Throwdown with Bobby Flay Season 8 Episode 3 Chicken Tikka Masala
- TV-G
- June 23, 2010
- 21 min
Throwdown with Bobby Flay is a highly entertaining cooking competition show that challenges chefs to put their skills to the test in a head-to-head battle with Bobby Flay himself. Each episode features a different food genre or specific dish, and for season 8 episode 3, the spotlight is on the Indian classic, Chicken Tikka Masala.
Bobby Flay travels to Arlington, Virginia, to take on executive chef Vikram Sunderam of the renowned restaurant Rasika West End. Known for his expertise in Indian cuisine, Sunderam is confident in his ability to take down Flay in the ultimate Throwdown challenge. But Flay is equally determined to prove himself and create his own version of the beloved dish that will stand up against Rasika West End's famous Tikka Masala.
As the competition begins, the chefs gather their ingredients and get to work. Sunderam starts off strong, marinating his chicken in aromatic spices and whipping up a velvety tomato cream sauce to pour over the sizzling chicken. Flay, on the other hand, takes a slightly different approach with his marinade, incorporating fresh ginger and garlic for a punch of flavor. He also experiments with the sauce, adding a dash of coconut milk and a sprinkle of chili powder to create a more nuanced taste.
As the clock ticks down, both chefs feverishly work to put the finishing touches on their dishes. Sunderam skillfully grills his chicken to perfection and reheats his sauce, making sure every last element is on point before presenting his creation to the judges. Flay, meanwhile, opts to serve his version on a bed of fluffy basmati rice, and garnishes with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
The moment of truth arrives as the judges, including food critics and local Indian cuisine experts, take their first bites of each dish. The tension in the room is palpable as they taste and evaluate the chicken, sauce, and overall presentation of each dish. While Sunderam's version of Chicken Tikka Masala receives high praise for its depth of flavor and perfect texture, Flay's dish impresses with its unique twist on the classic dish and creative use of coconut milk.
In the end, the judges declare a winner, and the chefs embrace in a show of mutual respect and admiration for each other's skills. And while only one chef can come out on top in each episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay, the real winners are the viewers who get to experience the thrill of high-stakes cooking competition right from their own living room.