Line Cook

The Line Cook (Chinese Cuisine) will play a key role in the kitchen at Qi Hotpot Unlimited Buffet, preparing and cooking dishes to meet our restaurant's high standards of quality, flavor, and presentation. The ideal candidate will have experience with Chinese cuisine, particularly hotpot, and will be comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment. This position requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a passion for delivering an exceptional culinary experience.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Food Preparation & Cooking:
-Prepare and cook hotpot ingredients, including meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu, and noodles, to the restaurant's specifications.
-Prepare broths, sauces, and seasonings to ensure each dish is consistent and flavorful.
-Operate kitchen equipment (wok, steamer, fryer, etc.) safely and efficiently.
-Ensure the presentation of each dish meets Qi Hotpot's quality standards before sending it to the buffet.
-Monitor the buffet station to ensure there is an adequate supply of freshly prepared ingredients and dishes for guests.

2. Batch Cooking & Buffet Management:
-Prepare large quantities of food to be replenished throughout the buffet service, ensuring it is fresh and properly presented.
-Keep an eye on food temperature and quality throughout service, ensuring all dishes are maintained at the correct temperature and are replenished in a timely manner.
-Assist in rotating stock to ensure that older items are used first and fresh items are always available.
-Help monitor portion sizes and ensure consistency in food preparation to minimize waste.

3. Kitchen Organization & Cleanliness:
-Maintain a clean and organized work station throughout your shift, ensuring all cooking utensils, equipment, and ingredients are properly stored.
-Follow all health and safety regulations, including proper food handling, sanitation procedures, and food storage.
-Clean kitchen equipment and tools at the end of each shift and assist with deep cleaning tasks as necessary.

4. Collaboration & Communication:
-Communicate effectively with kitchen team members, including dishwashers, other cooks, and the head chef, to ensure smooth operations.
-Assist in coordinating the preparation of food for the buffet, ensuring all stations are working efficiently.
-Follow instructions from senior kitchen staff and take direction well, particularly during busy or peak times.
-Work closely with the team to ensure food is prepared and ready on time, especially during rush periods.

5. Inventory & Stock Control:
-Assist in inventory management, ensuring that ingredients are stocked and available for preparation.
-Notify the Kitchen Manager or Head Chef of any ingredient shortages or equipment issues promptly.
-Ensure ingredients are stored properly to maintain their freshness and prevent contamination.

6. Quality Control & Consistency:
-Ensure food quality is consistent with Qi Hotpot's standards, from taste to appearance.
-Check and adjust seasoning, ingredients, and preparation methods as needed.
-Ensure dishes meet customer expectations and dietary restrictions (e.g., food allergies, vegetarian/vegan options).

Qualifications:
-Experience: Minimum 1 year of experience in a Chinese restaurant kitchen, preferably with experience in hotpot or buffet-style operations.

Skills:
-Knowledge of Chinese cooking techniques, especially for hotpot, broths, stir-frying, and steaming.
-Experience working in a high-volume kitchen environment.
-Proficient in using various kitchen tools and equipment.
-Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and storage practices.
-Ability to follow recipes and ensure consistency across dishes.
-Ability to multi-task and work under pressure during busy service periods.

Personal Qualities:
-Detail-oriented and quality-focused with a passion for food.
-Strong communication and teamwork skills.
-Ability to stay organized and maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment.
-Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and dedication to culinary excellence.

Benefits:
-Competitive hourly rate with performance-based incentives.
-Employee discount on meals at Qi Hotpot.
-Health and wellness benefits (depending on eligibility).

Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay.
-Opportunities for career advancement and culinary training.
-A supportive and dynamic work environment focused on teamwork and growth.