1.
preparation, prep work (cooking)
Preliminary cooking tasks like washing, cutting, and pre-cooking ingredients.
野菜の下ごしらえをする。
To prepare the vegetables.
下ごしらえを済ませておく。
To finish the prep work in advance.
肉の下ごしらえが大切だ。
Preparing the meat properly is important.
下ごしらえ refers to the preliminary preparation done before actual cooking begins.
WORD FORMATION:
下 (under, preliminary) + ごしらえ (from 拵える, to prepare)
COMMON TASKS:
- 野菜を洗う・切る: washing and cutting vegetables
- 肉に下味をつける: seasoning meat
- 野菜を茹でる: blanching vegetables
- 灰汁抜き: removing bitterness
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 下ごしらえをする: to do prep work
- 下ごしらえを済ませる: to finish prep work
RELATED WORDS:
- 下味: preliminary seasoning
- 仕込み: preparation (often for restaurants)