A Prep Cook, or Preparatory Cook, is responsible for providing a supportive role to kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and ingredients. Their duties include organizing and labeling food items in storage closets, performing tasks like chopping ingredients and sanitizing their work station during and after service.
A Prep Cook should be able to fulfill various duties and responsibilities. The following are some duties and responsibilities a Prep Cook should be able to execute:
- Completing all tasks, in order, on the prep list from the Head Chef or other kitchen manager
- Labeling and stocking all ingredients on easily accessible shelves
- Washing, chopping and sorting ingredients like fruits, vegetables and meats
- Measuring quantities of seasonings and other cooking ingredients
- Parboiling food, reducing sauces and starting first steps in various dishes
- Cleaning dishes, washing cooking utensils and cookware, taking out the trash and sanitizing kitchen
A competitive Prep Cook will have certain skills and qualifications, including:
- Superior dexterity skills to operate cutting tools quickly and safely
- Keen understanding of industry-standard best cooking and preparation practices
- Familiarity with safe and sanitary food handling and preparation
- Certified in proper food handling, typically through a ServSafe Certification
- Good math skills with a clear understanding of cooking measurements
- Strong sense of smell and taste
