe: Air Fryer Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

A panko coating elevates chicken nuggets in so many ways. Panko has a drier texture than breadcrumbs, so the outside of the nuggets turns deliciously crunchy compared to the tender meat inside. Secondly, because of this dryness, the nuggets actually absorb less oil, which means that when they're deep-fried, they come out somewhat lighter and less greasy compared to regular crumbs. Add cayenne pepper to the panko for some heat, or if you like a herby bite then sprinkle in some oregano. Use your hands to make sure the nuggets are fully coated. 

Recipe: Crispy Chicken Nuggets

These meat-free morsels are so great that even chicken wing lovers will become immediate fans. It's packed with sweet and savory flavors, and the texture ranges from soft to crisp to sticky. Cut the florets according to whether you want one-bite wings or larger. To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based milk such as almond in place of dairy. Air-fry them in a single layer and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and extra barbecue sauce. They go perfectly with hummus or hearts of palm ceviche.  

Recipe: Easy Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings

Here's a delicious snack that takes minutes to prep, cook, and possibly eat too! While this recipe calls for cornstarch, panko is suggested for a crunchier result. Sprinkle on some chopped chives for a pop of color. Serve with homemade Sriracha-mayo with sweet chili sauce added, and adjust the spiciness to suit your taste. Other great dips are plain yogurt or crème fraîche. If you want to turn this dish into an entrée, serve it with rice and salad, though fries are also banging with these bites.

Recipe: Best Bang Bang Shrimp

Eggs, green cabbage, and flour or breadcrumbs are the core ingredients of Japanese okonomiyaki. Beyond this, you can add whatever ingredients you like. As this dish is from Japan, it makes sense to use panko — plus, it adds a fantastic crispy texture.  Add cayenne pepper for some spice, and seaweed or dashi to enhance the umami flavor. There's a knack to shredding the cabbage, so quarter it first and slice strips from each part. Spinkle on some bonito flakes and chopped green onion, and serve with Sriracha-mayo and sesame seeds, hoisin sauce, or Kewpie mayonnaise.

Recipe: Easy Okonomiyaki

Kids love fish sticks, and they're big fans of chicken nuggets, so they're bound to love these fish nuggets. While catfish works well because it's a mild fish, you can use cod or tilapia instead. Customize the coating by adding Cajun seasoning or some other type of chili powder into the flour, before it's coated with dry panko crumbs. To crumb the fish without too much mess, use one hand to touch the wet ingredients and the other only the dry ones. Serve with tartar sauce, honey mustard, ketchup, or cocktail sauce.  

Recipe: Oven Fried Catfish Nuggets

Shrimp are the perfect size for snacks like this sweet, crunchy, tropical-inspired appetizer. The crispy texture of the panko breadcrumbs is given a boost with the addition of shredded coconut. Always use raw seafood for this recipe; ideally, tail-on shrimp that's been peeled and deveined. Or, do it yourself: Peel away from the tail, keeping that intact, and make a slit to take out the dark line. Throw on chopped cilantro and serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce, which tastes extra good with apricot preserve mixed in. Sweet and sour sauce works too. 

Recipe: Easy Coconut Shrimp

Crispy marinated chicken is divine, and while you can fully coat the meat in panko, this recipe suggests mixing traditional breadcrumbs with panko and Parmesan, too. That way the texture is more akin to how it traditionally should be. Leave out the capers from the marinade if you like and if you don't want the effort of flattening the chicken breasts yourself, make sure you buy thin slices. As soon as the meat's fried, squeeze on fresh lemon juice. Serve on its own, or pair with mashed potato, salad, or a creamy pasta like Alfredo.

Recipe: Chicken Milanese

Breading your own white fish and frying it to perfection is so easy and this recipe makes for a quick-to-prepare weekday dinner. Once you've dipped your catfish (or another flaky white fish) into egg, give it a nice coating it in cornmeal, seasonings, and spices which stick to the fillets and enhance the flavor. Panko is in this mix, too, and is an all-important ingredient — it's these super-dry breadcrumbs that help the fish crisp up. Serve with fries, a baked potato, or salad, along with some tartar sauce.   

Recipe: Crispy Fried Catfish

Crispy panko-coated chicken escalopes are given an extra flavor boost thanks to Dijon mustard and minced garlic in the whisked eggs. To get the meat nice and flat, put each piece between plastic wrap and pound it down with a cooking mallet. If they're really big pieces, you can also cut them in half, but if you've got a big enough pan then keep them as they are. As the panko coating browns, ensure the chicken's interior temperature reaches 165 F.  Squeeze on some lemon juice and serve with salad or fries. 

Recipe: Crispy Chicken Cutlet

This toasted breadcrumb-topped red snapper promises crunch and silky-smooth flaky fish in every single bite. You can also use cod or sea bass, but using panko for the coating is what really creates the standout texture and taste of this dish. So, instead of making your own crumbs from stale bread, stick with using panko as it makes all the difference. Fry the panko in butter before baking it on top of the fish, so it's extra tasty. Serve with a lemon, white wine sauce, rice, risotto, or an arugula salad.

Recipe: Crusted Baked Red Snapper

Give this retro Russian dish a modern upgrade by creating a crispier version of its classic crumb by using Japanese-style panko. The breadcrumbs soak up the garlic butter filling as you cut into the chicken. A delicious dining experience. To make sure the buttery center inside doesn't leak out, create a space within the meat by cutting into the widest part, and be careful you don't go all the way through. To get the perfect ratio of golden breadcrumbs and cooked-through chicken, fry your kiev first and then bake it in the oven. 

Recipe: Simple Chicken Kiev

There's everyday mac and cheese, and then there's this Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired recipe, which elevates a simple classic into spectacularly tasty comfort food. You need a good mixture of different cheeses, so grate up Gruyère, Parmesan, fontina, and a sharp cheddar. Bits of cooked bacon sprinkled on top add a savory punch, but the crowning glory is to cover the whole cheesy pasta with a layer of panko, so it bakes to crunchy perfection. Scoop out a bowlful and enjoy it straight from the oven.

Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Mac And Cheese

If the phrase "crunchy, creamy, and salty" sounds appetizing, and you love fish dishes, then this outstanding breaded pan-fried cod is for you. You can use fine breadcrumbs, but panko is better, while celery salt gives the coating a distinct taste. Gather all your ingredients to make homemade tartar sauce, and make changes to suit your tastes, such as adding capers or shaved onion. If you're not a fan of dill, then use parsley instead. Garnish with lemon slices and serve with buttered rye bread, coleslaw, and fries. 

Recipe: Breaded Pan-Fried Cod

Southern fried chicken is unmistakably delicious, but you can get the same taste and texture if you ditch the deep-fat fryer and cook it in the oven instead. That is, if you follow a couple of golden rules. First off, make sure you use chicken thighs, as they won't dry out with the extra cooking time it takes to bake this tasty classic. Secondly, you definitely need the right breadcrumb coating, which means you absolutely have to use panko. Drizzle on honey mixed with red pepper flakes just before serving. 

Recipe: Crispy Southern Oven Fried Chicken

This healthier version of chile relleno is baked, not fried, but it's still flavorsome. Poblano chiles are blackened directly on the hob flame, but you can also pop them on the grill if you prefer. Don't rush charring the skins and steaming the peppers. It'll make peeling off the skins easier, and remember, you can't easily stuff a torn pepper. Finally, coating the stuffed peppers in panko gives them that all-important crunchy edge. Pair with eggs and potatoes for breakfast and chicken or beef with rice for dinner. 

Recipe: Baked Chile Relleno

Katsu is a Japanese fried cutlet dish, and donkatsu is a Korean twist on the dish made with pork loin. The signature element of this recipe is the distinct texture of the crispiest breadcrumbs of all: Japanese panko. Shredded cabbage on the side and donkatsu sauce are a must here. Pickled vegetables and rice are both excellent sides as well, and cut through the deliciously greasy, crunchy coating encasing the tender meat inside. The cutlet is traditionally cut into strips before being served, so pieces can be easily grabbed with chopsticks. 

Recipe: Crispy Donkatsu

While arancini are delicious, it does take time to make individual rice balls and then deep-fry them. This inspired version of the Italian classic creates the same flavors in less time with an easier recipe. To stay true to the original concept, stick to using Arborio rice. You don't want to stray from using panko breadcrumbs either. The flaky, crunchy texture is reminiscent of the coating on fried rice balls. Just make sure to fry the panko crumbs until they're golden before topping and baking your casserole. 

Recipe: Italian Rice Ball Casserole

Sometimes simple ingredients create extraordinarily delicious dishes. If you've got chicken breasts and panko, you've got the makings of a spectacular schnitzel. Forget chicken tenders, this is a whole piece of meat with the crispiest crumb ever. Use an oil and a pan that can withstand a high smoke point, and make sure the temperature is between 350-375 F, so the meat cooks thoroughly and the panko turns golden. If you haven't got a culinary thermometer, add a couple of the breadcrumbs to the oil and if they immediately rise, it's ready.

Recipe: Easy Chicken Schnitzel

Brown sugar and sage create a caramelized crust, enhancing this meaty marvel of a main course. Make sure the sugary rub covers the meat so that the panko can stick to the chops. Strike a balance between searing the breadcrumbs and cooking through the meat, as you don't want the panko to burn. Let the chops rest once they're done, so they taste juicier. While you can pair this dish with almost anything, you might want to serve it with a fruity chutney or a herby honey mustard sauce. 

Recipe: Classic Fried Pork Chop

Chow down on this fillet of fish burger that's crunchy and succulent. Stack breaded, shallow-fried cod fillets between sesame burger buns with tartar sauce, pickles, lettuce, and tomato. The smooth texture of the fish contrasts divinely with the roughness of panko breadcrumbs. Favorite foods like this are about sensation, not just taste. Feel free to switch up the fish (but make sure to use white fillets) and choose whatever bread you like, such as brioche or a kaiser roll. Don't hold back from adding Old Bay, cayenne, or other seasonings to the breadcrumbs. 

Recipe: Fried Cod Sandwich

You can cook up enough for the whole family with this recipe. The buttermilk marinade really tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and giving it some acidity, so the longer you leave it the better. The panko is an essential ingredient to the crispy success of this baked dish, and because there's no egg, add some baking powder to make the coating rise a little so that it looks as if it's been fried. Cover the pan with foil if the breadcrumbs are ready, but the meat isn't.    

Recipe: Sheet Pan Fried Chicken

These pan-seared, oven-baked salmon fillets are mouthwatering thanks to crispy panko, cilantro, lemon zest crust, and Sriracha mayo. This creative Barefoot Contessa-inspired recipe adds different flavors and textures than the usual lemon-and-dill combo. You can also try this recipe with another firm fish such as halibut. The breadcrumbs are given an extra crunchy boost from olive oil — just make sure there aren't any clumps, so the topping cooks evenly. Finally, make sure you coat each fillet thoroughly to avoid any panko-free mouthfuls. 

Recipe: Ina Garten's Salmon With A Twist