Japanese Mandoline

Become a Better Cook! This Just Maika Cooking: Cook’s Notebook section will focus on everything related to prepping with a Japanese mandoline connected to all my recipe posts, updated frequently.

shredded green and red cabbage, carrots, cucumber, cilantro leaves, and mint leaves in a glass mixing bowl.

Image: For the Lemongrass Marinated Grilled Chicken Spring Rolls recipe.

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What is a Japanese Mandoline?
What to use the Japanese Mandoline for?
Choosing the Right One
How to Shred Carrots
How to Slice Radish
Japanese-Inspired Recipes
Cook's Notebook: Become a Better Cook!
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The classic Benriner Vegetable Slicer comes with three blades.

two peeled carrots next to a japanese mandoline on a wooden cutting board

It also has a plastic guard to protect your palm and fingers.

shredded carrots next to a japanese mandoline on a wooden cutting board

The large teeth blade creates this size.

gloved hand showing mixed harissa carrot salad in a metal bowl

This size is great for salads and stir-fries.

What is a Japanese Mandoline?

Like the Benriner Vegetable Slicer, the Japanese Mandoline is primarily plastic with carbon stainless steel blades. It usually has no “kick” stand to prop it at a 45-degree angle. However, it is very convenient. It is slick in design, and the blades can easily be changed. This tool is used for shredding and slicing vegetables and fruit in various ways.

I've used this tool to develop the Harissa Carrot Salad and Pickled Vegetable Pepper Slaw, which require a lot of shredding. In addition, it is great for prepping stir-fries, like the Chicken Curry Stir-Fry with Coconut Rice and Beans. But I have also used it in my Pumpkin Gnocchi Chicken Soup and Loaded Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta.

What to use the Japanese Mandoline for?

It comes with three different teeth-sized blades with one regular blade permanently attached; this gives you four options for cutting, slicing, and shredding. There is also an adjusting nob under the slicer to adjust the thickness of your slices and shreds.

This tool is great for carrots, beets, apples, cabbage, zucchini, etc. The only restriction is that the vegetable or fruit must be within 2 ½ inches in width. Some vegetables or fruit pieces must be cut in half.

Choosing the Right One

I have used it for 20+ years in the professional and my kitchen and have not once cut or nicked myself. Additionally, I will use the protector once the piece I cut becomes less than an inch from the blade.

I also always cut on a flat surface while gripping the handle with one hand and with my eyes focused on my cutting. Plus, there is no need to rush when cutting. Doing it right the first time can save you the expense of an accident.

However, this may not be for everybody. I have placed other great options below. If you want to use this tool, find the Japanese mandoline that is right for you. In addition, there is the option of buying cut-resistant gloves. You do what is right for you.