Culinary Class Wars Recap: “Infinite Cooking Hell Mission” Eliminations, Dish Count, and Key Highlights

The gripping semi-final episodes of Netflix Korea’s Culinary Class Wars have concluded, bringing audiences even deeper into this exhilarating culinary competition. Now recognized worldwide, the show has surged to the top of the charts for non-English series, captivating gastronomy enthusiasts with its mix of intense cooking challenges and dramatic eliminations.

In the recent episodes released on October 8, 2024, contestants encountered their most formidable obstacle yet—the “Infinite Cooking Hell Mission.”This taxing challenge not only tested the chefs’ culinary expertise but also demanded physical stamina and strategic planning to avoid elimination and secure their place in the upcoming finale.

Eight finalists entered this round, with Napoli Matfia already guaranteed a spot in the finale from a previous task. The mission was an intense one, requiring chefs to whip up multiple dishes consecutively, each within a strict 30-minute timeframe. Additionally, the unique twist was that every dish had to prominently feature tofu as the main ingredient.

Results from the ‘Infinite Cooking Hell’ in

Culinary Class Wars’ latest episodes

Judging this tough challenge were two culinary giants, Chef Paik Jong-won and Michelin-starred Chef Ahn Sung-jae, who assessed the competitors on three crucial criteria:

1. Tofu must be the primary ingredient of the dish.
2. Each dish should showcase creativity, steering clear from anything mundane.
3. Execution—how effectively the chefs completed and showcased their work under tremendous pressure.

The stakes were incredibly high, with chefs facing the danger of immediate elimination. Any competitor who failed to finish a dish within the critical 30-minute limit would be sent home, while one chef was voted out in every round. The tension mounted as the chefs contended with fatigue and the relentless ticking of the clock.

The 11th and 12th episodes of Culinary Class Wars featured electrifying confrontations, as the top eight contestants faced off in semi-final rounds filled with fierce competition. Each round led to further eliminations, whittling down the contestants as the finale approached.

In the initial round, seven of the contestants—Choi Hyun-seok, Triple Star (Kang Seung-won), Jung Ji-sun, Cooking Maniac (Yoon Nam-no), Imokase #1 (Kim Mi-ryeong), Jang Ho-jun, and Edward Lee—were challenged to create innovative tofu dishes.

Round 1:

During the first elimination phase of the Culinary Class Wars ‘Infinite Cooking Hell,’ every chef presented their opening tofu dish for the judges:

1. Triple Star served a Sesame Seed Tofu Dressing Salad.
2. Cooking Maniac offered a Tot Tofu Salad featuring Raw Tuna.
3. Jung Ji-sun introduced Golden Tofu, enriched with egg yolks for a stunning golden hue. Chef Paik Jong-won praised its distinctive quality.
4. Omakase #1 provided Tofu Dumplings, a nutritious, meatless option.
5. Choi Hyun-seok experimented with Milanese-style Mapo Tofu, combining Chinese and Italian influences by merging Sichuan-style mapo tofu with risotto and lamb ribs.
6. Edward Lee presented a refreshing Cold Soup, a vegan dish seamlessly incorporating tofu, pine nuts, apple, and soy milk.
7. Jang Ho-jun showcased classic Japanese Ganmodoki Ankake (tofu fritters with vegetables).

Despite their creative interpretations, White Spoon Chef Choi Hyun-seok was the first to be eliminated, with judges stating his dish lacked fundamental balance.

Round 2:

The pressure heightened as the remaining chefs prepared their second set of dishes in the next round of Culinary Class Wars ‘Infinite Cooking Hell’:

1. Omakase #1 created a comforting Tofu Jigae, a traditional stew.
2. Jung Ji-sun presented Tofu Dim Sum.
3. Jang Ho-jun offered Edamame Tofu Gratin.
4. Cooking Maniac crafted Tofu Sheets, showing off his culinary skills.
5. Triple Star presented Tofu Menbosha, a crunchy shrimp and tofu sandwich.
6. Edward Lee prepared a delicate Seared Tofu with Scallops.

Ultimately, White Spoon Chef Jung Ji-sun was sent home as her dim sum’s dough overwhelmed the tofu flavor.

Round 3:

The third elimination round of Culinary Class Wars ‘Infinite Cooking Hell’ saw the intensity escalate as five chefs remained:

1. Omakase #1 showcased a Tofu Ssukgat Salad.
2. Triple Star cooked a traditional Rockfish Tofu Jigae.
3. Jang Ho-jun crafted a Pistachio Shiraae (mashed tofu salad) with a Japanese twist.
4. Cooking Maniac prepared a Tofu Caesar Salad.
5. Edward Lee merged flavors with Smoked Tofu accompanied by Duck and Egg Yolk Sauce.

Unfortunately, Omakase #1 was eliminated after her salad failed to impress the judges, leaving four chefs in contention.

Round 4:

In the fourth round of the semi-finals of Culinary Class Wars, the four chefs showcased their fourth creations:

1. Triple Star produced a French-style Mapo Tofu, blending French culinary techniques with Chinese flavors.
2. Cooking Maniac created a fusion Tofu Tteokgalbi Sandwich.
3. Jang Ho-jun served a comforting Tofu Sukiyaki-Don.
4. Edward Lee took a creative route with Tofu Block Gochujang Pasta, inspired by the traditional Italian Parmesan wheel.

After round four, White Spoon Chef Jang Ho-jun was eliminated.

Round 5:

As the chefs approached the final elimination in the fifth round, the weariness began to manifest. Hours of continuous cooking took their toll:

1. Triple Star prepared Gamtae Tofu Noodles, a dry version of bibimguksu, with ground tofu and pine nuts imparting a nutty essence to the noodles.
2. Cooking Maniac crafted Agedashi Tofu served in a savory katsuobushi broth, albeit his confidence wavered.
3. Edward Lee opted for daring flavors with his Kentucky Fried Tofu, drawing inspiration from South America’s famous fried chicken. The judges particularly lauded his chicken fat sauce, which elevated his dish and drew enthusiastic applause.

Despite his efforts, Black Spoon Chef Cooking Maniac was eliminated, leaving him emotional. Ultimately, only Edward Lee and Triple Star remained, both eager to claim the final spot in the grand finale against Napoli Matfia.

Final Showdown of Culinary Class Wars Semi-Final: Triple Star versus Edward Lee

In this climactic semi-final bout, the chefs had one final opportunity to impress the judges with their concluding dishes:

1. Triple Star prepared Mexican Tofu, exemplifying his adaptability by merging tofu with lively Mexican flavors.
2. Edward Lee crafted a dessert, creating a Tofu Crème Brûlée, a sweet and delicate take on the main ingredient that melded tofu into a creamy, caramelized delight.

After an exhilarating contest in Culinary Class Wars ‘Infinite Cooking Hell,’ totaling 27 dishes across five rounds, Edward Lee emerged as the final victor, claiming his place in the finale. The judges commended his dessert for its creativity and flawless presentation, making him the last finalist.

The recent rounds of competition have undeniably proved to be among the toughest, pushing the chefs’ gastronomic talents and endurance to their extremes. Viewers can now catch the finale on Netflix to witness who will be crowned the champion of Culinary Class Wars.

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