Panko (パン粉) is a type of Japanese breadcrumb known for its light, airy, and delicate texture. Made from crustless white bread, these flakes are larger and more irregularly shaped than Western-style breadcrumbs, which allows them to absorb less oil when fried. This results in a crispier, lighter coating for foods like tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlets), chicken katsu, or ebi fry (fried shrimp). Use Marufuji's soft panko to create a crunchy exterior on baked dishes like macaroni and cheese, or as a binder in meatballs and burgers for added moisture. For an extra golden-brown finish, toast the panko lightly in a dry pan before using it as a topping. This pantry staple is essential for anyone looking to replicate authentic Japanese fried dishes at home. Contains WHEAT.