Prep cooks are the building blocks of a well-oiled kitchen, doing the routine and day-to-day tasks that are needed to allow the cooks and chefs to turn out perfect meals.

Prep cooks do much of the preparation for the dishes that are served. This includes chopping vegetables, breaking down, cutting or grinding meat, weighing and mixing ingredients, washing and preparing vegetables, storing food, and more. Prep cooks report to the head chef or cook and may work earlier than most other cooks.

Job Duties

• Setting up and sanitizing work stations

• Following prep lists created by chefs.

• Measuring ingredients and seasonings, and preparing cooking ingredients such as soup stock to be used in the cooking process.

• Preparing simple dishes, such as entrees or salads.

• Ensuring all food items are properly stored and easily accessible.

• Assisting chefs in preparing food and attending to any culinary tasks that arise.

• Distributing plates to wait staff to be served, cleaning plates for dish washing, and preparing take away packages for customers.

• Supervising food and cooling room temperatures.

• Accepting or rejecting ingredients from suppliers.

• Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen.

• Preparing drinks and cocktails according to the chef's specifications.