Consistent slice thickness is indicated by uniform cooking time; slices that cook at the same rate are likely of similar thickness.
When slicing ingredients, especially for cooking or baking, achieving consistent thickness is crucial for even cooking. One of the easiest ways to gauge consistency is by observing how the slices cook. If you're frying, baking, or even dehydrating slices, those with similar thickness will brown, crisp, or dry out at roughly the same rate. If some slices are cooking much faster or slower than others, it's a strong indication that your slicing wasn't as uniform as you thought. This is because thinner slices will naturally cook faster due to their increased surface area exposure to heat. Conversely, thicker slices will take longer to cook through. Therefore, monitoring the cooking time and observing the visual cues of doneness across all slices provides a practical way to assess the consistency of your slicing technique.
Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform slices, especially when dealing with large quantities or ingredients that are difficult to slice evenly by hand. This tool helps maintain consistent thickness and reduces the risk of uneven cooking.