In the restaurant world, speed and consistency aren’t just nice-to-haves – they’re your lifeline. If your kitchen crew is spending more time slicing and cutting than Gordon Ramsay spends yelling on TV, it’s time to introduce them to a real game-changer: the mandoline.
This nifty gadget isn’t just another fancy tool to clutter your kitchen. It’s the secret weapon that could revolutionize your prep time, boost your consistency, and help you plate up dishes that don’t just taste great, but look Instagram-worthy too. Let’s slice into the world of mandolines and see how they can give your kitchen the edge it needs.
WHAT IS A MANDOLINE
A mandoline is a handy kitchen tool with a flat surface and a sharp blade that makes slicing, julienning, and dicing fruits and vegetables a breeze. Using a mandoline is as easy as sliding the ingredients across the surface. Once you get into a rhythm, the repetitive motion can feel much easier than chopping with a knife.
With various blade attachments, you can create cubes, diamond cuts, waffle cuts, crinkle cuts, and julienne vegetables—all with one tool. Just keep in mind that the more a mandoline can do, the more time it may take to learn how to use it.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MANDOLINE FOR YOUR KITCHEN
Here are a few things to consider:
Material: Some mandolines are made entirely of stainless steel, giving you durability and sturdiness. Others use high-quality plastic, which is often lighter and easier to handle, as well as typically available at a lower price point.
Safety Features: Key safety features include non-skid feet and a protective pusher to safeguard your fingers while slicing. If your chefs prefer a more hands-on approach, they can opt to forego the pusher and hold the food directly for greater control. The L.Tellier Mandoline can be purchased without the protective pusher. It also features a patented table edge support to ensure stability during use, eliminating the need for non-skid feet.
Cut Thickness: Consider the thickness you need for your ingredients. For example, the De Buyer Kobra Mandoline can slice as thin as 0.2 mm but goes up to a maximum of 5 mm, in 0.2mm increment. On the other hand, the De Buyer Révolution Mandoline has adjustable slice plates that allow you to choose between 2mm, 4mm, 7mm, and 10mm slices.
Handheld or With Stand: Most mandolines come with a stand that lets you cut at a comfortable angle, keeping your hands and wrists strain-free. But if you’re just slicing a few ingredients, you might like a handheld option better. Handheld models make cleanup a breeze, and you can jump right into slicing without messing around with setup. Plus, they’re still stable thanks to their non-skid handle and base. Though some handheld models may have limitations in the types of cuts they can perform.
Blade Design: If you often slice tough vegetables or fruits, a mandoline with a V-shaped or diagonal blade could be just what you need. Both designs have an angled blade that glides through ingredients more smoothly, reducing resistance as you slice. This means less effort and faster food prep, so your hands won’t tire out as quickly.
HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE USE OF YOUR MANDOLINE IN THE KITCHEN
Once you’ve selected the perfect mandoline for your restaurant, it’s time to make the most of this kitchen powerhouse. Here are some tips to integrate it seamlessly into your daily operations:
Train Your Staff:
Make sure your kitchen team knows how to use the mandoline safely and efficiently. A quick training session can help them get comfortable with the tool, emphasizing proper techniques to minimize risk while maximizing speed. Remember, a well-trained staff can slice prep time in half!
Experiment with Presentation:
Get creative with your mandoline to whip up some eye-catching garnishes and side dishes. Thinly sliced veggies can really add some flair and colour to your plates, making them look irresistible. Try different cuts to jazz up salads, appetizers, and sides—your customers will appreciate the extra effort, and it’ll make their dining experience even better.
Explore Blade Attachments:
Don’t forget to have fun with the different blade attachments your mandoline comes with! Some models allow you to julienne, diamond cut, waffle cut, dice, crinkle cut, slice, and even make French fries—all in one device. Encourage your chefs to experiment with these options; it’s a fantastic way to mix up textures and flavours, helping your menu stand out from the crowd.
Using a mandoline speeds up prep time and adds a creative twist to your dishes, keeping your customers coming back for more. So, get slicing, have fun, and watch your menu come to life!