How to Be Restaurant Assistant Cook - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 13, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

When a restaurant assistant cook is hired, they are expected to perform a variety of basic kitchen duties such as prepping ingredients, preparing food, cleaning dishes and other kitchen equipment. Without an assistant cook, the workload of the head cook or chef is significantly increased and can lead to stress and exhaustion. An assistant cook also helps to ensure that food is cooked properly and according to health and safety regulations, leading to a better quality of food for customers. Additionally, the presence of an assistant cook can help to speed up the food preparation process, which can lead to faster customer service and a better overall dining experience.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many restaurants require a high school diploma or equivalent to become a restaurant assistant cook.
Gain experience in the restaurant industry. The best way to gain experience and knowledge of the restaurant industry is to take on a job as a busboy, dishwasher, prep cook, or line cook, as these are all common stepping stones to becoming a restaurant assistant cook.
Apply for a position as an assistant cook. After gaining some experience in the restaurant industry, you can apply for a position as an assistant cook. Most restaurants will require an application and an interview.
Participate in on-the-job training. During your time as an assistant cook, you will need to learn the specific procedures and processes of the restaurant you are employed with. This typically involves shadowing more experienced cooks and learning their techniques.
Take a food safety course. Many states require restaurant employees to be certified in food safety and sanitation. In many cases, the restaurant will provide the training and pay for the certification.
Work hard and gain experience. After becoming certified in food safety and sanitation, start working hard to gain experience and knowledge of the restaurant environment. As you gain more experience, you may be able to take on more responsibilities and eventually become a head cook or chef.

The role of a restaurant assistant cook is an important one in any kitchen, as it requires someone to be reliable and capable. A restaurant assistant cook must be able to efficiently follow recipes and prepare food to the highest standards of quality. This means their work must be fast, accurate and consistent.

When an assistant cook is reliable, it helps to ensure that the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently. when an assistant cook is capable, they can help to develop new dishes and create unique flavors that can attract customers and help to make the restaurant successful. As a result, having a reliable and capable assistant cook is essential for any restaurant that wants to remain successful.

You may want to check Restaurant Bus Person, Restaurant Expeditor, and Restaurant Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare and cook menu items in accordance with restaurant recipes and standards.
Ensure that all food items are prepared to the highest quality standards.
Maintain a clean and sanitary work station at all times.
Monitor food stock and place orders when necessary.
Follow proper storage and rotation procedures for all food items.
Assist in the preparation of salads, sauces, and other food items as required.
Set up and break down workstations as needed.
Ensure proper food safety and sanitation standards are adhered to at all times.
Monitor food temperatures to ensure safe consumption.
Operate kitchen equipment, such as stoves, grills, ovens, and other cooking appliances as needed.
Follow all safety and sanitation regulations when handling food and beverages.
Receive and store food supplies and ingredients in accordance with restaurant guidelines.
Assist in food plating and presentation as needed.
Assist other kitchen staff with various tasks as needed.
Report any maintenance or safety issues to the supervisor immediately.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of food preparation and presentation
Familiarity with sanitation and safety regulations
Ability to read and follow recipes
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks effectively
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to communicate effectively with kitchen staff
Ability to work as part of a team
Knowledge of food allergens
Knowledge of basic cooking techniques and methods

One of the most important skills to have as a restaurant assistant cook is the ability to multitask. Being able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously is essential in this role. This could mean managing food preparations while also attending to customer orders, or making sure that all ingredients are properly measured and prepared while keeping an eye on any dishes that need to be finished.

Knowing how to prioritize tasks and being aware of the importance of timing within the kitchen environment are also important. Having a good understanding of health and safety regulations is another key skill, as it is important for the safety of both customers and staff. Finally, having strong communications skills is essential, as assistant cooks need to be able to discuss orders with waiters and chefs.

All of these skills are essential for a successful restaurant assistant cook.

Restaurant Salad Maker, Restaurant Valet Attendant, and Restaurant Food Preparer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in restaurant cooking?
How do you handle the pressure of preparing a large number of orders in a short period of time?
Describe your experience with food safety and sanitation regulations.
How do you handle customer complaints or requests?
What do you believe makes a successful kitchen team?
What strategies do you use to stay organized in the kitchen?
What is your experience with different types of kitchen equipment?
Describe your experience with recipe creation and meal preparation.
How do you handle difficult situations in the kitchen?
What do you consider to be your biggest strengths as an assistant cook?

Common Tools in Industry

Kitchen Scale. Used to measure ingredients accurately. (e. g. weighing out the correct amount of flour for a recipe)
Mixer. Used to mix ingredients together. (e. g. blending together batter for a cake)
Cutting Board. Used to cut food items. (e. g. chopping vegetables for a salad)
Knife Set. Used to cut food items. (e. g. slicing meats for sandwiches)
Food Processor. Used to chop, puree, and mince food items. (e. g. creating pesto sauce)
Skillet. Used to cook items on the stovetop. (e. g. sautéing vegetables)
Oven Mitts. Used to protect hands from heat when handling hot items. (e. g. removing a baking dish from the oven)
Tongs. Used to grip and move food items. (e. g. flipping burgers on a grill)
Thermometer. Used to monitor the internal temperature of food items. (e. g. checking the temperature of a roast)
Timer. Used to keep track of cooking times. (e. g. ensuring a cake is cooked for the correct amount of time)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
American Culinary Federation
International Council of Culinary Professionals
Research Chefs Association
American Personal & Private Chef Association
International Association of Culinary Professionals
Women Chefs & Restaurateurs
National Association of Professional Chefs
United States Personal Chef Association
National Federation of Professional Chefs

We also have Restaurant Food Runner, Restaurant Dishwasher, and Restaurant Busser jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Food Preparation. The process of preparing food for cooking or consumption.
Mise-en-place. French term meaning putting in place or everything in its place. Refers to the preparation of ingredients before cooking.
Knife Skills. The ability to use a knife safely and effectively when cutting, chopping, slicing, and dicing food.
Food Safety. Following safety protocols to ensure that food is safe to eat and handle.
Sanitation. The practice of keeping food clean and free from contamination.
Menu Planning. Planning a menu to meet customer needs while controlling costs.
Cooking Techniques. Different methods used to cook food, such as baking, boiling, frying, and grilling.
Recipe Development. Creating accurate recipes for cooking with specific ingredients and techniques.
Inventory Management. Tracking and ordering food items used in the restaurant.
Kitchen Management. Managing the day-to-day operations of a kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential duties of a Restaurant Assistant Cook?

The essential duties of a Restaurant Assistant Cook include preparing ingredients, cooking and plating dishes, cleaning and stocking kitchen equipment, and following safety and sanitation standards.

What qualifications are needed to be a Restaurant Assistant Cook?

To be a Restaurant Assistant Cook, you should typically possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have basic food preparation and culinary skills. Previous experience in a restaurant or food service environment is typically preferred.

How many hours per week is a Restaurant Assistant Cook expected to work?

This depends on the employer and the specific job, but generally a Restaurant Assistant Cook is expected to work between 25 and 40 hours per week.

What type of salary can a Restaurant Assistant Cook expect to earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a Restaurant Assistant Cook in 2020 was $26,340.

What are the most important qualities for a successful Restaurant Assistant Cook?

To be successful as a Restaurant Assistant Cook, you should have excellent multitasking and organizational skills, be able to work well under pressure, have a good eye for detail and presentation, and remain calm in high-pressure situations.