Episode 16

As the semi-finals begin, just eight extraordinary professional chefs remain. Each of them has their sights set on taking the title, but they must dig deeper than ever before to prove their worth, as two more chefs face elimination.

The first task requires the utmost skill and ingenuity as the judges challenge them to deliver a no-waste dish – a plate of food that makes use of every part of the chef’s chosen ingredients. Reducing food waste is a crucial part of professional cooking and increasing food prices also mean that throwing things away is inexcusable. Whether utilising seafood shells to infuse extra flavour in a sauce, or offal that might otherwise be discarded, there are uses for almost everything. In order to impress, as well as tackling the challenge creatively, the chefs must showcase their ingredients in multiple ways that take the judges’ breath away.

After tasting each dish, Marcus, Monica and Matt select the best four plates, with the successful chefs progressing to the next round, while the other four must cook again for the right to stay in the competition. This is their chance for immediate success, so neither the food nor this opportunity can be wasted.

The four who are pipped to the post go straight back into battle, but this time Matt, Marcus and Monica ask them to cook one dish using what they can find in the MasterChef larder. However, to push the semi-finalists’ imaginations even further, the judges remove all the meat and fish, so the chefs have to think outside the box to ensure there is a celebrated focal point for their dish. Those with a passion for vegetarian food may just have a head start.

The judges’ deliberation follows the tasting. Half of the cooks will say goodbye to the competition, leaving just six contestants forging ahead into the next semi-final.