sous-chef
Culinary deputy position
A sous-chef is the second-in-command in a professional kitchen, ranking directly below the head chef or executive chef.
The term comes from French, where sous means "under." The sous-chef typically manages day-to-day kitchen operations, supervises line cooks, and steps in when the head chef is absent.
She worked as a sous-chef for three years before opening her own restaurant.
Immediate subordinate to leader
- brigadeLarge military unit
- expediterOne who accelerates processes
- commisJunior chef assistant
- assistantOne who aids another
deputy · subordinate · supervisor · authority · promotion · rank · seniority · advancement
Cook quickly in fat
- chopQuick forceful slice
- simmerCook just under boiling
- broilCook with direct heat
- bakeCook using dry heat
grill · mise en place · julienne · flambé · roux · caramelize · poach · fillet
Guidance from experienced person
- apprenticeshipLearning trade through employment
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- developmentProgress toward maturity
skills · practice · instruction · internship · tutelage · staging · externship · certification
Surface metal application
- garnishDecorative food topping
- expeditingMaking progress faster
- timingArt of choosing moments
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
presentation · ticket · rush · pass · orders · covers · course · seating
second-in-command
Immediate subordinate to leader
assistant · deputy · subordinate · supervisor · authority · promotion · rank · seniority · advancement
sauté
Cook quickly in fat
bake · grill · mise en place · julienne · flambé · roux · caramelize · poach · fillet · reduction
mentorship
Guidance from experienced person
- apprenticeshipLearning trade through employment
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
development · skills · practice · instruction · internship · tutelage · staging · externship · certification · discipline
plating
Surface metal application
- garnishDecorative food topping
- expeditingMaking progress faster
- timingArt of choosing moments
coordination · presentation · ticket · rush · pass · orders · covers · course · seating · turnover
station
Fixed stopping point
range · salamander · plancha · stockpot · knives · mandoline · thermometer · tongs · ladle · saucepan
- Chefsline cook, prep cook, commis, apprentice, saucier
sous-chefexecutive chef
Senior kitchen authority
head chef · chef de cuisine · kitchen porter · dishwasher · line cook
sous-chefhome cook
novice · culinary student · kitchen helper · Gordon Ramsay · Julia Child