Adding regular bread crumbs to panko may not necessarily make the dish come out "better" in all cases, but it can provide some interesting textural and flavor variations. Panko and regular bread crumbs have different characteristics, and combining them can create a unique coating for certain dishes. Here's a breakdown of the differences between panko and regular bread crumbs and when mixing them could be beneficial:
Panko: Panko is a type of Japanese breadcrumb made from crustless white bread that is processed into large, airy flakes. It has a light and crispy texture, with larger crumbs compared to traditional bread crumbs. Panko absorbs less oil during frying, resulting in a lighter, crunchier coating.
Regular bread crumbs: Traditional bread crumbs are made from ground-up dried bread, usually with the crust intact. They have a finer texture and tend to be denser than panko. Regular bread crumbs can become heavier when frying, absorbing more oil and potentially leading to a thicker coating.
When to combine panko and regular bread crumbs:
Texture: If you want a combination of both coarse and fine textures in your coating, mixing panko with regular bread crumbs can achieve that. This can add some variety and make the dish more interesting.
Lightness and crunch: By adding a small portion of regular bread crumbs to panko, you can slightly increase the absorption of oil, which might result in a slightly heavier, yet still crunchy and crispy coating.
Flavor: Regular bread crumbs might have a more noticeable flavor compared to panko, which is quite neutral. Mixing the two can introduce a subtle change in taste.
Examples of dishes where combining panko and regular bread crumbs could work well:
Chicken or fish fillet coating: Mixing the two types of breadcrumbs can create a more balanced and textured coating for fried chicken or fish fillets.
Casseroles or baked dishes: Combining panko and regular bread crumbs as a topping for casseroles can provide an appealing mix of textures and flavors.
Stuffed vegetables: When making stuffed bell peppers or mushrooms, a combination of breadcrumbs can add interesting texture to the filling.
Ultimately, the success of using a mix of panko and regular bread crumbs depends on personal preference and the specific dish you're preparing. Experimenting with different ratios can help you discover the ideal combination that suits your taste and desired texture.