Mandoline – Preferably an Inexpensive Japanese Model

[amazon_image id=”B0000VZ57C” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”large” ]Benriner Japanese Mandolin Vegetable Slicer[/amazon_image]

A mandoline is simply a sharp blade mounted on a flat platform, with adjustable screws to set the depth of cut, allowing you to make thin, consistent slices very quickly. Extra attachments allow for a variety of julienne cuts. The [amazon_link id=”B0000VZ57C” target=”_blank” ]inexpensive Japanese models[/amazon_link] are just as good as, if not better than, the $100-plus European varieties.

I use my mandoline constantly, for dishes like this Persimmon Carpaccio or the garnishes for these cold Korean Noodles. It saves a ton of time and makes cuts far more consistent and beautiful than I ever could with my knife.

You might also like to buy a [amazon_link id=”B001QXZORE” target=”_blank” ]Kevlar kitchen glove[/amazon_link] to keep your fingers safe from the blade.