Masterchef Canada Season 1 Episode 5 Where's the Beef?

In this episode of Masterchef Canada, titled "Where's the Beef?", the contestants face a grilling challenge. They must cook a perfect piece of beef, and master all the techniques that come with it, such as seasoning, searing, and resting. It's a test of their skills as well as their palate, as they must determine the perfect level of doneness for each cut of beef they work with.

To start the challenge, the contestants are given a lesson on different cuts of beef by Chef Connie DeSousa, a Calgary-based chef who specializes in nose-to-tail cooking. She shows them how to break down a whole beef tenderloin, explaining the different muscles and how they can be used in different dishes. The contestants then have 90 minutes to cook their beef, with the judges looking for a dish that's perfectly seasoned and cooked to their preferred temperature.

Some of the contestants opt for classic steak dishes, such as a ribeye with roasted pepper sauce or a filet mignon with mushroom ragout. Others get more creative, using the beef in dishes that incorporate different cuisines or techniques. One contestant makes a Korean-inspired dish, using beef bulgogi served over rice with pickled vegetables. Another makes a beef Wellington with a mushroom duxelle and puff pastry. There are a few missteps along the way, as some contestants struggle to get the right temperature or seasoning on their beef. But overall, the judges are impressed with the variety and creativity of the dishes.

In the second half of the episode, the contestants face a team challenge. They are divided into two teams, and each team must prepare a three-course meal for a group of judges. The twist? Each course must feature a different cut of beef, and the judges will score each team on how well they use each cut and how well the dishes come together as a cohesive meal.

The teams get right to work, brainstorming dishes that will showcase each cut of beef. Some dishes include a bone-in ribeye with creamy horseradish sauce, a beef cheek ragout with polenta, and a beef skirt steak with roasted tomato and chimichurri sauce. There are a few hiccups along the way, as one team struggles to get their timing right and another team has trouble with their plating. But overall, the judges are impressed with the quality of the dishes and how well the teams work together.

At the end of the episode, the judges deliberate and make their decision on which team will win the challenge. They also choose the best dish of the day, awarding the winner a prize and a spot in the next round of the competition. It's a tense moment for the contestants, as they wait to find out who will be advancing and who will be going home.

Overall, "Where's the Beef?" is a challenging episode that tests the contestants' skills and creativity. From cooking the perfect steak to crafting a well-balanced three-course meal, the contestants must show that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. It's a thrill to watch them rise to the challenge and create some truly amazing dishes along the way.