Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare and cook a range of meat dishes following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select, prepare and portion meat, 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 meat 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 meats according to food safety guidelines where 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 meat preparation techniques according to recipe requirements. 3.5.Minimise waste to maximise profitability of food items prepared. |
4. Cook meat dishes. | 4.1.Follow standard recipes to select and use meat cookery methods. 4.2.Prepare marinades and meat accompaniments as required. 4.3.Make food quality adjustments within scope of responsibility. |
5. Present meat dishes. | 5.1.Carve meats using appropriate tools and techniques, taking account of meat and bone structure and waste minimisation. 5.2.Portion and serve meats according to recipe requirements. 5.3.Add sauces and garnishes according to standard recipes. 5.4.Visually evaluate dishes and adjust presentation as required. 5.5.Store dishes in appropriate environmental conditions. 5.6.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 meat dishes using each of the following meat items:
beef
game:
kangaroo
venison
specialty meats
lamb
pork
veal
offal:
kidney
liver
use each of the following meat preparation techniques at least once when preparing the above dishes, as appropriate:
ageing
barding
boning and trimming
cutting and portioning
larding
marinating
mincing
rolling
tenderising
trussing and tying
skewering
prepare the required meat dishes using each of the following cookery methods at least once:
braising
frying
grilling
roasting
stewing
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 meat
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 meat dishes
classical and contemporary meat dishes
different cuts of meat and styles of cooking
contents of stock date codes and rotation labels
meat classifications
characteristics of meat products and meat dishes:
appearance
fat content
freshness and other quality indicators
primary, secondary and portioned cuts
nutritional value
taste
texture
historical and cultural origin of different meat products and meat dishes
preparation techniques for different cuts and types of meat specified in the performance evidence
cookery methods for different cuts and types of meat specified in the performance evidence
equipment used to prepare and produce meat dishes:
knife care and maintenance
essential features and functions
safe operational practices
mise en place requirements for meat dishes
appropriate environmental conditions for storing meat and meat products to:
ensure food safety
optimise shelf-life
safe operational practices using essential functions and features of equipment used to produce meat 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
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
designated storage areas for dry goods and perishables
double sink
gas, electric or induction stove tops (two burners per person)
hot plate or griddle
microwave
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
knife sharpening equipment
sharpening steels and stones
knives:
butcher and boning knives
carving knives
chef knives
utility knives
larding needles
measurers:
metric calibrated measuring jugs
measuring spoons
portion control scoops
meat:
bats
cleavers
mincers
oven mitts
pans and pots for small and large production:
stainless steel, cast iron, iron and non-stick fry pans
large and small pots
scales
scoops, skimmers and spiders
service-ware:
platters, dishes, and bowls
cutlery and serving utensils
sets of stainless steel bowls
small utensils:
flour and drum sieves
strainers and chinois
scrapers
spatulas
tongs and serving utensils
spoons:
large plain and slotted metal spoons
ladles in a variety of sizes
serving spoons
wooden spoons
temperature probes
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 meat products 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 meat 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. |
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: | cooking preference: blue rare medium rare medium medium well well done 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