It’s episode 43 of MasterChef Australia 2023 and day two of the MC road trip.
Our contestants, Brent, Cath, Declan and Theo have found themselves wandering through the prickly paradise of Cactus Country, while Rhiannon was off sick.
The challenge for Wednesday night was to be inspired by cactus and the vibrant nation they are most often associated with – Mexico.
Declan and Cath were in the first round, given that Brent and Theo had already earned their spot in Thursday’s Immunity Challenge, and they had 60 minutes to make mouth-watering Mexican-inspired dishes. With just one spot left in tomorrow’s immunity challenge, they were ready to bring the heat and spice things up.
Then, in a surprise twist, the remaining contestants faced off in an advantage round. With only 60 minutes on the clock, they had to whip up a dish that shone a spotlight on the true star of the desert, the cactus itself.
Round One
Declan and Cath were first to face off in a Fiesta-inspired dish.
Declan made Grilled Flathead Tortillas with a Tatemada Salsa.
Andy Allen said the salsa was “where it’s at” and that he had “the confidence” to take risks. Melissa Leong said the flavours were complex and Jock Zonfrillo loved the cook on his fish and tortillas.
Cath then presented her Mexican Chicken Wings with Salsa and Avocado Cream.
Andy said she “could have made it better” by rolling the chicken in chipotle and Jock said true Mexican requires research and if she investigated it, she would go down a “wormhole of flavour”.
Declan was victorious in advancing to the next round.
Round Two
In the next round, Brent, Theo and Declan cooked for a huge advantage in Thursday’s Immunity Challenge, given the task of featuring cactus in the dish.
Declan was up first and delivered Kingfish and Mexican Rice with Prickly Pear Tatemada Salsa. He featured the cactus in the salsa.
Jock said the flavour had a lot of “Mexican vibes” and once again, gave “absolutely perfect” fish. Andy loved the presentation and Mel said he should be proud of himself.
Theo was up next with his Prickly Pear Pork Tacos.
Mel wondered if there was enough prickly pear in the dish given that it was just in the sauce. Jock said the tortillas were great but he couldn’t taste the cactus. He also said he was “so close” and Andy said, the flavour wasn’t there.
Finally, Brent served up his Prickly Pear Chicken with Strawberry Cactus Salsa.
Mel said there was a nice amount of heat in the chillis, Andy said his sauce section is getting stronger and that out of all the plates, his was the tastiest. Jock said the brief was filled.
The Verdict
Unsurprisingly, Brent won the challenge, winning him a huge advantage in Thursday’s Immunity Challenge.
MasterChef Australia airs Sunday – Thursday at 7.30pm on 10 and 10Play.
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