‘MasterChef Junior’ season 9 episode 9 recap: ‘Finale Part 1’ [LIVE BLOG]

Denton Davidson
·4 min read
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Tonight on “MasterChef Junior,” the three finalists battle against each other in the ultimate showdown. The pint-sized chefs are tasked with creating an appetizer using the popular – and feared – flambé technique. Then, the chefs create an exquisite main course dish as they get one step closer to being crowned the next MasterChef Junior in part one of the all-new “Finale Part 1” season finale episode of “MasterChef Junior” airing Monday, May 13 (8:00-9:02 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Below, read our minute-by-minute “MasterChef Junior” recap of Season 9, Episode 9. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite young cooks on Fox’s reality TV show and who you think has what it takes to win the entire competition. Once again, Gordon Ramsay leads the judging panel and is joined by renowned chef Aarón Sánchez, Emmy-winning talk show host Daphne Oz and, for the first time, his daughter Tilly Ramsay.

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Keep refreshing/reloading this “MasterChef Junior” live blog for the most recent updates.

8:00 p.m. — Previously on “MasterChef Junior”! Tasked with replicating one of Gordon’s iconic duck dishes in real-time, the final four had to match Gordon’s pace, precision and passion. In the end 8-year-old Asher was eliminated in fourth place. But enough about last week, let’s get this finale cookin’!

8:15 p.m. — Bryson, Michael and Remy enter the studio for the grand finale. We see highlights of each of their journeys before the judges explain this final task in front of a live studio audience. They’ll make a full three-course meal that includes an appetizer, an entree and a dessert. The judges want to see a cohesive menu tied together with a theme. Michael is focusing on fresh seafood, Bryson will showcase Southern barbecue and Remy has a cajun New Orleans menu. The competition starts now!

8:30 p.m. — Gordon explains that the flambé technique is used to burn off alcohol in a dish. They want to see how these kids have evolved over the course of this competition and grown as chefs. Next, the judges circulate around the kitchen to see how everyone is doing and get some insight on their appetizers. Everyone looks good and each junior chef plates some amazing-looking dishes. It’s now time to judge the appetizer round.

8:32 p.m. — Bryson serves Marinated Red Prawns with Creole Hushpuppies, Rum Marinade Sauce and Tomato Relish. Gordon says he’s made ugly hushpuppies beautiful. They’re cooked spot-on, but Gordon would like a bit more sauce. Tilly loves the sauce and says they’re the best hushpuppies she’s ever had. Daphne compliments the prawns, but doesn’t love the relish. Aarón says appreciates the seasoning and loves the shrimp.

8:36 p.m. — Remy serves Striped Bass with Crab Mirliton Salad and Satsuma Mimosa Vinaigrette. It’s visually stunning. Daphne sees an incredible amount of maturity. The fish is cooked beautifully and the vinaigrette is vibrant. Gordon thinks the dish could do without the salad. Daphne loves the fragrance of the crab and calls it Remy’s best work in this competition. Aarón says the crab is overcooked, but that’ s a small note — overall it’s “unbelievable.”

8:40 p.m. — Michael serves Crab Bisque with Stone Crab Salad, Herb Oil, Croutons and Caviar. It’s an elegant dish and Aarón says he’s blown away by the combination. It tastes delicious, creamy and rich. Gordon doesn’t know if it needs the croutons. Daphne says the flavor is risk and silky and she can’t believe an 11-year-old made it. Aarón calls it a “beautiful expression” and the finesse is “out of this world.”

9:00 p.m. — The junior chefs now have 60 minutes to cook their entrees. Michael is testing his skills by making halibut, a protein he’s not familiar with. Bryson is feeling very confident with his Wagyu steak. Remy is playing to her strengths with shrimp and grits. Once again, the judges walk around and make sure everyone is doing okay. Gordon is concerned about how thick Michael’s halibut are and they have to be cooked perfectly. Aarón says big risk, big reward. With that, this episode comes to an end and we’ll have to wait until next week to see how this finale ends.

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