The Sporting Chef Season 4 Episode 19 Extra Crispy

The Sporting Chef season 4 episode 19, entitled "Extra Crispy," is all about taking traditional dishes and putting a unique twist on them. Host and chef Scott Leysath knows that when it comes to cooking wild game, some people can be put off by the strong or gamey taste.

To combat this, Leysath focuses on using textures and flavors that will make even the pickiest eaters enjoy wild game. In this episode, he covers techniques for achieving crispy textures that will bring a whole new level of excitement to your dish.

The first recipe covered includes calamari fritti, a classic Italian appetizer made with fried squid rings. Instead of using traditional squid, Leysath opts for octopus tentacles which he says are more tender and flavorful. He walks viewers through the process of cutting the tentacles into rings, coating them in a seasoned flour, and frying them to crispy perfection. He also shows how to make a homemade aioli dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with the crunchy calamari.

Next up, Leysath prepares "extra crispy" duck confit with a cherry glaze. Instead of the traditional slow-cooking method, Leysath opts for a pressure cooker to speed up the process. He then crisps the duck skin in a pan and coats the meat with a sweet and tangy cherry glaze. The combination of the crispy skin and tender meat creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress.

Moving onto a more traditional dish, Leysath prepares venison Wellington, but with a twist. Instead of the typical puff pastry wrapping, he uses phyllo dough to achieve a crunchy texture. He also incorporates a mixture of mushrooms, spinach, and cheese to add both flavor and texture to the Wellington filling.

Finally, Leysath demonstrates how to create a delicious wild game burger that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. He uses a blend of ground venison, bacon, and beef, which he says gives the burger both a gamey and savory flavor. To achieve the crispy texture, he cooks the burger on a flat-top grill and tops it with a homemade crispy onion ring.

Overall, the episode focuses on using unique techniques and ingredients to elevate traditional dishes and make them even more delicious. Leysath's passion for cooking and love of wild game shines through in each recipe, making it an entertaining and educational watch for all foodies and outdoors enthusiasts.