Season 15 of MasterChef Australia will be a season of Secrets & Surprises. The new season will premiere on Monday, May 1, 2023 on Channel 10 and 10 Play at 7:30pm.
This year there will only be 18 aprons on offer so the season will be shorter as well compared to previous seasons of starting with 24 contestants. However later in the year there will be a new spin-off show premiering called MasterChef Australia: Dessert Masters. In a world-first for the new series, the greatest pastry chefs from around the country will battle for the title of Australia’s Dessert Master. MasterChef Australia: Dessert Masters will set a dozen of the nation’s sugar-hit specialists against each other in incredible, pastry-themed challenges – all beneath the bright lights of the famed MasterChef Australia kitchen.
Surprise! Your First Look at MasterChef Australia 2023
Update May 1, 2023: Very shocking and sad news… MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo passed away suddenly early this morning. RIP. The premiere of the Season 15 tonight has been postponed.
Ep 1, Sunday, May 7, 2023
MasterChef Australia returns with a season of Secrets and Surprises. Judges Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen are joined tonight by special guest Jamie Oliver.
Borscht and Ukrainian Pampushky (Larissa Sewell) – Second Chance Redemption Apron
Ep 2, Monday, May 8, 2023
Jamie Oliver is back for another day in the MasterChef Australia kitchen. Contestants must bring their A-game if they want to secure one of two spots in the first Immunity challenge of the season.
Round 1: 15 minutes challenge
Cachapas (Antonio Cruz Vaamonde)
Bruschetta with Greens, Poached Eggs with Bagna Càuda (Grace Jupp)
Spaghetti With Clams (Andrea Puglisi)
Butterflied Prawns With Chermoula Sauce (Jessica Perri)
Prawn Coconut Soup (Rhiannon Anderson)
Round 2: Keeping Up with Jamie
Mushroom and Spinach Rotolo (Jamie Oliver)
Advancing to Immunity Challenge: Antonio, Jessica
Ep 3, Tuesday, May 9, 2023
There’s a catch to the flavour bombs that Jamie Oliver has left behind for the contestants to cook with – they will only be revealed 15 minutes into the cook and must be included in the dish.
Flavour bombs:
Cyan – pesto
Orange – red miso
Pink – harissa
Yellow – Dijon mustard
Advancing to Immunity Challenge:
Pumpkin & Red Miso Ravioli with Burnt Butter Sauce (Malissa Fedele)
Thyme Ice Cream with Savoury Crumb & Honey Mustard Caramel (Cath Collins)
Ep 4, Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Contestants must raid Shannon Bennett’s fridge to create the tastiest dish in 45 minutes. The winner will go head-to-head with Vue de monde’s Hugh Allen in the hope of winning an elusive immunity pin.
Round 1:
Fig and Date Cake with Ginger Caramel (Malissa Fedele)
Round 2:
Strawberry Gum Parfait with Raspberries and Roses (Hugh Allen)
Prawn and Mushroom Linguine (Malissa Fedele)
Ep 5, Sunday, May 14, 2023
Contestants battle it out in the first elimination challenge of the season. Cooking from favourite childhood memories, the least impressive dishes over two rounds will send its maker home.
Round 1:
Pork Fillet with Parsnip and Vanilla Puree and Vegemite Sauce (Phil Conway)
Middle Eastern Chicken with Hummus and Cumquat Glaze (Brent Draper)
Pork Dumplings with Soy Cumquat Sauce (Adi Nevgi)
Roast Pumpkin with Vegemite Crumb and Sesame Sauce (Grace Jupp)
Cumquat Swiss Roll (Rue Mupedzi)
Sponge Cake With Cream and Cumquat Caramel (Ralph Kahango)
Round 2:
Fish Curry with Fried Bread (Robbie Cooper)
Caramel Dumplings with Baileys Cream (Amy Tanner)
Eliminated: Andrea Puglisi
Ep 6, Monday, May 15,2023
This season’s first Mystery Box sees fan favourite Poh Ling Yeow back in the MasterChef kitchen for one night only. Contestants must create a winning dish with little more than under bench staples.
Citrus Cannoli with Mascarpone and Orange Curd (Malissa Fedele)
Ep 7, Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Former MasterChef winner and dessert queen Emelia Jackson is here to share her secrets. Using Emelia’s choux pastry recipe, contestants must create a superb sweet or savoury dish to avoid elimination.
Round 1:
Lemon Mascarpone Choux (Cath Collins)
Lemon Meringue Éclair (Theo Loizou)
Hazelnut Paris-Brest Cabbages (Antonio Cruz Vaamonde)
Vanilla Almond Profiterole with Butterscotch Sauce and Toasted Almonds (Declan Cleary)
Peanut Butter and Jam Choux (Jessica Perri)
Round 2:
Bacon & Egg Choux (Alice Han)
Mexican Prawn Choux with Avocado Cream (Rhiannon Anderson)
Eliminated: Larissa Sewell
Ep 8, Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Get your orders ready, it’s time for the first Service Challenge of the season. Two teams, aided by mentors Matt Sinclair and Sashi Cheliah, must cook an entree and a main course dish for 30 diners.
Prawns with Cucumber Raita (Blue Team)
Yellow Fish Curry with Cumin Rice (Blue Team)
Ep 9, Thursday, May 18, 2023
Winner winner chicken dinner! Contestants must turn Andy’s spit roasted chooks into a banger dish, with the winner cooking off for an Immunity Pin against Three Blue Ducks chef, Darren Robertson.
Round 1:
Chicken Lahmacun with Tzatziki (Theo Loizou)
Round 2:
Whole Barramundi with Pickled Cabbage, Flatbread and Mango Chilli Vinegar (Darren Robertson)
Apple Tart with Lemon Custard (Theo Loizou)
Ep 10, Sunday, May 21, 2023
MasterChef royalty Julie Goodwin returns, and survival is on the menu. Those who pick a wrong ingredient in Julie’s seafood stew must cook to avoid elimination using only the items in Julie’s recipe.
Round 1 – Taste Test:
Seafood Stew (Julie Goodwin)
Round 2:
Seafood and Tomato Soup (Robbie Cooper)
Pelmeni and Broth (Larissa Sewell)
Prawn and Snapper Soup (Declan Cleary)
Snapper Empanadas (Antonio Cruz Vaamonde)
Mussels with White Wine and Tomato Sauce (Rue Mupedzi)
Eliminated: Jessica Perri
Ep 11, Monday, May 22, 2023
Big Week lives up to its name as the contents of MasterChef’s biggest ever Mystery Box are revealed. Contestants must think outside the box and big up the flavour to avoid tomorrow’s Pressure Test.
Milk Tart (Ralph Kahango)
Ice Cream Sandwich with Toblerone Ice Cream and Orange Sugar Tuile (Phil Conway)
Toblerone and Peanut Ice Cream Sandwich (Antonio Cruz Vaamonde)
Ep 12, Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Pressure Test elimination looms as three contestants strive to replicate Eddie Stewart’s Tokyo Lamington Tower, featuring Snickers, strawberry matcha, charcoal pumpkin and yuzu curd meringue flavours.
Tokyo Lamington Tower (Eddie Stewart)
Eliminated: Larissa Sewell
Ep 13, Wednesday, May 24, 2023
As thousands of hungry punters descend on Melbourne’s hip Grazeland, it’s surf and turf for the masses with two teams vying for a shot at Immunity in the biggest ever service challenge.
Thai Beef Salad (Turquoise Team)
Red Barramundi Curry (Turquoise Team)
Ep 14, Thursday, May 25, 2023
With an Immunity Pin at stake, whoever creates the best dish with a mystery appliance in round one will earn first pick of flavour pairings and a 15 minute head start against guest chef Sergio Perera.
Round 1:
Thai Chicken Broth with Peanut and Lime Sambal (Declan Cleary)
Round 2:
Steamed Kingfish with Tarragon Beurre Blanc (Declan Cleary) – Immunity Pin
Pan Seared Snapper with Fennel and Mushroom Puree (Sergio Perera)
Ep 15, Sunday, May 28, 2023
Slow and steady keeps their place! Facing elimination, contestants embark on a two-day challenge with 45 minutes to marinate, pickle, brine and more in an overnight cook to finish off the next day.
Greek Lamb with Pita Bread and Tzatziki (Theo Loizou)
Crispy Duck with Pickled Turmeric and Sambal (Brent Draper)
Eliminated: Amy Tanner
Ep 16, Monday, May 29, 2023
Contestants try to bowl the judges over by elevating humble breakfast cereals into nostalgic classics. Who will cry over spilt milk with a Pressure Test awaiting the worst cereal offenders tomorrow?
Coco Pops Éclair (Antonio Cruz Vaamonde)
Corn Flake Pork Chop with Mashed Potato and Mint Sauce (Ralph Kahango)
Ep 17, Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Guest chef Donato Toce reveals his superb Viennetta ice cream cake. Pressure Test contestants will need ice in their veins to replicate the nostalgic dessert or risk being frozen out of the kitchen.
Eliminated: Alice Han
Ep 18, Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Two teams must wok hard to create a sumptuous banquet at a suburban Chinese Restaurant as they hope to takeaway a crack at Immunity. Will our judges deem their plates of fortune to be sweet … or sour?
Pork San Choy Bow (Red Team)
Beef and Black Bean (Red Team)
Fried Rice (Red Team)
Lychees and Vanilla Ice Cream (Red Team)
Ep 19, Thursday, June 1, 2023
Great frypans of fire! It’s an Immunity Pin fracas as a field of faves fan the flames in a flipping flambe free-for-all. Who will face fab French foodie Gabriel Gate in a fierce fight to the finish?
Round 1:
Bourbon Chicken Skewers (Brent Draper)
Round 2:
Orange Duck with Nam Jim Salad and Crispy Pancakes (Brent Draper) – Immunity Pin
Prawn and Mussel Casserole with Julienne Vegetables and a Champagne Sauce (Gabriel Gate)
Ep 20, Sunday, June 4, 2023
Fancy a final trip down memory lane for a ’70s-themed dinner party? A little fermented curd will do the trick! Then, time travel for the taste buds leads to a tearful farewell to one contestant.
Moussaka (Rhiannon Anderson)
Trifle Swiss Roll with Strawberry and Vanilla (Rue Mupedzi)
Sticky Date Trifle (Ralph Kahango)
Eliminated: Robbie Cooper
Ep 21, Monday, June 5, 2023
It’s home cooks versus pro cooks in a culinary smackdown. The gloves are off as three contenders go toe-to-toe with Jacqui Challinor and her Nomad Restaurant warriors. Who will deliver the knockout blow?
Tempura Betel Leaf with Pork, Pineapple and Rosella Sauce, and Salsa (Grace Jupp)
Ep 22, Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Three more contestants battle the best of the best, dueling with Nick Holloway’s Nu Nu crew in a mind-blowing 3-course Pressure Test whipped up by Aru and Sunda Restaurant’s gifted chef, Khahn Nguyen.
Macadamia Tofu, Skull Island Prawn, Tamarind, Lemon Myrtle (Khanh Nguyen)
Wagyu Rendang Pie, Vietnamese Satay, Pickled Daikon Radish (Khanh Nguyen)
Kaya Jam Ice Cream Sandwich, Davidson Plum, Salted Koji Waffle (Khanh Nguyen)
Ep 23, Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Louis Tikaram and his Stanley Restaurant team sprint to the kitchen for a blind relay against three MasterChef contestants. With no handovers and zero communication… who will be the runaway winners?
Crispy Skin Chicken, Steamed Fish and Asian Greens (Stanley Team)
Ep 24, Thursday, June 8, 2023
Who can knock Jock’s socks off in a shock rock around the clock? Three cooks face the chopping block against Serai’s flock. Time is docked for the best stock. Tick tock, tick tock, don’t get crocked!
Beef Kilawin with Bone Marrow Butter (Serai Team)
Moreton Bay Bug with Palapa Butter and Fruit Salsa (Serai Team)
Ep 25, Sunday, June 11, 2023
Our home cooks are wading into treacherous waters as global seafood superstar Rick Stein brings his best squid game. Who will end up sleeping with the fishes in a chaotic aquatic 2-part challenge?
Round 1:
Sri Lankan Charred Whole Squid (Brent Draper)
Squid with Ajvar (Grace Jupp)
Maharashtrian Squid Curry (Adi Nevgi)
Poached Squid with Prawn Sauce (Rue Mupedzi)
Squid Ceviche (Cath Collins)
Peri Peri Squid (Theo Loizou)
Round 2:
Croque Madame with Soft Poached Egg and Potato Foam (Ralph Kahango)
Honey and Olive Oil Pana Cotta with Lemon Crumb and Charred Apricots (Malissa Fedele)
Eliminated: Phil Conway
Ep 26, Monday, June 12, 2023 – Everything But The Fillets
Contestants must push the boat out to hook the catch of the day as Australia’s top chef Josh Niland reels them in with his unique skills, before setting a gnarly John Dory Mystery Box challenge.
Dory al Asado Negro with Cauliflower Purée and Plantain Chips (Antonio Cruz Vaamonde)
Hibachi Grilled Dory with Asian Apple Salad and Nam Jim Dressing (Rhiannon Anderson)
Ep 27, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 – No Recipe Phở
One contender will be shafted as a saucy twist with a standout ingredient ensures stiff competition between the bottom three, who must replicate iconic chef Luke Nguyen’s zesty phở without a recipe.
Eliminated: Grace Jupp
Ep 28, Wednesday, June 14, 2023 – Two Course Root Veg
Australia’s homegrown superstar Curtis Stone visits the MasterChef kitchen to mentor and motivate two teams facing off in a massive Service Challenge to create next level root vegetable dishes.
Charred Octopus with Beetroot (Green Team)
Goats Cheese Crémeux, Beetroot Consommé and Poached Pear (Green Team)
Ep 29, Thursday, June 15, 2023 – Condiment Challenge
It’s a golden opportunity to relish in Curtis’ Condiment Cook-off. Today’s tastiest condiment wins its maker Immunity, plus their creation will be on Coles supermarket shelves Australia-wide tomorrow!
Round 1:
BarbeRue Sauce (Rue Mupedzi)
Troppo Chutney with Mango and Pineapple (Rhiannon Anderson)
Mango Chilli Sauce (Brent Draper)
Round 2:
Ribs and Chicken with BarbeRue Sauce (Rue Mupedzi)
Ep 30, Sunday, June 18, 2023 – Ingredient Gamble
Australia’s most beloved food icon, Maggie Beer, is in the Masterchef kitchen to spread the joy and inspire a full field of black apron contestants as they compete in a 2-round Elimination Challenge.
Round 1:
Duck and Parsnip Purée with Rosemary Oil (Ralph Kahango)
Fig Leaf Granita, Goats Cheese Cream and a Buckwheat Crisp (Cath Collins)
Prune Glazed Crullers (Theo Loizou)
Mussel Curry with Finger Lime (Rhiannon Anderson)
Squid and Nduja Sauce with Heirloom Tomato Salsa (Brent Draper)
Round 2:
Rum and Raisin Semifreddo with Hazelnut Crumb and Raisin Compote (Malissa Fedele)
Baked Murray Cod, Carraway and Tomato, Tahini Dressing (Declan Cleary)
Eliminated: Antonio Cruz Vaamonde
Ep 31, Monday, June 19, 2023 – Surprise Inside
The week kicks off with a bang as a Mystery Box Challenge allows our Top 9 to turn the tables on Jock, Andy and Melissa. It’s what’s inside that counts as our home cooks try to surprise the judges.
Green Curry Choux Buns (Declan Cleary)
White Chocolate Mousse with Passionfruit Gel (Rue Mupedzi)
Ep 32, Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Chef Nelly Robinson presents Mr McGregor Garden – a whimsical dish that sends three home cooks down a tricky Pressure Test rabbit hole. For one unlucky contestant there will be no fairytale ending.
Mr. McGregor Garden (Nelly Robinson)
Eliminated: Ralph Kahango
Ep 33, Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Greece is the word! The National Gallery of Victoria’s Temple of Boom is the Herculean setting where food will be given the Midas touch in a big fat Greek Service Challenge odyssey with a twist. Opa!
Lamb Shoulder, Skordalia, Courgette, Oregano and Parsley Oil (Red Team)
Crème Brûlée Galaktoboureko with Fig and Honey Syrup (Red Team)
Ep 34, Thursday, June 22, 2023 – Beat The Chef
For a hot shot at an Immunity Pin, the lucky mug to grind out the best sweet coffee dish moves on to stir things up in a tea-for-two brew-ha-ha against The Ritz-Carlton’s perky pastry chef Kay-Lene Tan.
Round 1:
Coffee Parfait with Biscuit Crumb, Burnt Orange and Coffee Syrup (Malissa Fedele)
Round 2:
Jasmine Tea Smoked Chicken (Malissa Fedele) – Immunity Pin
Fruit and Tea (Kay-Lene Tan)
Ep 35, Sunday, June 25, 2023 – Caviar Taste Test
It’s a colour palette for the palate with a pearler of a taste test to set the tone. Who will then be caught red-handed and feeling blue cooking an elimination dish that highlights one chosen colour?
Octopus Yellow Curry with Yellow Salsa (Brent Draper)
Khao Moo Daeng (Declan Cleary)
Eliminated: Adi Nevgi
Ep 36, Monday, June 26, 2023 – Everything Mystery Box
Contestants must include every ingredient in the dreaded Everything Box to plate up a meal. The makers of the bottom three dishes will face tomorrow’s mind-blowing Pressure Test.
Lamb Skewer with Green Sauce (Theo Loizou)
Lamb Koftas with Labneh, Sherry Glaze and Garlic Pancakes (Brent Draper)
Ep 37, Tuesday, June 27, 2023 – Beef & Oyster
Internationally renowned chef Clare Smyth of Sydney’s Oncore Restaurant is here to put contestants through their Pressure Test paces with a complex dish inspired by beef, oyster and Irish stout pie.
Eliminated: Rue Mupedzi
Ep 38, Wednesday, June 28, 2023 – O.My Farm to Table
At the beautiful grounds of the O.MY Farm, contestants are split into 3 teams of 2. After foraging for one ingredient to hero in a dish, only THEN do they find out what course they’ll be cooking!
Ricotta and Basil Raviolo with Vegetable Broth and Blue Spiced Basil Oil (Malissa & Theo)
Tomato Honey Panna Cotta, Strawberry and Tomato Granita and Black Garlic Glaze (Declan & Brent)
Ep 39, Thursday, June 29, 2023
Hear ye, hear ye! It’s crunch time in a cracker of an Immunity Challenge. Judges are listening for the loudest, most rip-roaring dish that offers both aural pleasure and sizzling taste. Sound good?
Round 1:
Crispy Betel Leaf Kangaroo (Theo Loizou)
Round 2:
Surf and Surf with Bonito Tataki and Moreton Bay Bug Tempura (Chase Kojima)
Mexican Pork with Pineapple Salsa (Theo Loizou)
Ep 40, Sunday, July 2, 2023
Consummate pastry chef and chocolatier Kirsten Tibballs is here to set a sweet Elimination Challenge over two rounds. Who will pud up some patisserie magic and who will dessert the kitchen?
Round 1:
Choux Buns with Raspberry Craquelin and Hazelnut Praline (Declan Cleary)
Round 2:
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Raspberry Coulis (Cath Collins)
Chocolate Fondant with Hazelnut Ice Cream and Lemon Crumb (Rhiannon Anderson)
Eliminated: Malissa Fedele
Ep 41, Monday, July 3, 2023
With an open garden, open pantry and an open mind, freshness will be front and centre as our Top 5 let their imaginations run wild competing for a spot in the next Immunity Challenge.
Pork Belly Skewer, Tomato and Betel Leaf Salsa and Adobo Sauce (Brent Draper)
Ep 42, Tuesday, July 4, 2023
A road trip to All Saints Estate in the Murray offers a high-stakes showdown with a classic Time Auction. A bidding war for ingredients is just the opening salvo in a battle for a shot at Immunity.
Glazed Pork Chop with Fig and Apple Salad (Theo Loizou)
Ep 43, Wednesday, July 5, 2023
We’re at the pointy end in cactus country, and the most succulent Mexican dish will earn its maker a stab at Immunity. Needles to say, the winner will be dancing a salsa in this thorny alfresco fiesta.
Round 1:
Flathead Tortillas with Tatemada Salsa (Declan Cleary)
Round 2:
Prickly Pear Chicken with Strawberry Cactus Salsa (Brent Draper)
Ep 44, Thursday, July 6, 2023
Our judges face their toughest decision yet in a service challenge at the incredible Stick Shed in Murtoa. Who will separate the wheat from the chaff in our grain event and be first into Finals Week?
Pearl Barley Coconut Pudding with Peach and Plum Salsa and Pearl Barley Caramel (Declan Cleary)
Ep 45, Sunday, July 9, 2023
An all-out anchovy assault and a ding-dong Dijon duel sees contestants pitted against each other in pairs for the first Elimination round, with the bottom two duking it out to remain in the competition.
Round 1:
Pan Seared Kingfish with Dijon Sauce and Dill Oil (Theo Loizou)
Grilled Chicken with Anchovy Salsa (Rhiannon Anderson)
Round 2:
Chicken Adobo Skewer with Charred Corn and Cucumber Salad (Brent Draper)
Eliminated: Cath Collins
Ep 46, Monday, July 10, 2023
Emotions run high with a semi final spot at stake, as contestants feel the love in a tear-jerker of a Mystery Box. Hearts and souls will go into a MasterChef version of their family’s favourite dish.
Balinese Braised Pork Belly (Brent Draper)
Ep 47, Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Bennelong Restaurant’s Peter Gilmore demonstrates how to create an intricate and tasty seafood dish. With no recipe, contestants must use total recall to perfectly replicate the dish or be eliminated.
XO Squid, Scallops and Pipies, Crispy Eggplant, Aioli (Peter Gilmore)
Eliminated: Theo Loizou
Ep 48, Wednesday, July 12, 2023
The final three must keep up with Curtis Stone as he whips up a magnificent beef dish. The contestant whose plate most closely resembles Curtis’ creation will earn a whopping advantage for the semifinal.
Scotch Fillet Au Poivre, Beurre Rouge, Purée Potatoes and Roasted Bone Marrow (Curtis Stone)
Ep 49, Thursday, July 13, 2023
Our top three must create an entree, main course and dessert for a hungry crowd of diners and judges. The two contestants with the most exciting overall menu will earn their ticket into the grand finale.
Charred Octopus with XO and Pickled Daikon (Brent Draper)
Pork Belly with Pork Sauce and Charred Salsa (Brent Draper)
Coconut Ice Cream with Pickled Mango and Tapioca Pearls (Brent Draper)
Betel Leaf Scallops, Betel Leaf, Thai Green Gel and Bitter Melon (Rhiannon Anderson)
Beef Short Rib with Apple Salad and Crispy Potatoes (Rhiannon Anderson)
Lemongrass Panna Cotta with Tropical Fruit and Finger Lime Syrup (Rhiannon Anderson)
Eliminated: Declan Cleary
Ep 50, Sunday, July 16, 2023
It’s Grand Finale Day, and whichever cook scores the most points across two rounds will lift the trophy aloft, claiming $250,000 in prize money, and the title of MasterChef Australia winner, 2023!?
Round 1:
Tamarind Glazed Pork Chop and Charred Cabbage (Brent Draper)
Crispy Pork Belly with Citrus Caramel and Asian Salad (Rhiannon Anderson)
Round 1 scores:
Brent – 29/30
Rhiannon – 25/30
Round 2:
Round 2 scores:
Brent – 34/40
Rhiannon – 27/40
Winner of MasterChef Australia 2023 is Brent Draper!
Corner Café 
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