Can I Use Panko Breadcrumbs For Spaghetti With Lemon, Garlic And Breadcrumbs?

Our answer

NIgella's Spaghetti With Lemon, Garlic And Breadcrumbs (from NIGELLISSIMA) is a variation on the classic Southern Italian dish. Historically the breadcrumbs were supposed to replace Parmesan, as the people were too poor to buy cheese. However, the breadcrumbs are a delicious addition in their own right, particularly when flavoured with garlic and lemon. It is also a great way to use up leftover, stale and dry bread.

Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are particularly light and crisp. They are made from a soft milk bread that is shredded rather than blitzed or ground, giving large flakes rather than crumbs. We suspect that you could use panko for the recipe but bear in mind that the panko breadcrumbs will turn golden much more quickly than regular breadcrumbs, so watch them carefully as you fry them. As panko are already dried and home-made breadcrumbs are not, you will likely need slightly less breadcrumbs by weight. So we would suggest using 30-40g of panko, which would be about ⅔ to ¾ of a cup. If you feel that this quantity is too much or too little for 2 portions then adjust the amount according to your own preference.