With only a few more cooks before the finale, Next Level Chef Season 4 episode 12 featured proteins that had some chefs feeling panicked. Cooking a perfect bone-in protein takes a deft hand. Which chef wishes that there was a do-over in this challenge.
At this point in the competition, the challenges are no longer simple. These chefs need to prove that they can create a well-composed dish. Paired with that perfectly cooked protein needs to be a flavorful side that enhances the overall flavor.
On Next Level Chef Season 4 episode 12, the chefs were tasked with bone-in cooking. While that celebrated tomahawk might be the high-end steak that tempts on a menu, 30 minutes to cook that gigantic piece of meat is not easy.
This challenge tested the chefs ability to understand temperature control. Cooking on the bone, especially with some cuts, requires a key sensibility. Of course, that bone brings more flavor, the protein can go sideways in a heartbeat.
In this challenge, it was more than just the cook. Allowing that meat to rest and how the meat was cut was vital. Those choices could turn a potentially successful dish into one that was up for elimination.
After winning the Time Token in the last challenge, Megan decided to keep the extra 10 seconds for herself. While that decision allowed her to get the protein she wanted, the advantage could have been used more strategically. At this point in the competition, a little mental mind game can be quite effective.
Additionally, the chefs had to adapt to the mid-round drop. It required all the chefs to add a flambe element to the dish. This component showed whether the chefs knew how to cook off the alcohol. It is more than just seeing that blue flame disappear.
Overall, the dishes in Next Level Chef Season 4 episode 12 were just ok. Two dishes were spectacular, but there were more cooking mistakes than needed. From overcooking to mangling the cut, some choices were rookie mistakes.
In a trend that has happened across Next Level Chef seasons, the basement rose to the occasion. Brandon had the tomahawk, which was harder than it seemed. He handled it like a pro. It is clear that he excels cooking in the basement.
Additionally, Bobby did well in the basement. Using the pressure cooker for his ribs, the sticky, tender ribs were a judges’ favorite. He might want to explore using the pressure cooker more often.
Earning the last Time Token of Next Level Chef Season 4 was Brandon. From the presentation to the perfect cook on the tomahawk, he nailed this challenge. Will he have the same success in the top kitchen for the next episode?
Unfortunately, Megan’s Time Token proved to be unlucky for her. While she might love venison, the three different cooks on the chops was unacceptable. This presentation was not meant to appeal to everyone’s preferences. It was to prove to the judges that she was able to execute well. The varied temperatures and too whiskey forward sauce earned her a spot in the Elimination Round.
Ryan’s inconsistent cook on the bone-in filet got him cooking for his life. Even though he was confident, he made some simple mistakes. The pressure of the competition has become too much.
For the Elimination Cook, Megan and Ryan had to cook a whole fish, on the bone. Both chefs felt confident, but Ryan seemed to be making silly mistakes. Losing the fish tail was a prime example.
Megan made smart choices with her mackerel. Since it is an oily fish, it needed the bright, acid tomato to cut through that oiliness. Also, the bread was smart. But, the dish needed to be tighter and should have had some more editing.
Ryan’s sea bream was nice, but he showed that he was not familiar with the fish. Adding the wrong herbs created an off-putting flavor. It was a mistake that could not be overlooked.
The chef eliminated in Next Level Chef Season 4 episode 12 was Ryan. Who will make the Next Level Chef Season 4 finale? Be sure to watch the new episode on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Hulu.