If I had to choose one of my favorite culinary ingredients, it would have to be Panko. I’m seriously drawn to any recipe that lists it as an ingredient. Just in case you don’t know, Panko is a Japanese breadcrumb. When I first heard about it years ago, I thought there would be no way I’d be able to find it in my local grocery store, but you really can find it just about anywhere these days. And if you haven’t tried it, you are really missing out. Panko brings so much more than regular, boring breadcrumbs. You get that crunch and texture – making foods almost feel like they are fried, but keeping in much healthier.
This recipe is not only delicious, but also pretty low in calories. Well, as long as you skip out on the side dish that I have listed as well!! 
This side dish may not look like much, but it’s one of those that taste a heck of a lot better than they look. I’m not usually a fan of canned vegetables, but this was delicious. Maybe it was the cheese…but I’d definitely make it again! It did take a little bit of planning because it takes an hour to bake, but besides the waiting time, very little work is involved.
If you are like me, you can make the healthy entree and enjoy a not-as-healthy side dish to go along – it all balances out, right??
Panko-Crusted Pork Chops with Creamy Herb Dressing
from Cooking Light October 2008
Makes 2 servings
PORK
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 large egg white
1/3 cup panko
2 (4-ounce) boneless center-cut loin pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick)
1 teaspoon canola oil
cooking spray
DRESSING
1 tablespoon chopped green onions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon reduced-fat mayonaise
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
To prepare pork, preheat oven to 450°.
Combine first 6 ingredients in a shallow dish. Combine soy sauce and egg white in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Place panko in a shallow dish.
Dredge pork in flour mixture; dip in egg mixture. Dredge in panko. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork to pan; cook 1 minute on each side. Place pork on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 6 minutes or until done.
To prepare dressing, combine onions and the remaining ingredients. Serve dressing with pork.
Scalloped Corn and Broccoli
adapted from allrecipes.com
Makes about 4 servings
1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
5 ounces frozen chopped broccoli
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Mix together the corn, eggs, sugar, flour and salt. Add the cheese and broccoli, mix well and pour into a 2 quart casserole dish.
Bake for 1 hour.
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Yep, it’s those darn side dishes that can do one in. I would probably skip the chop (my husband would eat it) and go to town on the scalloped corn and broccoli!
Deborah, first of all let me say sorry for not commenting in such a long time. Things have been mad and blogging, as well as reading blogs had to go on the back burner a bit.
I really like panko crust. It’s always so nice and crispy. A lovely meal.
It’s a great idea to use panko instead of normal breadcrumbs. A yummy dish!
Cheers,
Rosa
I love panko too! And too funny – i just posted panko-crusted fish sticks – it’s so versatile!
This looks like such a yummy dinner!
These look great. I love panko as a coating. The side dish sounds awesome also.
I figured panko was some sort of breadcrumb, but never actually knew the difference. Thanks for the lesson! Both dishes look great, I’ll have to look for some panko in my grocery store soon!
I have to find some panko crumbs – right now!!
…and you’re right it does all balance out.
LOVE panko – especially on fish!
And of course this is my daily check. Maybe you’re at the hospital as I type!
I have recently discovered panko for macaroni and cheese, so I know what you’re talking about. Looks like comfort food to me — I like Cooking Light’s recipes…
Panko is one of my favorite ingredients, too! Your pork chops look so nice and crispy. (great pic, by the way!) I think having a side like that is balanced by the healthy main dish. It all works out in the end.
Can’t believe I haven’t tried panko yet! I feel like such a loser! I looks pretty exciting.
we can’t find panko here but in Dubai my mum uses it all the time! i love the sound of this recipe!
i think it’s interesting how a little breading can take a slab of meat to the next level. real nice, deborah!
That scalloped corn and broccoli looks “delish”! Definitely on my to bake list.
The panko crust looks wonderful. And great side dish to go with!
I love panko coated anything! And that side dish is really calling my name!
This looks like a very yummy and Southern dish, also love the sides. Gosh, the whole gluten thing really has me bummed. I’ve heard rave reviews about Panko, it sure does look crunchy and tasty!
Panko takes it to a whole new level, doesn’t it.
Of course this looks amazing.
I love panko too. It’s really good on top of baked pasta dishes! It gets nice and crispy.
Hope that baby is doing well!
scalloped corn and broccoli?? yum!!
That panko crusted pork chop looks nice and golden brown and good!