Part 3/8:
As the chefs commenced the first round, they were greeted with an assortment of ingredients that included a bucket of meatballs, Persian cucumbers, hot chicken seasoning, and peanut brittle. With just 20 minutes on the clock, the contestants quickly went to work creating their masterpieces.
Chef Bao Bao opted for ramen noodles, crafting a dish inspired by Pad Thai. She aimed to balance sweet, spicy, and sour flavors by quick pickling the Persian cucumbers and adding roasted cashews seasoned with hot chicken spices. Meanwhile, Chef Evan prepared a bucatini alla Norma, incorporating fresh meatballs flavored with hot chicken seasoning and a cucumber salad to add a refreshing contrast. Chef RJ took a classic approach with a bolognese sauce featuring the basket's meatballs.