Ep 8. The. Whole. Hog.

In The American Barbecue Showdown season 1 episode 8 titled "The Whole Hog," the remaining contestants are challenged to showcase their skills in cooking a whole hog, a traditional staple in Southern barbecue. With only five contestants remaining, tensions are high as they strive to impress the judges and avoid elimination.

The episode kicks off with a quickfire challenge, where the contestants have to show off their creativity and innovation by coming up with a unique sauce to accompany their whole hog dish. With only thirty minutes on the clock, the contestants are seen frantically running around the kitchen, trying to gather all the ingredients they need to make their sauces.

Next, the contestants move on to the main challenge, which is to cook a whole hog on the grill. This requires a great deal of expertise and precision, as they need to ensure that the meat is cooked perfectly, with the right amount of tenderness and flavor. The contestants are given a whole hog, as well as an array of spices and marinades to choose from to create their own signature dishes.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to witness the contestants' culinary journey as they work tirelessly on their dishes. They can be seen chopping, marinating, and grilling the hog in various ways, as they aim to bring out the best flavors and textures in the meat.

One of the highlights of the episode is seeing the contestants put their own unique spin on the traditional whole hog dish. Some contestants opt for classic Southern BBQ flavors, while others experiment with more unconventional spices and sauces.

As the judging commences, the contestants are called upon to present their dishes to the panel of judges, who evaluate each dish based on its taste, tenderness, and overall presentation. The judges offer both positive and constructive feedback, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each dish.

The tension is palpable as the contestants await the final decision. In the end, one contestant emerges as the winner, while another is unfortunately sent home.

"The Whole Hog" is an exciting episode that showcases the contestants' culinary skills and creativity. The challenge of cooking a whole hog is no easy feat, but the contestants rise to the occasion, demonstrating their mastery of Southern BBQ traditions. With high stakes and intense competition, this episode is a must-watch for fans of The American Barbecue Showdown.