Chopped Junior Season 9 Episode 5
Chopped Junior
Season 9

Ep 5. Bet the Ranch Dressing

  • TV-G
  • December 17, 2019
  • 42 min

In this episode of Chopped Junior, four young chefs face off in a high-stakes cooking competition with a theme inspired by the dressing beloved by many – ranch. Each contestant must incorporate it in some form into every dish of a three-course meal that they will prepare from scratch in under an hour. The stakes are high, as only one can win the coveted title of Chopped Junior champion and receive a $10,000 prize.

As the clock starts ticking, these talented children race to gather their ingredients and begin cooking. They must navigate their way through mysterious mystery baskets filled with a range of contrasting and complementary ingredients, from exotic fruits and vegetables, to animal proteins and dairy products.

As they cook, the judges watch closely to see how well they incorporate the ranch flavor into their dishes. But these young chefs are not just relying on a single ingredient to impress the judges. They must demonstrate their kitchen skills and creativity, as they strive to create dishes that are flavorful, visually appealing, and balanced. They must also pay close attention to timing, as they juggle multiple dishes at once, making sure each one is cooked to perfection at the right time.

During the appetizer round, the young chefs are challenged to make a dish that combines ahi tuna and corn chips, as well as other ingredients from the mystery box. One chef opts for a Hawaiian vibe, pairing the tuna with macadamia nuts, coconut milk, and a pineapple salsa, while another goes for a crispy tuna taco with a spicy ranch crema. The judges are impressed by the sophistication and creativity of these dishes, but also offer constructive criticism on the technical execution and balance of flavors.

For the entree round, the chefs must incorporate additional ingredients such as veal chops, asparagus, and mixed berries, while still showcasing the ranch dressing in the dish. One contestant decides to go for a Latin American flair, making an adobo-rubbed veal chop with grilled asparagus, a berry-ranch sauce, and a cassava puree. Another chooses a more classic American flavor profile, creating a ranch-studded mashed potato alongside a veal chop and asparagus. The judges are impressed by the bold flavors and complexity of these dishes, but once again offer critiques on the technical execution and balance of flavors.

Finally, in the dessert round, the remaining chefs must incorporate unexpected ingredients into their sweet dishes, including zucchini, turmeric, and popcorn. One chef goes for a deconstructed popcorn cake with zucchini and turmeric puree, while another opts for a popcorn panna cotta with a berry-ranch sauce. The judges are once again blown away by the creativity and daringness of these dishes, but also point out areas for improvement.

In the end, only one contestant can emerge victorious and take home the coveted title and cash prize. The judges deliberate carefully, weighing each dish on its merits, and ultimately select the young chef who best showcased their culinary skills, creativity, and use of the ranch flavor. It's an intense and exciting competition that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, as they wonder which chef will be crowned the champ.

Description
Watch Chopped Junior - Bet the Ranch Dressing (s9 e5) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Chopped Junior, Season 9 Episode 5, is available to watch and stream on Food Network. You can also buy, rent Chopped Junior on demand at Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Food Network, FuboTV, Sling, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    December 17, 2019
  • Content Rating
    TV-G
  • Runtime
    42 min
  • Language
    English