It’s episode 26 of MasterChef Australia 2023 and fish master Josh Niland is in the kitchen to share his approach to nose-to-tail seafood preparation and consumption.

Before setting the day’s task, Josh showed the contestants how to completely break down a John Dory before setting them a challenge to cook a delicious dish using the cuts under their Mystery Box in 75 minutes.

Those who impressed our judges Jock Zonfrillo, Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Josh the least, will land themselves in tomorrow’s pressure test.

What did the contestants cook?

The first dish the judges tasted was Antonio‘s Dory al Asado Negro with Cauliflower Purée and Plantain Chips.

“This is a dish very traditional from home,” Antonio told the judges.

Josh praised the cook, saying he cooked the fish “bang on”.

“I don’t think there’s too much better you could have done there,” he said while calling it “yummy”.

Andy said that he had transformed his thinking while Melissa called it “spectacular”.

Malissa then presented Hibachi Roasted John Dory with a Yellow Curry Sauce.

Judge Mel called it a “pleasure to eat”.

Ralph then delivered a Herb Crusted Dory with Potato Bake.

Jock said it was a “great concept”.

When bringing up his unique Dagwood Dory to the judges, Brent loved his idea but was concerned that he hadn’t tasted all of his components together.

Jock called the Sri Lankan-inspired flavour “epic” and the sauce on the side “complimented that” and was impressed how out of the box (pun intended) he went with his concept.

Mel loved the texture of the fry and Josh loved his innovation.

Next up was Theo, who was “nervous” that he hadn’t cooked his bread and fish properly. While it “started out as something else”, the dish he presented was Dory Khachapuri.

Andy said he thought the fish was “going to be dry, but I think you made the right decision. The fish is cooked really nicely”. However, added that “what suffered is the bread”. It was undercooked.

Jock was pleased by the fish and said, “It’s the MasterChef kitchen and sometimes it gets you.”

Adi was up next with her Dory Cheeks Rice Cakes with Roe and Crispy Fish Skin. While she really “wanted to do something different today”, she was concerned there was not enough fish on the plate.

Andy said it had a “very interesting flavour profile”; however, there was too much rice cake and Mel said it “just didn’t quite come together”.

Grace followed with her Fried John Dory and Hot and Sour Sauce.

Jock called her sauce “bottle ready” and “delicious” but the fish was overcooked.

Rue presented her Poached John Dory with a Pea Relish and a Beurre Blanc.

Andy said it was cooked “nicely” but that it was lacking in seasoning.

The “Fish Man”, Declan was up next who said he was “super overwhelmed and stoked” to be cooking for Josh.

He presented a Poached John Dory with Blackberry Reduction and said he “didn’t want to screw this one up” after fumbling in front of Rick Stein during episode 25.

Jock said he “didn’t think it was going to work” but really liked his sauce, and that he, “thought differently about this”, before calling his components “brilliant”.

Josh said it was “really great” (to a beaming Declan) and Mel called it some “really high concept thinking”.

Finally, it was Rhiannon’s turn but she was worried that she had undercooked her fish.

She presented a Hibachi Grilled Dory with Asian Apple Salad and Nam Jim Dressing.

Mel was surprised by her sad demeanour; however, Rhiannon was “devastated” because she didn’t give herself enough time.

Jock loved her rice and salad and said the cooking of the fish was “perfect” much to the relief of Rhiannon.

“I’m so proud of you,” he said while Josh agreed.

Andy told her to “let this be your turning point” in the competition. “We’re all digging it!”

The Verdict

Josh praised the cooks and said that “what we do now impacts what the future state could really be.”

Adi, Theo and Grace were announced as the bottom cooks and will be headed into tomorrow’s Pressure Test.

In the cutest moment ever, Declan said “See ya, Josh” as he was walking out of the kitchen. Just LOVE him.

MasterChef Australia airs Sunday – Thursday at 7.30pm on 10 and 10Play.

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