panko
/ˈpæŋ.koʊ/
Japanese Origin
Food & Drink
Original Word
パン粉
Katakana (panko)
Entered English
1990s
First recorded usage in English
The Story Behind "panko"
From Japanese 'panko' (パン粉), from 'pan' (bread, from Portuguese 'pão') + 'ko' (powder). Japanese breadcrumbs that are lighter and flakier than Western varieties, producing a crispier coating.
Example Usage
"The chef used panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy fried chicken."