If you have ever worked in a restaurant kitchen environment or purchased cookware, you may have heard of a“saucier.” But what is a saucier exactly? What does a saucier do? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is A Saucier?
The word “saucier” can actually mean two different things in the world of cooking. Firstly, it can mean a chef who prepares sauces. In restaurant kitchens, different chefs have different responsibilities. This is especially true if the kitchen is run in the brigade style.
The French word“saucier” translates to English as“sauce.”As you can guess, the saucier is dedicated to making different kinds of sauces, and other chefs are assigned to prepare different elements of the dish.
Meanwhile, the second meaning of“saucier” refers to a type of saucepan. Though a saucier looks very similar to a standard saucepan, they are different pieces of cookware. This can be seen in their shapes. For starters, while the saucepan has sides that are straight, the sides of a saucier are more round. Keep reading for more detail on these two different types of “sauciers.”
What Is A Saucier – Meaning #1
The Role of A Saucier, or Sauté Chef, In Restaurant Kitchens
As mentioned earlier, it is the job of a saucier to make any sauces that are required in a restaurant kitchen. For example, they will need to produce soup, stews, and sautés. They may also have to make gravies.
In terms of ranking, the saucier has a high role among the station cooks. This is because they play a vital role, given the importance of sauces in cooking. However, they will still be below the head chef and sous chef. The sous-chef is second in command, while the head chef is in charge of the kitchen. As a result, a saucier will need to follow the orders of the head chef and sous chef.
What Skills Does A Saucier Need?
To see if you or someone you know would be an excellent saucier chef, here are some of the skills that are required:
- Cooking skills – though this might sound obvious, a saucier will need a keen interest in cooking in order to produce delicious sauces. This will require a good knowledge of what ingredients complement one another. They will need to be able to follow complex recipes so that they can produce delicious sauces.
- Cleanliness – when you work in a kitchen, it is vital that you obey certain cleanliness and hygiene rules. Otherwise, your customers could become ill. Due to this, it is essential that a saucier is clean and hygienic.
- Time management – kitchens can be stressful environments. You will need to obey certain deadlines in order to get the food made in time. Consequently, a saucier will need exceptional time management.
- Ability to follow orders – as mentioned, there is a leadership structure in place in restaurant kitchens. Because of this, you will need to follow the orders of any chefs who are above you. This will ensure that the kitchen runs smoothly and without conflict.
- Communication skills – communicating effectively with your colleagues will ensure that food is correctly prepared.
- Cool under pressure – you should not lose your cool when you are put in a kitchen environment. Otherwise, the quality of your food will likely decline. Instead, you must be capable of keeping your cool under immense pressure.
- Ability to stand on your feet for a long period of time – chairs and kitchens do not match very well. Chairs tend to be a tripping hazard. Therefore, you will need to be at a good level of physical health so that you can stand on your feet for a long time.
How Can I Become A Saucier?
To become a saucier, you will need to have experience working in a kitchen environment. Usually, cooks do not start as sauciers. Instead, they work up to this position. Beginner cooks will be given the role of food preparation workers. They will need to do well in these low-level positions in order to become saucier. It can take years of experience to gradually rise through the ranks.
In addition, people who dream of becoming sauciers may need to participate in culinary training courses. These courses will prepare them for their role. Of course, having educational qualifications in cooking and catering can also help you on the road to becoming a saucier. You can also pursue an apprenticeship to end up with this career.
How Much Money Do Sauciers Make?
The exact wage that you receive as a saucier will vary between employers. Roughly, sauciers should make at least $50,000 per year. Of course, you can make more or less than this depending on the employment situation. Sauciers with more training, experience, and qualifications are likely to earn more than this.
What Is A Saucier – Meaning #2
Why You May Want A Saucier Pan For Your Kitchen
A Saucier is also a versatile piece of cookware that can be used in place of a saucepan. However, there are some additional advantages to owning a saucier. As its name implies, a saucier is also fantastic at making sauces – just like its chef counterpart! Sauciers become wider at the top, while saucepans have straight sides. Due to this, sauces that are cooked in a saucier will evaporate at a faster rate, allowing the sauce to reduce and develop a rich flavor. Sauciers also have a rounded bottom perfect for stirring and whisking all those sauces, gravies, and stews. As a result, a saucier chef may use a saucier pan to cook their sauces.
Another advantage of a saucier is that some people find it simpler to use than a saucepan. When you are cooking, food is far less likely to get stuck to the sides. Consequently, it is easier to cook and clean.
This pan is also fairly versatile. Though you may assume that it can only be used for sauces, there are a few different dishes that this piece of equipment can be utilized for. For example, it is adept for stews and risotto.
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What Are Some Good Quality Sauciers?
If you are in search of some amazing saucier pans, it can be hard to know what to look for. Fortunately, we have selected a handful of incredible products for you to consider. Here are our top picks:
- Cuisinart 735-24 Chef’s Classic Stainless 3-Quart Chef’s Pan with Cover – great for shopping on a limited budget, this item will help you to enhance your cooking.
- Le Creuset Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Saucier Pan – if you are looking for a high-end saucier, look no further. This amazing product will be perfect for you.
- Misen 2 QT Nonstick Saucier Pan with Lid – slick and stylish, this item does not just look incredible. It also helps you to create delicious food.
What Should You Look Out For When Buying Sauciers?
There are a few features that you should consider when purchasing a saucier. For instance:
- The price: Sauciers can be sold at a range of different prices. They can be quite a costly investment. Thus, you should think about how much you are willing to pay for your saucier.
- Ease of use: If you are unfamiliar with cooking, you will want a saucier that is straightforward to use.
- Durability: Sauciers that have been made from strong materials, such as stainless steel, are more desirable than those that have been made from weaker substances. Otherwise, they may break with relative ease.
- Style: While some people will not be too bothered about the look of their saucier, others will be. You should think about the color and appearance of a saucier if you have a limited, or specific, style in your kitchen. For instance, you could find a colorful version to fit with your existing cookware. And, you can even find sauciers among the copper cookware.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Be An Efficient Saucier?
To become an amazing saucier, you will need to be capable of producing sauces quickly and of high quality. Being able to manage time is one of the most important skills of a saucier.
What Should You Use Sauciers For?
You can use sauciers for most of the same jobs that saucepans do. For example, you can cook, boil, sauté, or stew with a saucier. You can cook pasta in them or boil vegetables. Their main use is for sauces, hence their name.
Can I Use A Saucier To Fry?
No, it is not recommended that you use a saucier to fry. Though it can still fry food, this is not the purpose that it has been designed for. A saucier will likely keep in too much of the food’s moisture, resulting in it becoming soggy. Using a frying pan will be a much more effective way of frying whatever food you have in mind.
Final Thoughts
There are two meanings to the word“saucier” and they are both related to the world of cooking. Presumably, the cooking pan version (rather than the professional chef version) is one you can work into your home kitchen.
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