Ep 10. Top 12 Compete

In the 10th episode of MasterChef season 5, titled "Top 12 Compete", the competition is heating up as the remaining contestants face new challenges and heightened pressure. The episode beings with the contestants entering the MasterChef kitchen to find that their mise en place challenge will be a test of their knife skills. The challenge involves peeling and deveining over two-hundred shrimp, and the first contestant to complete the task will have a significant advantage in the upcoming elimination challenge.

Once the challenge is complete, the contestants are split into two teams and challenged with catering a party for over 50 guests with a limited budget and time frame. While one team struggles to overcome their disorganization and communication issues, the other team is able to work collaboratively and create a cohesive menu that impresses the judges.

After the party ends, the contestants regroup in the kitchen for the final elimination challenge. The task is to cook a perfect dish using a mystery box of ingredients, which includes items such as quail, capers, and saffron. The competitors must use their creativity and technical skills to create a dish that highlights the ingredients but also showcases their own unique style and culinary voice.

As the clock ticks down, tensions rise as the judges taste and critique each dish. The bottom three contestants are singled out for their lackluster efforts, and ultimately, one chef is sent home, leaving the remaining eleven to continue their journey towards becoming the next MasterChef.

Throughout this episode, the judges offer their expert advice and guidance, challenging the contestants to push their limits and strive for excellence in every aspect of their cooking. The Top 12 Compete episode is a reminder that in the MasterChef kitchen, every challenge is an opportunity to grow, learn, and prove oneself as a true culinary master.