Amidst the healthy food trends for organic, GMO free and all natural foods the craving for fried foods are still a favorite treat for many consumers. Why is it that we enjoy fried foods so much? Besides the obvious (it’s amazing,) fried food stimulates so many different senses all at the same time. From the sound it makes when you bite into the crispy outer texture to the soft succulent center and let’s not forget the importance of presentation. Sight, Sound, Texture, Taste – it’s a winning combination that will make anyone’s mouth water.
Recently Laura Brienze published an excellent article Hooked on Fried – Chefs are upping their fried seafood game. She showcases how chefs are taking their fried foods to whole new level of excellence and winning big with their customers.
The Key to Successful Fried Foods
In reading Laura’s article a common thread among the many chefs quoted stood out. The breading and coatings used for their fried dishes weren’t heavy or overpowering. The food being coated remained the “star” and clearly identifiable. The key to keeping the “Star the Star” is to start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Most importantly, choosing the right coating for your fried foods so it’s not overpowering. If you’re looking to compare the best options for your fried menu items, we have an interesting article about breading types and their differences on our blog Breading Pro’s and Con’s outlining the pros and cons for fried food coatings and batters.
Many chefs are changing from standard crumbs to Panko as their coating of choice because of the light, delicate crispy coating. If you aren’t familiar with how Panko compares to standard breadcrumbs, the key is using an Authentic Panko. Only with a truly Authentic Panko will you achieve that truly delicate, light crispy texture. The difference is significant – all Panko is not the same.
Not all Panko is Authentic
Many foodservice Panko (even popular brand names) are NOT authentic and provide a product which is dense and round, creating a hard texture that’s heavy and oily resulting in an unappealing plate presentation and taste experience.
If you’re using a Panko and not sure if it is Authentic Japanese Panko, compare your Panko to these characteristics.
Authentic Panko will have:
- Large sliver shape crumb (flaky look) – Standard Panko will have round crumbs.
- Light airy texture – Authentic Panko will always be light and delicate. Standard Panko has a hard and dense texture. Touch your Panko and if it feels hard or dense it is not an Authentic Panko
Authentic Panko compared to Standard Panko
In addition to the notable visual differences above, Authentic Japanese Panko will have a simple, clean, non-GMO ingredient list:
- Wheat Flour
- Shortening (Palm oil)
- Cane sugar
- Yeast
- Salt
A change as simple as replacing standard breadcrumbs or a standard Panko with an Authentic Japanese Panko will have a noticeable impact on all your fried food items.
Exclusively for Professional Chef and Food Distributors
We invite all professional chefs and food distributors to try a free sample of our Authentic Japanese Panko. Compare and experience the differences first hand.
We guarantee Upper Crust Enterprises Authentic Japanese Panko will:
- Taste lighter and crispy.
- Have a delicate crispy texture that stays crispy longer.
- Provides a better yield than standard Panko.
- Deliver a better plate presentation making coating items look bigger but not taste bready.
About Upper Crust Enterprises
Upper Crust Enterprises has been making Authentic Japanese Panko for over 35 years. Our panko is produced in the USA using USA supplied ingredients. The majority of our Panko is sold to Japanese and Asian restaurant chefs worldwide, however, because of our versatility and authentic quality we are becoming increasingly popular in a wide range of restaurants, from Italian Bistros to many major chain restaurants.
Upper Crust Enterprises authentic Japanese Panko breadcrumbs are are also available in All Natural formula. All of our Panko is certified GMO Free, vegan, Kosher and Halal.
To learn more and request a sample of an Authentic Panko Visit Upper Crust Enterprises at www.UpperCrustEnt.com
