MasterChef gives the top nine their latest “Mystery Box” Challenge in episode 15

We have hit the top nine chefs for MasterChef’s Back to Win season and that means it is time for the third Mystery Box challenge of the season. And not only that, but this is the end of the immunity pin, which means Christian and Shanika were the final chefs granted immunity.

For this third Mystery Box challenge, our chefs will be getting ingredients put together by Gerron Hurt, the MasterChef winner from Season 9. Known for his spicy dishes, his challenge to the top nine cheftestants is all about bringing the heat, spice, and of course the flavor to the table in order to impress the judges.

But what ingredients have made it into Gerron’s mystery box? Well, for this one it is all about the spicy peppers – jalapenos, chilis, serrano, and so many more from around the world.

MasterChef is bringing the heat in their third Mystery Box channel

For Dara, her inspiration is her childhood and her later father. So with her dish, she is bringing the heat with an Indian Samosa with two chutneys.

Derrick on the other hand is doing a spicy churro with a spicy dipping sauce, opting for a sweet dish over something savory. It is definitely a dish we are watching out for, but we have a few concerns on his behalf.

With the judges and their guest walking through during the cook, we got a better look at all of the dishes and everyone seems to have things in hand. And not only that, but it does seem like everyone has embraced the heat for this challenge. (Although the judges certainly have some concerns.)

By the time we hit the five minute mark, it is definitely Derrick who seems to be in the weeds with his churros. And in the final minutes, even Emily is struggling to get everything on the plates.

After a heat (and spice) filled battle in the MasterChef kitchen, who will end up in the top and whose dish will end up in the bottom? Well with only seven chefs cooking, all of the dishes will be tasted.

Up first they tasted Amanda’s Batinjan Harra a Grilled Eggplant dish. This dish got some excellent reviews from the judges for flavor and texture.

Next it was Derrick’s turn. For his dish, he presented Sichuan Peppercorn and Cinnamon dusted Churro dish with a spicy chocolate dip. Sadly for him, his churros were actually too crispy after being made too thin. But there were still some good comments too.

Willie was the next cook to head up to the judges. He presented Crawfish and Shrimp Etouffee. The judges liked his dish and the way he brought the spice.

Bowen was the fourth dish to bring up his dish which was a Seafood Stuffed Pepper with a Mofongo. Off the bat, Gordon Ramsay said his dish looked weird. And honestly, it doesn’t seem like any of the judges are thrilled with this one and that is even before trying it. Even after tasting it, things weren’t much better, right down to being too spicy and the caviar being a big miss.

Next up is Michael with his Spice-Rubbed Hanger Steak. From the presentation to the taste, it was excellent reviews all around for Michael (although Gordon did point out it could have used more feta).

Dara is next to judging with her Potato & Pea Samosa dish. Presentation was a win for Dara and it sounds like for the most part it also delivered on taste and how it needed to be made. It just needed to be a little thinner and rest longer.

Finally it was Emily’s turn. For her dish she presented Shrimp Fra Diavolo. It was described as restaurant quality in terms of presentation, and when it came to actual flavors it delivered as well.

The top two dishes of the night were from Emily and Amanda! They had the best dishes of the challenge.

So who ends up with the best dish of the night (even if there is no immunity)? The winner, who gets an advantage next time, is Emily!

For the bottom dishes it was between Bowen and Derrick, with both of the chefs having to walk up without even having their names called.

Ultimately, the chef heading home this time is Bowen.