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Kitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Yama Sushi Marketplace

Kitchen Prep

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Assist with prepping ingredients (cutting vegetables ... Previous kitchen prep experience preferred but not required * Food Handler's Certification (or ...

Yama Sushi Marketplace

Kitchen Prep

Los Angeles, CA

$22/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Assist with prepping ingredients (cutting vegetables ... Previous kitchen prep experience preferred but not required * Food Handler's Certification (or ...

Katella Deli

Kitchen Prep Cook

Los Alamitos, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

The Kitchen Prep Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality food according to recipe ... Follow proper food safety and sanitation procedures to ensure guest safety. * Assist cooks and ...

Katella Deli

Kitchen Prep Cook

Los Alamitos, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

The Kitchen Prep Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality food according to recipe ... Follow proper food safety and sanitation procedures to ensure guest safety. * Assist cooks and ...

Katella Deli

Kitchen Prep Cook

Los Alamitos, CA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Description The Kitchen Prep Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality food according to ... Follow proper food safety and sanitation procedures to ensure guest safety. * Assist cooks and ...

Western Assemblies Home Inc

Be Seen First

Meal Prep Assistant

Claremont, CA · On-site

$18 - $18.50/hr

Non-profit retirement home is hiring a Meal prep assistant -Must be able to work weekends, holidays ... Duties include setting tables, cleaning dining room, kitchen cleaning duties, assisting morning ...

Western Assemblies Home Inc

Be Seen First

Meal Prep Assistant

Claremont, CA · On-site

$18 - $18.50/hr

Non-profit retirement home is hiring a Meal prep assistant -Must be able to work weekends, holidays ... Duties include setting tables, cleaning dining room, kitchen cleaning duties, assisting morning ...

Kamari LLC

Team Member - Kitchen Prep

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Transport prepped items to event venues as needed * Assist with general kitchen and prep area organization and restocking General * Follow all food safety, sanitation, and quality standards * Label ...

Da Vien Coffee

Kitchen Prep

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$17.40 - $18.50/hr

Our kitchen team dedicates their time to the kitchen area, ensuring the delightful and consistently ... This position requires the ability to move quickly between tasks, assist multiple customers at once ...

Da Vien Coffee

Kitchen Prep

Stanton, CA · On-site

$17.40 - $18.50/hr

Our kitchen team dedicates their time to the kitchen area, ensuring the delightful and consistently ... This position requires the ability to move quickly between tasks, assist multiple customers at once ...

Da Vien Coffee

Kitchen Prep

Arcadia, CA · On-site

$17.40 - $18.50/hr

Our kitchen team dedicates their time to the kitchen area, ensuring the delightful and consistently ... This position requires the ability to move quickly between tasks, assist multiple customers at once ...

Da Vien Coffee

Kitchen Prep

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$17.40 - $18.50/hr

Our kitchen team dedicates their time to the kitchen area, ensuring the delightful and consistently ... This position requires the ability to move quickly between tasks, assist multiple customers at once ...

Da Vien Coffee

Kitchen Prep

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.40 - $18.50/hr

Our kitchen team dedicates their time to the kitchen area, ensuring the delightful and consistently ... This position requires the ability to move quickly between tasks, assist multiple customers at once ...

Da Vien Coffee

Kitchen Prep

Gardena, CA · On-site

$17.40 - $18.50/hr

Our kitchen team dedicates their time to the kitchen area, ensuring the delightful and consistently ... This position requires the ability to move quickly between tasks, assist multiple customers at once ...

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Kitchen Prep Assistant information

What is a kitchen prep assistant?

Kitchen Prep Assistants are entry-level professionals who support chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. Their duties typically include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, portioning food, and ensuring that cooking stations are stocked and ready for service. They also help with basic cooking tasks and are responsible for keeping work areas sanitary to comply with food safety standards. This role is essential for the smooth operation of a restaurant or food service kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen prep assistant?

To thrive as a Kitchen Prep Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, proper knife handling, and food safety certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure food is prepared safely and consistently, supporting the overall efficiency and quality of the kitchen operation.

What are some common challenges faced by kitchen prep assistants, and how can they be managed?

Kitchen Prep Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where time management and multitasking are essential. One common challenge is maintaining efficiency while ensuring food safety and cleanliness standards. To manage these pressures, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with chefs and other kitchen staff, and consistently follow proper food handling procedures. Adapting to varying workloads and being proactive about preparing ingredients can also help minimize stress during peak hours.

What is the difference between Kitchen Prep Assistant vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen Prep AssistantLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesAssists with basic food prep, ingredient organization, and cleaningPrepares and cooks menu items during service
CredentialsMinimal certifications, food safety knowledge preferredFood handler permits, culinary training often required
Work EnvironmentKitchen support roles, less fast-pacedHigh-pressure, fast-paced during service
Industry UsageCommon entry-level support role in restaurantsCore cooking position in kitchens

While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, the Kitchen Prep Assistant focuses on supporting food prep and organization, whereas the Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service. The roles differ mainly in responsibility level and pace, with the Prep Assistant serving as a foundational support role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen Prep jobs in California?

The most popular types of Kitchen Prep jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Kitchen Prep

Yama Sushi Marketplace

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist with ingredient preparation, cooking, and station setup.

  • Stock, organize, and clean kitchen stations and tools.

  • Follow food safety protocols and support kitchen cleanliness.

Job description

Shift Range: 5-8 hours | Weekends are a must!

Position Summary:

The Team Member in the Kitchen Prep role supports all end product production and general kitchen prep. This role assists in ingredient preparation, hot food cooking, station setup, and overall kitchen cleanliness. The Kitchen Prep plays a key role in supporting quality, speed, and consistency in food operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist with prepping ingredients (cutting vegetables, preparing chicken portions, marinating fish collars)
  • Frying, breading chicken, spam, shrimp, curry bread, dumplings
  • Stock and organize stations with fresh ingredients, tools, and packaging
  • Wash and sanitize prep surfaces, tools, and storage containers
  • Follow all food safety and hygiene protocols (glove use, labeling, temp logs)
  • Assist in wrapping, garnishing, assembling and cutting basic rolls or platters as directed
  • Support dishwashing and general kitchen cleaning tasks

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Willingness to learn sushi techniques and kitchen operations
  • Ability to follow instructions and standard prep methods
  • Strong work ethic, punctuality, and attention to detail
  • Basic knife and food safety knowledge 
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication skills and a team-oriented attitude. Join us in creating delicious meals while developing your skills in the culinary field!

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand for long periods (up to 8 hours)
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
  • Exposure to refrigerated environments and kitchen equipment
  • Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive motions

Qualifications: 

  • Previous kitchen prep experience preferred but not required
  • Food Handler’s Certification (or obtained within 2 weeks of 1st work day)
  • Eagerness to grow within culinary or sushi-focused roles

Disclaimer:

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, per applicable laws.

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities that are reasonably related to the role, based on operational needs and in alignment with the scope of the position.

Yama Sushi Marketplace is your neighborhood Japanese sushi market, proudly serving the community for over 40 years. We now have three locations across San Gabriel, West LA, and Koreatown. We’re best known for our premium grab-and-go sushi, consistently ranked among the best in Los Angeles. But we’re more than just a sushi spot—we’re a window to Japan. From LA’s largest selection of sake to rare Japanese snacks, artisanal sauces, and specialty items sourced directly from Japan, we bring the authentic tastes and spirit of Japan to your everyday life.