Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare and cook a range of fish and shellfish dishes following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select, prepare and portion seafood, and to use relevant equipment, cookery and food storage methods.
The unit applies to cooks working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes, residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers.
It applies to individuals who work under the guidance of more senior chefs. They demonstrate autonomy and judgement to complete routine activities and take limited responsibility in known and stable contexts within established parameters.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Select ingredients. | 1.1.Confirm food production requirements from food preparation list and standard recipes. 1.2.Calculate ingredient amounts according to requirements. 1.3.Identify and select seafood products and other ingredients from stores according to recipe, quality, freshness and stock rotation requirements. |
2. Select, prepare and use equipment. | 2.1.Select type and size of knives and other equipment suitable to requirements. 2.2.Safely assemble and ensure cleanliness of equipment before use. 2.3.Use knives and other equipment safely and hygienically according to manufacturer instructions. |
3. Portion and prepare ingredients. | 3.1.Thaw frozen seafood according to food safety guidelines as required. 3.2.Sort and assemble ingredients according to food production sequencing. 3.3.Weigh and measure ingredients and create portions according to recipe. 3.4.Use seafood preparation techniques according to recipe. 3.5.Minimise waste to maximise profitability of food items prepared. |
4. Cook seafood dishes. | 4.1.Follow standard recipes to select and use seafood cookery methods. 4.2.Prepare seafood accompaniments and add sauces as required. 4.3.Make food quality adjustments within scope of responsibility. |
5. Present fish and shellfish. | 5.1.Portion and serve fish and shellfish according to recipe requirements. 5.2.Add sauces and garnishes according to standard recipes. 5.3.Visually evaluate dish and adjust presentation. 5.4.Store dishes in appropriate environmental conditions. 5.5.Clean work area, and dispose of or store surplus and re-usable by-products according to organisational procedures, environmental considerations, and cost-reduction initiatives. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
follow standard recipes to prepare the following seafood classifications:
flat and round fish
oily and white fish
ocean and freshwater fish
octopus and squid
shellfish:
crustaceans
molluscs
whole or filleted fish
use each of the following seafood preparation techniques in preparing above seafood as required:
cleaning
de-scaling
pin-bone removal
filleting
portioning
shelling
skinning
follow standard recipes to prepare fresh, frozen and preserved seafood dishes using the following cookery methods:
deep and shallow frying
grilling
poaching
roasting
sautéing
steaming
prepare above food for at least six different customers:
within commercial time constraints and deadlines
reflecting required quantities to be produced
following procedures for portion control and food safety practices when handling and storing seafood
responding to special customer requests and dietary requirements.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
culinary terms and trade names for:
ingredients commonly used in the production of different fish and shellfish dishes
variety of classical and contemporary seafood dishes
different varieties of seafood and styles of cooking
contents of stock date codes and rotation labels
seafood classifications
characteristics of seafood products and fish and shellfish dishes:
appearance
freshness and other quality indicators
nutritional value
taste
texture
preparation techniques for fish and shellfish specified in the performance evidence
cookery methods for different varieties and cuts of fish and shellfish specified in the performance evidence
equipment used to produce seafood dishes:
knife care and maintenance
essential features and functions
safe operating practices
mise en place requirements for seafood dishes
appropriate environmental conditions for storing and thawing fish and shellfish products to:
ensure food safety
optimise shelf life
safe operational practices using essential functions and features of equipment used to produce seafood dishes.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in an operational commercial kitchen. This can be:
an industry workplace
a simulated industry environment, such as a training kitchen servicing customers.
Assessment must ensure access to:
fixtures and large equipment:
commercial:
blenders and food mills
food processors
planetary mixers
commercial grade work benches (1.5 m/person)
commercial ovens with trays (one per two persons)
commercial refrigeration facilities:
cool room and/or fridge
freezer
deep-fryer
designated storage areas for dry goods and perishables
double sink
gas, electric or induction stove tops (two burners per person)
hot plate or griddle
salamander or other form of griller (one per four persons)
storage facilities:
shelving
trays
small equipment:
baking sheets and trays
containers for hot and cold food
cutting boards
food handler gloves
graters
knife sharpening equipment
sharpening steels and stones
knives and cleavers:
chef knives
filleting knives
utility knives
measurers:
metric calibrated measuring jugs
portion control scoops
oven mitts
poachers
pans and pots for small and large production:
stainless steel, cast iron, iron and non-stick fry pans
large and small pots
scoops, skimmers and spiders
scales
sets of stainless steel bowls
service-ware:
platters, dishes, and bowls
cutlery and serving utensils
small utensils:
flour and drum sieves
peelers, corers and slicers
strainers and chinois
scrapers
spatulas
tongs and serving utensils
steamers
spoons:
large plain and slotted metal spoons
ladles in a variety of sizes
serving spoons
wooden spoons
thermometers
cleaning materials and equipment:
cleaning cloths
commercial cleaning and sanitising agents and chemicals for cleaning commercial kitchens, equipment and food storage areas
dustpans and brooms
garbage bins and bags
hand towel dispenser and hand towels
mops and buckets
separate hand basin and antiseptic liquid soap dispenser for hand washing
sponges, brushes and scourers
tea towels
organisational specifications:
equipment manufacturer instructions
current commercial stock control procedures and documentation for ordering, monitoring and maintaining stock
mise en place lists, menus, standard recipes, and recipes for special dietary requirements
ordering and docketing paperwork
food safety plan
guidelines relating to food disposal, storage and presentation requirements
safety data sheets (SDS) for cleaning agents and chemicals
diverse and comprehensive range of seafood as specified in the performance evidence
industry-realistic ratios of kitchen staff to customers; these can be:
staff and customers in an industry workplace during the assessment process; or
individuals who participate in role plays or simulated activities, set up for the purpose of assessment, in a simulated industry environment operated within a training organisation.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors; and:
have achieved the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery to assess this unit as part of a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery qualification; and
have worked in industry for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
SKILLS | DESCRIPTION |
Reading skills to: | locate information in food preparation lists and standard recipes to determine food preparation requirements locate and read date codes and rotation labels on food products. |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate the number of portions determine cooking times and temperatures. |
Problem-solving skills to: | evaluate quality of seafood and finished dishes and make adjustments to ensure a quality product adjust taste, texture and appearance of food products according to identified deficiencies. |
Planning and organising skills to: | efficiently sequence the stages of food preparation and production. |
Self-management skills to: | manage own speed, timing and productivity. |
Technology skills to: | use food preparation and cooking equipment. |
Range Statement
Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment. | |
Food quality adjustments must involve consideration of factors relating to: | taste temperature texture. |
Adjusting presentation must involve consideration of: | accompaniments and garnishes that maximise visual appeal: balance colour contrast plated food for practicality of: customer consumption service wiping drips and spills. |
Environmental conditions must ensure appropriate: | atmosphere humidity light packaging temperature use of containers ventilation. |
Sectors
Hospitality
Competency Field
Commercial Cookery and Catering