The cooks face a series of pressure-filled skills tests using beef; the two weakest contestants go head-to-head.

The episode was rated 7.39 from 212 votes.

In the first skills test of the season, MASTERCHEF host/judge/executive producer Gordon Ramsay teaches the home cooks how to properly break down a crab, before the contestants must replicate his work. The contestants whose skills don't cut it, face an elimination challenge during which Ramsay will show them how to make his signature Crab Benedict dish. It is then up to the judges to decide who stays and who goes home.

The episode was rated 7.41 from 272 votes.

Judges Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez and Joe Bastianich each will have eight aprons to hand out to the home cooks whom they deem worthy – and they then will mentor those contestants throughout the competition.

The episode was rated 7.42 from 292 votes.

Then, the remaining five receive a heart-warming mystery box challenge in which contestants will create a dish inspired by their loved-one.

The episode was rated 7.43 from 207 votes.

The contestants cook for Season 7 winner Shaun O'Neale's wedding.

The episode was rated 7.43 from 237 votes.

The contestants must make a dish that features a deep-fried element as the judges cook alongside them; the elimination challenge features a citrus-centered dish.

The episode was rated 7.43 from 218 votes.

The remaining home cooks pair up for a skills test to create a restaurant-quality dish featuring five ingredients—only to leave one contestant without a pair. The contestant cooking solo gets a huge advantage in the challenge and gets the opportunity to cook alongside his-her mentor.The chefs who fail to impress the judges will face an elimination challenge and create the ever-challenging cheese soufflé in just 40 minutes.

The episode was rated 7.46 from 230 votes.

The Top Six face the Restaurant Takeover Challenge at Providence in Los Angeles. The home cooks split into two teams and must feed a dining room filled with 48 guests.

The episode was rated 7.46 from 202 votes.

The three remaining home cooks must each prepare a three-course menu for the judges.

The episode was rated 7.49 from 222 votes.

The final four split into two teams to cook one entrée for the judges' mentors: chefs Daniel Boulud, Jonathan Waxman and Lidia Bastianich; an elimination leaves three cooks moving on to the finale.

The episode was rated 7.49 from 197 votes.

The Top 14 contestants are split into two teams to compete in a fine dining challenge and are to cook 39 dishes for a group of very discerning judges who have big expectations. Contestants are surprised when diners are revealed and forced to scramble and alter their dishes to accommodate the guests. Ultimately the winning team’s recipe will be printed in Family Circle Magazine. The losing team will compete in a cupcake pressure test with special guest and pastry chef Christina Tosi.

The episode was rated 7.52 from 203 votes.

The contestants face a mystery box filled with fresh seafood and must create a dish using two items from it. The chefs who fail to impress the judges will face an elimination challenge and be asked to upgrade one of the most popular frozen dinner dishes, Salisbury Steak.

The episode was rated 7.52 from 223 votes.

The three judges each choose eight home cooks to mentor throughout the competition.

The episode was rated 7.54 from 228 votes.

The Top 12 face their third skills test and replicate the proper way to break down a halibut. Those who fail to impress the judges are then tasked with creating a stunning original dish using their broken-down fish. Some contestants yield a bountiful filet, while others offer up a poor portion of protein.

The episode was rated 7.59 from 227 votes.

The three remaining home cooks must each prepare a three-course menu for the judges; the home cook with the best overall menu wins the prize and the coveted title of MasterChef.

The episode was rated 7.89 from 202 votes.