MasterChef viewers were torn over a controversial challenge on Monday night that ended in an elimination over a smash burger.
Competitors on the Channel 10 cooking show were tasked with creating a weeknight dinner in just 36 minutes, as that’s how long the average Aussie family spends on making a dish.
Not only did the competitors have a time crunch, but they also had to include one of the judge’s quick carbs.
These were Jean-Christophe Novelli’s pilaf rice, Poh Ling Yeow’s noodles, Andy Allen’s two-ingredient flatbread, and Sophie Levin’s latkes.
Why were viewers conflicted over 36-minute MasterChef challenge?
Some viewers loved the challenge, saying it was the first time this season the show felt like an actual competition.
“I have to say, I like this challenge. Restricting time seems to have really upped the pressure,” one fan of the show said.
“Agreed. The old trio used to say that quick cooks were the best cooks,” another added.
“I agree because so far, it’s felt like they can cook anything they like,” one said.
“Everyone’s stressed… I love a good challenge,” a fourth added.
However, some said it wasn’t a fair representation of what cooking at home on a weeknight would be like.
“I know the contestants are a step above the skill level of me busting open a pack of pre-marinated chicken, or cracking open a jar of spag bol sauce. But still, giving that particular amount of time for that reason was a tad unfair when they were having to cook everything from scratch,” said one.
“For a fast dinner, most homes already have their fridges stocked with the doughs just to be cooked the night,” another added.
One viewer said they felt like the time limit stifled the show’s creativity.
“My least favourite episode so far this season. While the bottom three were there for a reason, I wasn’t wowed by most dishes cooked tonight,” the viewer said.
What happened during the episode?
The elimination challenge saw some people rise to the occasion – including Annabel Lloyd’s barramundi and rice.
However, Vinnie Gilbaldi, Belinda Gosden, and Olaolu Olorunnimbe were all in the bottom three.
The judges said the Vinnie’s lamb wasn’t consistently cooked, and the cheese he added to the flatbread made it too doughy.
Olaolu’s bread was praised, but his kofta let him down, with judges calling it too dry.
Belinda’s pivot halfway through the challenge from chicken and rice to a smash burger let her down, and she was eventually sent home.