Ep 20. Battle Sea Cucumber

Iron Chef is a popular competitive cooking show where the world's top chefs compete against the show's resident Iron Chefs. For season 6, episode 20, the theme ingredient is sea cucumber, a marine animal that is considered a delicacy in many Asian countries.

The episode opens with host Alton Brown introducing the theme ingredient to the chefs and the audience, explaining the history and cultural significance of sea cucumber. The competitors for this episode are Chef Seamus Mullen, a Spanish cuisine expert, and Chef Tony Maws, known for his farm-to-table style of cooking. The two chefs are excited but nervous to take on the Iron Chefs, who are not revealed until the start of the battle.

The first Iron Chef to be revealed is Chef Morimoto, known for his innovative Japanese cuisine and mastery of using seafood in his dishes. The second Iron Chef is revealed to be Chef Michael Symon, known for his bold and flavorful cooking style. The chefs are excited to face off against these culinary giants but also know they have their work cut out for them.

The clock starts and the chefs immediately get to work, brainstorming ideas and creating a plan of attack. They have just one hour to create five dishes using sea cucumber as the main ingredient. The tension in the kitchen is palpable as the chefs work tirelessly to create their dishes, with Alton Brown providing commentary and updates on what each chef is doing.

Chef Seamus decides to go for a Spanish-inspired sea cucumber gazpacho, which he hopes will showcase the unique flavor and texture of the sea cucumber. He also creates a sea cucumber ceviche and a sea cucumber tartare, both of which feature the sea cucumber in raw form to highlight its freshness.

Chef Tony takes a different approach, focusing on creating dishes that incorporate the sea cucumber into the overall dish. He creates a risotto with diced sea cucumber, as well as a sea cucumber and shrimp dumpling soup. He also creates a sea cucumber and avocado sandwich, which he hopes will be a standout dish and set him apart from his competitor.

As the clock ticks down, tensions rise in the kitchen. The chefs are cutting it close and some are struggling to get their dishes plated in time. Finally, the time runs out and the judges, which include food critics and restaurant owners, are brought in to taste the dishes.

The judges taste each dish and provide their feedback, praising the creativity and uniqueness of the dishes. Chef Seamus' sea cucumber gazpacho is deemed a standout dish, with the judges raving about the balance of flavors and textures. Chef Tony's sea cucumber and avocado sandwich is also a hit, with the judges praising the combination of flavors and the innovative use of sea cucumber.

In the end, the judges make their decision on which chef created the best dishes using sea cucumber. Both chefs are praised for their creativity and use of the theme ingredient, but there can only be one winner. The tension in the room is high as the judges deliberate, but finally, a winner is announced.

To find out who came out on top in Battle Sea Cucumber, viewers will have to tune into season 6 episode 20 of Iron Chef.