Ep 5. ICA Skirt Steak

In this episode of Iron Chef America, titled "ICA Skirt Steak," host Alton Brown welcomes back Iron Chef Mario Batali and challenger Edward Lee, Executive Chef and Owner of restaurants 610 Magnolia and Milkwood in Louisville, Kentucky. The episode challenges the two chefs to create innovative and delicious dishes using skirt steak as the main ingredient.

The competition begins with the Chairman's Challenge, in which the chefs must create a dish using only five ingredients chosen by the Chairman. This challenge proves to be difficult for both chefs, who struggle to create something delicious and unique with so few ingredients. Mario Batali creates a dish with skirt steak, kale, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, while Edward Lee uses avocado, garlic, lime, sesame oil, and skirt steak. The judges praise both dishes, but ultimately declare Edward Lee the winner of the challenge.

Next, the chefs move on to the main competition, where they must create five dishes using skirt steak in various preparations. The first dish is a tartare, followed by a bean and skirt steak salad, a sandwich, a pasta dish, and a final dish that is entirely up to the chefs' choice. Both chefs are able to showcase their culinary skills and creativity, using unique techniques and ingredients to create truly exceptional dishes. Some of the standout dishes include Edward Lee's skirt steak tartare with squid ink aioli and Mario Batali's skirt steak sandwich with pickled peppers and provolone cheese.

Throughout the competition, tensions run high as the chefs race against the clock to complete their dishes and impress the judges. Iron Chef Cat Cora and Simon Majumdar, a food critic and journalist, join regular judge Donatella Arpaia on the panel to taste and critique the chefs' creations. As always, the judges are tough but fair, offering both praise and constructive criticism to help the chefs improve their dishes.

Overall, the episode is a thrilling showcase of culinary prowess and creativity, with both chefs putting their all into each and every dish. While only one can emerge as the ultimate winner, both Mario Batali and Edward Lee leave their mark on the competition, showing that they are truly among the best chefs in the world. Fans of Iron Chef America and food enthusiasts alike will not want to miss this exciting episode.