Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 episode 3 recap: Which chef had to shuck off?

After a dismissal first dinner service, Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 episode 3 looked to right the ship. Could these head chefs find a way to find calmer waters ahead or would an unforeseen issue cause more chefs to bail before another challenge?

The premise of “head chefs only” had many Hell’s Kitchen fans hoping that this season would be impeccable. After the signature dish challenge and head-to-head battle for the punishment pass, the chefs seemed to be impressing Gordon Ramsay. From creativity to flawless execution, those dishes were great.

Unfortunately, the first dinner service was dismissal. The head chefs cooked more like inexperienced line cooks.

In Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 episode 3, the first challenge was a seafood extravaganza. While a seafood tower might be a steakhouse staple, this head-to-head battle was not a chilled platter piled with a bounty from the sea. It was a hot seafood appetizer challenge.

As each chef chose their protein, the curious aspect was that each chef was looking out for themselves. Instead of helping to open that caviar container, everyone was focused on their own plate. Sometimes getting the team to victory is just as important as the individual glory.

Similar to the previous episode challenge, the majority of dishes were exceptional. From nuanced flavors in the oysters dishes to well-cooked lobster, almost all the dishes received praise from Chef Gordon.

The challenge came down to the final dish, scallops. Even though Ann Marie did not get the caviar on the plate, her dish was superior to Corbin's plate. By cutting the scallops in half, they were over cooked.

No one understands why Corbin would cut scallops in half. The Hell’s Kitchen scallops appetizer does not make that choice. It is a silly mistake that a head chef should not do.

The Red Team earned the win and Blue Team had to prep all the seafood for dinner service. With two wins in a row, it seems that the Red Team is on a roll.

Unfortunately, there was a huge shakeup prior to dinner service. Shant had a medical issue and had to leave. Then, as dinner service was about to begin, Uri chose to leave for medical reasons. The Blue Team is down two chefs. It was a big hurdle to overcome at the start.

Dinner service was another disaster. Unlike the other challenges, this situation is error filled. It is astonishing that head chefs cannot cook scallops, lobster, or lamb. Cooking a protein to the correct temperature is something that a head chef should be able to execute. Yes, everyone can have an off night, but mistake after mistake is unacceptable.

Although the Red Team had moments, they seem to have more harmony in the kitchen. From communication to execution, they seem to be having a smoother time starting and finishing dinner service.

The Blue Team is a disaster in the making. It is battle of the egos. While the chefs do not like Egypt, it is more than just personality conflicts. They cannot communicate. Whether it is everyone feels that they are right or just an unwillingness to work together, the Blue Team is a mess.

Clearly, the Blue Team was nominating two chefs for elimination. Given that the team does not like Egypt, he was an obvious nomination. Even though there are personality conflicts, Egypt’s dishes were not necessarily the worst. Sure, they want him gone, but he might not be the biggest issue.

The second nominee was Corbin. After his poorly cooked scallops in the first challenge, he was on shaky ground. During dinner service, he seemed like a deer in the headlights. Instead of jumping in to help others, he stood flat footed on the line. Just holding a towel and staring into the void is a poor choice during Hell’s Kitchen dinner service.

Corbin was eliminated in Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 episode 3. With the Blue Team down three chefs, a shake-up will happen in the next episode. Which Red Team chef will switch?

Be sure to watch the next episode of Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Hulu.