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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Minooka, IL (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

May need to assist with washing dishes, sweeping/mopping floors, cleaning and maintaining equipment ... A love for food and an eye for detail with cooking; knowing weights, measurements, and volumes.

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Identify and report food and supplies needed for the next week's menus * Assist in the receiving, rotation, and storage of products * Prepare menus and cook food in accordance with nutritional ...

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Identify and report food and supplies needed for the next week's menus * Assist in the receiving, rotation, and storage of products * Prepare menus and cook food in accordance with nutritional ...

Line Cook

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

May need to assist with washing dishes, sweeping/mopping floors, cleaning and maintaining equipment ... A love for food and an eye for detail with cooking; knowing weights, measurements, and volumes.

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Identify and report food and supplies needed for the next week's menus * Assist in the receiving, rotation, and storage of products * Prepare menus and cook food in accordance with nutritional ...

Lead Line Cook

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$19.13 - $25.43/hr

... cooking techniques. Cleaning, Storage and Sanitation * Clean and sanitize work stations and equipment and must follow all regulatory rules and procedures. * Assist with set ups. Break down and clean ...

Cook

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Lead Line Cook

Batavia, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

... cooking techniques. Cleaning, Storage and Sanitation * Clean and sanitize work stations and equipment and must follow all regulatory rules and procedures. * Assist with set ups. Break down and clean ...

Cook

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$19/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$19/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$19/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$19/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Cook

Romeoville, IL

$18 - $20/hr

... * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items accurately and efficiently * Receive and check accuracy and quality of food supply orders * Sanitize and organize cooking and serving areas to ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooking Assistant information

What is a cooking assistant?

Cooking Assistants, sometimes known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, are entry-level staff members who support chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in a kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, organizing supplies, and occasionally assisting with simple cooking tasks. Cooking Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently and that food is prepared quickly and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking assistants during busy service periods?

Cooking Assistants often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where quick and accurate preparation of ingredients is crucial. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously—such as chopping vegetables, prepping proteins, and maintaining a clean workstation—can be challenging but is essential for a smooth kitchen operation. Clear communication with chefs and other kitchen staff helps prevent mistakes and ensures timely service. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and staying organized are key to overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooking assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooking Assistant, you need basic culinary knowledge, food safety awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling procedures, and certifications like a Food Handler’s Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient food preparation, a safe kitchen environment, and smooth collaboration within the culinary team.

What is the difference between Cooking Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooking AssistantKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes food safety certificationMinimal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, food prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service establishmentsOften used interchangeably with Cooking Assistant, but more general

The Cooking Assistant and Kitchen Helper roles both support kitchen operations, but Cooking Assistants typically have more culinary responsibilities and may require basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers usually perform more general support tasks with less emphasis on cooking skills. Both roles are essential in food service environments, but Cooking Assistants often have a slightly higher skill requirement and more involvement in food preparation.

What are the duties of a cooking assistant?

A cooking assistant helps prepare ingredients, follows recipes, and maintains cleanliness in the kitchen. They may also assist with cooking tasks, organize supplies, and ensure food safety standards are met, often working under the supervision of chefs or cooks.

What cities near Minooka, IL are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities near Minooka, IL with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Line Cook

PF Changs

Orland Park, IL • On-site

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


P.F. Chang's rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

Benefits we offer for this position:

All team members:

  • Competitive pay

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Paid on the job training

  • Opportunities for advancement – we promote from within

  • Discounted meals

  • Employee referral program

  • Exclusive team member discounts

  • Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas at most locations

For qualifying team members:

  • 401(k) retirement plan (based on hours worked)

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance (based on hours worked)

  • Paid sick leave (in qualifying jurisdictions)

Hiring immediately for full-time and part-time hourly Line Cooks, Wok Cooks, Cooks, Chef De Parties, or Station Chefs.

Job Summary:

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest’s needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation guidelines.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and cook all food items to company specifications

  • Plates prepared foods based on chef’s guidance

  • Responsible for the setup, operation, break down, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment

  • May need to assist with washing dishes, sweeping/mopping floors, cleaning and maintaining equipment, sanitizing utensils, etc.

  • Uphold our high restaurant kitchen sanitation and food service safety standards

Job Requirements:

  • Previous experience is not required – we will train you!

  • Have a current Food Handler’s Card where applicable, or we will help you obtain.

  • A love for food and an eye for detail with cooking; knowing weights, measurements, and volumes.

  • Ability to learn restaurant menu and recipes.

  • Knowledge of all chemicals used in the building.

  • Excellent customer service skills and etiquette.

  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced teamwork environment.

  • Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.

  • Comfortable standing for extended periods of time, able to lift up to 30 lbs. and continuously bend, reach and twist.

  • Must be at least 18 years old.

Why work for us?

Because it’s more than a job.  We are passionate people doing meaningful work, motivated by our purpose:  To Celebrate Life. Family. Food.

Apply Now

  • Search for jobs by keyword or location.

  • Gather your work history, and if applicable, prepare your resume for submission. 

  • Click “Apply Now” to submit your application.


What P.F. Chang's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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