panko UK /ˈpæŋ.kəʊ/US /ˈpæŋ.koʊ/ noun1 •Coarse, dry breadcrumbs used in Japanese cuisine.Japanese "Panko" bread crumbs upgrade the quality of shrimp and other frozen prepared foods with their exceptionally crisp, yet tender, bite. (Photo courtesy of National Sea Products.) — 1978