Suvechha Sarkar
Just when the kitchen flames seem to have cooled down for some, season 15 of Fox’s ‘MasterChef: Dynamic Duo‘ has turned up the heat with a twist that no one has seen coming. In episode 3, titled ‘Second Chance Battles,’ the culinary battlefield welcomes back not one or two but eight eliminated duos, each of whom is ready to reclaim their spots. As redemption seems closer, the judges Gordon Ramsay, Tiffany Derry, and Joe Bastianich stand ready to watch these underdogs cook off for another shot at the coveted aprons. With $250,000 on the line, this is a significant opportunity for a comeback.
Eight Eliminated Duos Race Against the Clock to Prove They Deserve a Second Shot
As the eight duos who won the Masterchef aprons enter the kitchen, Gordon welcomes and congratulates them on their great potential futures in the competition. However, Tiffany quickly adds that it is a season of surprises. Everyone is shocked as they notice the eight eliminated duos walking through the kitchen door once again. Gordon explains how all three judges felt that the audition battle rounds were some of the most competitive ones. Since their decisions came down to the tiniest of details, they have decided to give these rare culinary talents a second chance to win the apron. Joe further informs that the four duos who make the worst dishes of the night are going to say goodbye. After the apron-winners take their position on the balcony, Joe cautions the eliminated duos to use their second chance wisely.
Gordon then announces that the returning duos have to create three identical dishes for the three judges within 45 minutes. As the clock begins ticking, each of the duo gets right into action by grabbing their ingredients and beginning to cook their dishes. While Adam considers this chance a blessing to open a street food pop-up with Joel, Darce and Courtney are grateful because they are going to seize the moment to fulfill their dream of a cookbook and a cooking school. Joe reminds them not to repeat their mistakes in the previous cook-off. With 40 minutes left on the clock, Milah and Lisa explain what they are cooking and add that, last time, they missed out on flavors. This time, they are going to bring a lot of balance to the flavors. Jesse and Jessica have immersed themselves in cooking and note how it is their passion.
Jessica notes that she and Jesse are passionate and driven individuals. Amid this, the latter realizes that the former has put the wrong ingredient in their sauce, and hence, they have to redo it. Meanwhile, Gordon observes that this time around, they have to really elevate the dishes and maximize the flavors. With 30 minutes left on the clock, Tifanny approaches Azu and Javier to get an idea of their dish’s vision. Azu reveals that their preparation is cooked to celebrate Independence Day in Mexico. The judge quickly reminds them to make sure their teamwork does the job. Gordon approaches Darce and Courtney and is impressed to learn they are creating vegan fish and chips. They mention how they are seasoning properly since they missed it last time. He advises them to season the ingredients even on the inside.
The Pressure Rises as Each Duo Strives to Deliver Culinary Perfection
Tiffany then turns her attention to Jesse and Jessica and what they are preparing. They express how the second chance means the world to them. She cautions them to cook their dish as fast as possible to ensure it is everything they envision. With half of the time on the clock already gone, Gordon informs Tiffany and Joe about his concern regarding Darce and Courtney’s use of banana blossom since its texture is dense. On the other hand, Tiffany points out how Jesse and Jessica cut their lamb chops individually. This prompts Joe to express his concern about how they can manage to cook it at a medium rare. He further notes that Azu and Javier are showcasing incredible teamwork, unlike the first time. Joe then approaches Asa and Shanda, who reveal that their preparation is balanced, light, and cohesive this time.
As Joe tastes their dish, he asks Asa and Shanda what the rice is missing, specifying that he wants to see if the duo is in sync with their palates. In their confessional, they jokingly mention that if there is a next time, they are not cooking rice again. Tiffany next focuses on Adam and Joel with the final 15 minutes left. When she learns they are using Coca-Cola in their dish, she promptly asks them if it is going to be sweet. However, she reminds them to ensure teamwork is present. Meanwhile, Joe tries to get a better understanding of Javi and Luis’ preparation, who mention that this time, they are going to be plating their dish better. The judge cautions them that precision is everything in their dish.
When Gordon approaches Spencer and Mckenna, he points out that their strip does not need fat in the lining. With the last 10 minutes ticking down, Joe observes that Milah and Lisa’s station is once again messy. He cautions them to ensure their lamb is properly cooked medium rare. In the final 5 minutes, Gordon observes that the pressure is more than ever. He also notices that Lisa is not happy with her sauce and informs Joe and Tiffany about the same. The contestant once again sears it on the pan to cook it to perfection. As the last few seconds tick away, all the duos rush to plate their dishes beautifully. With that being said, it is now time for the judges to finally taste the carefully prepared dishes by the contestants.
As the Judges Begin Tasting, the Duos Receive a Mix of Praise and Critique
Gordon first calls forth Darce and Courtney, who have cooked vegan fish and chips. While he loves the preparation, he does point out that some of the fries are crispy and some are firm. However, both Joe and Tiffany compliment them on their commendable job. When Shanda and Asa bring up their sesame-crusted ahi tuna, Gordon notes that the protein needs a sauce or vinegar marinade. Upon tasting, Joe remarks that he loves the dish, but Tiffany observes that the dish could have another sauce for more flavor. Similarly, Gordon also states that it needed a little more marination. Next up is Milah and Lisa’s herb-crusted lamb. To their dismay, when Joe pours the sauce, he finds it is broken. All three judges compliment the sheer culinary techniques used in the dish.
However, the judges observe how the broken sauce brings down their dish. Javi and Luis have prepared Cuban Picadillo. While Gordon loves the overall dish, he wishes the beef had more flavor. On the other hand, both Tiffany and Joe are impressed with the flavors, although the former states she would have liked for it to be a little thinner and, hence, crispier. Upon tasting Azu and Javier’s chiles en nogada, both Gordon and Tiffany immediately remark on how well it is prepared. Joe states that although the dish is a little sweet, it is an excellent preparation. As soon as Tifanny sees the lemon on Adam and Joel’s plating of the shrimp and grits, she expresses her hope that it will not be found in the sauce’s flavor. However, all three of the judges unanimously agree that the dish is indeed delicious.
After a Fierce Deliberation, Four Returning Duos Earn the Masterchef Aprons
When it is Jessica and Jesse’s turn to present their berbere-spiced lamb lollipops, the latter expresses his concern about whether the lamb is medium rare. Gordon remarks that they made a bold choice by cutting each lamb chop individually. While Gordon loves how beautifully it is cooked, he finds the fat a little too liquid for his taste. Tiffany adds that she would have preferred another component alongside the apple on the dish to make the flavor pop even more. Joe states that although the seasoning is aggressive, he finds the dish quite excellent. Lastly, Mckenna and Spencer present their New York Strip before the judges. Gordon notes that it still has exposed fat, and another 90 seconds of cooking should’ve done the trick.
When he points out that the potatoes need more flavor, Tiffany and Joe instantly protest because they love how the potatoes taste. However, Tifanny also observes that a little more butter could’ve reduced the residual fat. While Joe loves the steak, he observes that putting peppercorn in the soup is a technical error, and a little more reduction on the sauce can be nice. Gordon declares that the duos have prepared eight extraordinary dishes and excuses themselves to discuss their decision. Following their return after an intense deliberation, he further adds that the decision has been tough. Ultimately, the judges announce the four duos that have won the aprons. The first winners are Azu and Javier, followed by Adam and Joel. The third winning duo is Darce and Courtney, with Jessica and Jesse being the fourth.
Jessica and Jesse really get emotional and become teary-eyed as they accept the aprons. Gordon reassures the rest of the four duos that they have done an exceptional job. He also expresses his hope that they are not going to end their culinary journey here. While Mckenna and Spencer note that there have been a lot of talented chefs this season, Javi and Luis express their excitement about going back to the firehouse. As the final 12 duos have already emerged, Gordon now asks them to celebrate their success. However, the very next episode is going to be more intense than ever as the competition is going to commence officially. Finally, the duos are going to battle together for the first time, trying to impress the judges with their best dinner party dishes.
Read More: MasterChef Season 15 Episode 2 Recap: The Audition Battles Continue
