Proud Moment for Flaming Coals: Our Argentinian Parrilla Grills Featured on MasterChef USA!

At Flaming Coals, we couldn’t be more excited to see our Argentinian Parrilla Grills featured on MasterChef USA Season 15, Episode 12. It was a proud moment for us to watch contestants from the hit cooking competition showcase their grilling skills on the very grills that bring the authentic flavours of Argentina right to your backyard. The parrilla is at the heart of Argentine cuisine, and seeing it in action on national TV further solidifies its place as a must-have cooking tool for BBQ enthusiasts and aspiring chefs alike….even if some of the contestants seem to make it look much harder than it actually is. But hey, that's reality TV for you! 

Mastering the Parrilla in the Backyard

In this intense episode, the contestants were tasked with cooking an Argentinian asado, a traditional barbecue known for its slow-cooked meats and unique grilling methods. The challenge was to grill double-bone pork chops and rib-steaks over a wood-fired parrilla, capturing the essence of Argentinian barbecue techniques. 

The contestants used our Flaming Coals Argentinian Parrilla Grills to bring these dishes to life, and it was clear that the skills required to master this technique are no easy feat. As the chefs fired up the parrillas, it was exciting to see how they adapted to cooking with wood, charcoal, and the delicate art of managing fire and temperature.

The Pressure Cooker Challenge

The first challenge was all about testing the contestants’ understanding of grilling on a parrilla grill. With only 60 minutes on the clock, the chefs had to prepare the proteins and sides, showcasing their technical grilling abilities while staying true to the essence of asado.

It wasn’t just about throwing meat on the grill. It was about precision, fire control, and balancing flavours. The contestants had to perfectly cook meats to different levels of doneness while ensuring that the sides, like grilled corn and warm potato salad complemented their dishes. They had access to a garden full of herbs, fruits and vegetables to bring some vibrance. This wasn’t a BBQ for a sloppy tail-gate party, it was an elegant garden BBQ lunch catering for 40 guests. 

While some contestants thrived, others struggled to maintain the perfect temperature on the parrilla, showing just how challenging this iconic method of cooking can be.

Elimination Round: Perfecting the Fire

The elimination challenge took the heat up a notch, with contestants being tasked to grill their proteins, including a bone-in rib-eye steak and a bone-in pork chop on the parrilla. The pressure mounted as the contestants had to ensure that the meats were cooked properly over a fire, with the judges watching closely for perfect execution.

It was clear that the judges Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez, and Joe Bastianich were mostly impressed with those who demonstrated excellent control over the heat, a key element when cooking on a parrilla. One contestant’s mastery of the fire stood out, earning them high praise from the judges for their technique and flavour balance.

Unfortunately, a couple of chefs fell short with their meat being undercooked, while another chef overcooked their meat. A comical one-liner from Gordon Ramsay “This pork should be back in the field” made us chuckle as he flung an underdone pork chop across the set. 

Emotional Goodbye & Reflecting on the Journey

As always, the emotional moments were intertwined with the cooking challenges. The eliminated chef gave a heartfelt goodbye, reflecting on how much they had learned throughout the competition and how the experience had shaped them as a chef.

It was a bittersweet ending to a fierce competition, but the contestants left with a newfound respect for Argentinian parrilla grilling and the intense skill it requires to master.

Already have a Parrilla? Exposure to rain and sun will shorten its life, so it’s worth protecting your setup with a quality BBQ cover that fits snugly over your grill. We have Parrilla 885 covers and Parrilla 610 covers designed specifically for Flaming Coals models to help keep your gear in top shape for years to come.

Final Thoughts: Bringing the MasterChef Experience to Your Backyard

We’re beyond proud that our Flaming Coals Argentinian Parrilla Grills were used by the talented contestants on MasterChef USA. Watching the chefs cook on these grills, bringing the flavours of Argentina to life, was an unforgettable moment for us. It truly showcases the versatility, quality, and authenticity of the parrilla, a cooking tool that can transform any backyard into an Argentine BBQ haven.

If you’re inspired by the amazing dishes featured on the show, why not bring the MasterChef experience to your own backyard? Our Flaming Coals Argentinian Parrilla Grills are the perfect tool for grilling meats, creating mouthwatering asados, and impressing your friends and family with authentic Argentine barbecue techniques ... .and trust us, it’s really not as difficult as some of the contestants portrayed. 

Get your own Flaming Coals Argentinian Parrilla Grill today and start your journey to grilling greatness!

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by: Rhiannon Peterson