Ep 13. When Octopuses Attack!

When Octopuses Attack! is the thirteenth episode of the fifth season of the popular cooking competition show Chopped. In this episode, four skilled chefs will face off in a unique culinary battle, where they will be challenged to create delicious and innovative dishes featuring octopus as the main ingredient.

The show will begin with the chefs being presented with a mystery basket containing a variety of unusual and difficult-to-work-with ingredients, including canned goat meat, pickled cherries, and fried pig ears. They will have just 30 minutes to transform these ingredients into delicious appetizers that will impress the judges and keep them in the competition.

Next, the remaining contestants will face one of the toughest challenges on the show - the entree round. They will be given a whole octopus to work with, as well as a range of other ingredients such as crispy bacon, queso fresco, and clams. Using their knowledge of flavor profiles and cooking techniques, the chefs must create a stunning entree that highlights the unique texture and flavor of the octopus while also incorporating the other ingredients in a creative and delicious way.

Finally, the two surviving chefs will compete in the dessert round, where they will have just 30 minutes to create a heavenly dessert using ingredients such as deep-fried cannoli filling, coconut water, and candied kumquats. The winner of this final round will take home the title of Chopped champion and a $10,000 prize.

Throughout the episode, the chefs will be judged by a panel of culinary experts, including world-renowned chef Alex Guarnaschelli, food network personality Scott Conant, and Iron Chef judge Amanda Freitag. Each dish will be evaluated based on its presentation, creativity, and taste, and the chef with the lowest score in each round will be eliminated from the competition.

Overall, When Octopuses Attack! promises to be a thrilling episode of Chopped filled with surprising ingredients, inventive recipes, and intense culinary competition. Whether you're a fan of the show or simply love gourmet cooking, this episode is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.