When it’s busy out front, every minute counts in the back. But being fast doesn’t have to mean cutting corners - with the right preparation and strategic shortcuts, you can get high quality meals out in under 10 minutes without compromising flavour or consistency.
Read on for 7 practical ways to speed things up in the kitchen while keeping standards high.
1. Mise en Place is your best friend
Fast service starts with smart prep. Batch slice, marinate, portion and store ahead of time. That way, all that’s left is to cook and plate. Use colour-coded containers to stay organised. Plan your prep around service periods. And look for versatile ingredients that work across multiple dishes on your menu to save time and reduce waste.
2. Don’t be afraid to use high-quality prepped products
There’s no prize for doing everything from scratch. Chef-grade pre-sliced meats, slow-cooked proteins and ready-made sauces can save hours. The right supplier will do the heavy lifting without compromising flavour. Think of an 8-hour pulled pork - using a prepped sous-vide version you can heat and serve in minutes will gain you valuable time back in your day.
3. Use tools that do the hard work for you
Every kitchen has bottlenecks, but the right equipment can clear them fast. Mandolines, food processors and stick blenders can turn a slow task into a quick one. Determine where time gets lost and invest in tools that save it. One smart upgrade can shave minutes off every service.
4. Design your menu with speed in mind
Your menu sets the pace in the kitchen. Choose ingredients that cook quickly or need minimal handling, like pre-sliced loaves and burger buns to avoid wasting time slicing. Use core elements across multiple dishes so prep goes further. For example, roasted pumpkin might feature in a salad, a sandwich, and a brunch plate. Customers won’t notice the crossover, and you’ll feel the difference on the line.
5. Speed up your plating process
Plating doesn’t need to slow you down. Use squeeze bottles and pre-portioned garnishes to keep things tidy and quick. Have your pass set up with everything ready to go so you’re not searching for anything when the dish arrives. Every second you save on plating adds up fast in a busy service.
6. Set your team up to move faster
Speed comes from systems, not just experience. Checklists, clear station setups and good communication make service run smoothly. Cross-train staff so they can jump in where needed. Give them the tools and prep they need to move fast without losing focus. A well-prepped team keeps standards high, even under pressure.
When the kitchen gets busy, speed is essential, but being fast doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. By implementing smart preparation strategies like relying on trusted pre-made products, investing in the right tools, and designing your menu with speed in mind, you can keep meals coming without cutting corners. With these simple shortcuts, you can deliver great food quickly while keeping standards high. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
If you’re looking for products that save you time without compromising on quality – get in touch with our team to chat through your options today.
