These days you can’t flip a channel on the TV without a cooking show or competition coming on.
Cooking shows were made famous by the likes of Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, and ever since then everyone and their dog has dreamed of being a world-renowned chef.
Well, maybe not the dogs officially – but we’ve seen them drool when those shows have been on!
If you share this dream with thousands of people around the world, be prepared because it is not an easy career choice. Being a pro in the kitchen takes time and effort, and it also takes a certain level of know-how.
Contents
Below Are Five Tips to Help You on Your Path to Greatness in the Kitchen:
1. Efficiency Is Everything
In a professional kitchen, efficiency is everything. You need to move with grace and purpose – with so many people sharing the same space, the last thing you want is someone getting in someone else’s way.
Gather everything you need for your prep and cut down any unnecessary movements. Your timing needs to be impeccable so take the time to create the perfect flow for your kitchen.
2. Never Assume
If you’re ever unclear on a task or duty that has been assigned to you, never make the mistake of assuming. Learn to pay attention so that you won’t have to keep running for clarity, that is one way to make enemies in the kitchen.
A professional kitchen needs to run like an oiled machine, asking too many questions because you aren’t paying attention is likely to get you fired. Being a chef allows you to travel the world, don’t miss out on that opportunity because you assume things.
3. Have Sharp Knives
Every chef has a set of knives. These knives will become extensions of your hands after enough practice, so choose wisely. Professional kitchen knives are considered to be an investment, so take the time to learn how to take care of your set.
Buy a good quality whetstone so that your knives will always be sharp – a blunt kitchen knife can lead to accidents and will always be a massive timewaster.
4. Be Aware Of Your Areas
A professional kitchen is one of the most hectic environments in the working world. Kitchens are crowded, busy, and loud! Let people know where you are by yelling out the name of your location as often as possible.
Be aware of your surroundings and make sure that other people know where you are – especially if you are moving behind them.
5. Stay Calm
If you’re already working in a professional kitchen, you will know precisely how important this step is. Professional kitchens are such manic places that it is easy to lose your mind and break down.
Where possible, practice breathing exercises and find ways to stay centred – you’ll need to for your mental health.
Kitchens are high-stress environments and aren’t suited to anyone who doesn’t have nerves of pure steel. It will take discipline and practice to not freak out and lose it.
It will be tricky at the start, but don’t give up – you’ll get the hang of it soon.
