Starting a Mexican Restaurant? Here’s a Stainless Steel Checklist

Mexican cuisine has long been celebrated for its rich history and distinct flavor combinations. It currently ranks as the third most popular cuisine in the United States. Interestingly, over 10% of Mexican restaurants in the U.S. fall under the fast-casual category, while nearly as many belong to the casual or mid-scale dining segments. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, with new Mexican eateries opening every year. As the demand grows, equipping these establishments with the right tools becomes essential. Stainless steel equipment is the ideal choice for meeting the demands of a bustling Mexican kitchen. In this article, we’ll outline four key stainless steel products that should be considered for any Mexican restaurant setup. Additionally, we’ll highlight some IMC products to help you along the way. Let’s dive in. • **Hot Food Counters** When it comes to Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and nachos, maintaining the warmth of key ingredients is crucial. Ingredients such as rice, beans, and certain meats should ideally be kept between 140°F and 200°F during preparation. Hot food counters are an excellent solution for keeping food warm during prep and can also serve as a buffet station if your restaurant opts for a self-service model. IMC provides two primary models for hot food counters—Model #SHF and Model #SHFC. Model #SHF is a versatile counter that can accommodate 2 to 6 wells based on your requirements. Meanwhile, Model #SHFC offers a heated compartment with a pan slide assembly for additional storage. Here's a sneak peek: ![Image description](http://bsg-i.nbxc.com/blog/6e37ecb9b76bc0b1d5c93867cde8c41e.jpg) • **Worktables** Mexican cuisine is renowned for its vibrant colors and presentation. To maintain this aesthetic appeal, having well-organized worktables is essential. Worktables provide ample flat surfaces for efficient prep work, ensuring smooth service flow. IMC offers three models: #WT, #WTB, and #WT1. Model #WT is the standard worktable made from either 14 or 16 gauge Type 300 series stainless steel. Model #WTB adds a 6-inch backsplash for extra protection, while Model #WT1 features a 1.5-inch backsplash. Take a look: ![Image description](http://bsg-i.nbxc.com/blog/e3f533bd228e4e0318031229b2f0379f.jpg) • **Knife & Accessory Cabinets** A significant portion of Mexican cuisine involves preparing meats such as chicken, pork, and fish in various ways. Proper slicing and dicing require quality knives, which need a secure storage space after use. A dedicated knife cabinet is a practical investment. IMC’s Model #KNC is a wall-mounted knife cabinet featuring a solid stainless steel door and a holder for up to 10 knives. For smaller utensils like spatulas, squeezers, and empanada presses, consider using an accessory cabinet. IMC’s Model #AC offers an adjustable shelf design with a stainless steel door and an optional lock box. Here's what it looks like: ![Image description](http://bsg-i.nbxc.com/blog/5dfc928054988793f05896f50d753a2b.jpg) • **Equipment Stands** Mexican kitchens rely heavily on countertop appliances like tortilla presses, cheese melters, and rice cookers. To ensure these machines are easily accessible and organized, equipment stands are indispensable. IMC’s Model #EST is a sturdy stainless steel stand designed to hold standard countertop equipment. Its 14-gauge construction ensures durability, with a standard height of 24 inches for comfortable operation. Model #ESTP takes this concept further by including a removable tray for collecting scraps and crumbs, along with a brush for easy cleanup. Here’s a closer look: ![Image description](http://bsg-i.nbxc.com/blog/18cb138e86572300f365f864e3857992.jpg) Mexican cuisine thrives on bold flavors and visually appealing presentations. To achieve this, investing in the right stainless steel equipment is non-negotiable. With the right tools, success is within reach. If you’d like to explore more options tailored to your specific needs, feel free to reach out to IMC directly for expert guidance. *Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely those of IMC/Teddy and are intended for informational purposes only. For permission to share this content elsewhere, please contact us directly. Thank you.* --- **Share on Facebook | Share on Twitter | Share on LinkedIn | Share on Pinterest**

Dehydrated Garlic

Dehydrated garlic, a widely used culinary ingredient, is derived from fresh garlic bulbs through the process of dehydration. This preservation method involves removing the moisture content from garlic, resulting in various forms such as flakes, granules, powder, agglomerated granules, and even a unique product known as dehydrated Black Garlic . Each classification offers distinct characteristics, flavors, and uses, making them essential components in the culinary world.

Garlic Flakes, also known as minced garlic, are small, irregularly shaped pieces of dehydrated garlic. These flakes are typically used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing a potent flavor and aroma. They are commonly added to soups, stews, sauces, and marinades, infusing dishes with the distinctive taste of garlic.

Garlic Granules are another popular form of dehydrated garlic. These granules are larger in size compared to flakes, offering a more robust and intense garlic flavor. They are often used in spice blends, seasoning mixes, and dry rubs, providing a convenient way to incorporate garlic into various recipes.

For a finer texture and stronger garlic taste, Garlic Powder is the go-to option. This classification is made by grinding dehydrated garlic into a fine powder, resulting in a highly concentrated flavor. Garlic powder is commonly used in dry seasoning mixes, sauces, dressings, and even as a topping for popcorn or roasted vegetables.

Agglomerated garlic granules are a unique form of dehydrated garlic that has been processed to form larger, free-flowing granules. This agglomeration process enhances the granules' ability to dissolve quickly, making them ideal for instant mixes, soups, and sauces. Agglomerated garlic granules offer the convenience of easy dispersion while retaining the characteristic garlic flavor.

Lastly, dehydrated black garlic is a relatively new and distinctive product in the world of dehydrated garlic. It is made by fermenting fresh garlic bulbs at controlled temperatures and humidity levels for an extended period. This fermentation process transforms the garlic cloves into dark, soft, and sweet cloves with a complex umami flavor. Dehydrated black garlic is often used as a gourmet ingredient in high-end cuisine, adding a unique and sophisticated taste to dishes.

In conclusion, the classification of dehydrated garlic encompasses various forms, each with its own characteristics and culinary applications. Whether it be the versatile flakes, robust granules, concentrated powder, easy-to-disperse agglomerated granules, or the gourmet dehydrated black garlic, these products provide a convenient and flavorful alternative to fresh garlic, ensuring that the essence of garlic can be enjoyed in a wide range of dishes.

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