Ep 5. Elimination Challenge: Hidden Pairs

In MasterChef Australia season 9 episode 5, the contestants are faced with an Elimination Challenge called Hidden Pairs. The challenge involves being paired with another contestant and working together to create a dish with identical ingredients. However, the catch is that each pair must use completely different cooking methods – one contestant must cook their dish using a dry-heat method, while the other must use a wet-heat method.

The contestants are initially divided up into two groups – those who will be cooking with a dry-heat method and those who will be cooking with a wet-heat method. Each group is then instructed to pick a partner who will be using the opposite cooking method. Once the pairs are formed, they are given a box of identical ingredients to work with.

The contestants immediately dive into preparing their dishes, with some struggling to come up with a viable cooking method that will complement their partner's dish. Some contestants choose to switch up the cooking methods mid-way through the challenge, while others decide to stick with what they know.

Throughout the challenge, the judges – Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, and Matt Preston – observe the contestants closely, offering occasional words of encouragement and guidance. They also taste-test each dish, critiquing the flavor, presentation, and execution.

As the clock winds down, tensions rise as contestants rush to finish their dishes in time. Some dishes turn out perfectly, while others fall short of the judges' expectations. Ultimately, two pairs are sent to the bottom two, with one pair being eliminated from the competition.

Overall, MasterChef Australia season 9 episode 5 is a tense and thrilling episode that showcases the contestants' creativity and ability to think on their feet. With so much at stake, every contestant is determined to give it their all, resulting in some truly stunning dishes and heart-wrenching eliminations.