In the fifth episode of Next Level Chef season 5, aired on February 26, teams faced a high-stakes challenge involving massive fish, with one contestant earning the season's only immunity pin. Andy from Team Ramsay delivered the top dish, securing safety and promotion for her team. The episode ended with Elise from Team Blais being eliminated after a steak cook-off.
The episode began with the teams positioned based on prior performances: Team Blais in the Top Level kitchen, Team Arrington in the Middle Level, and Team Ramsay in the Basement. Host Gordon Ramsay introduced the challenge, where each level received one giant protein—a swordfish, halibut, or monkfish—for the teams to break down collaboratively and turn into a standout dish. The winning chef would also receive the Next Level immunity pin, allowing them to opt out of future elimination cook-offs.
Team Blais selected the swordfish, followed by Team Arrington choosing the halibut, leaving the monkfish for Team Ramsay. Contestant Darian efficiently handled the swordfish breakdown for Team Blais, while Matt managed the halibut for Team Arrington with precision. On Team Ramsay, Gabrielle worked on the monkfish but cut her finger during the process, requiring medical attention.
After selecting additional ingredients, the chefs prepared their dishes independently. Judges Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais evaluated the results, naming Andy's pan-roasted monkfish satay with peanut sauce as the best. This victory kept Team Ramsay safe and elevated them to the Top Level for the next episode.
For the elimination cook-off, Richard nominated Elise from Team Blais, and Nyesha selected Emerson from Team Arrington again. The pair cooked dry-aged steaks: Emerson's grilled ribeye with purple mashed potatoes, chimichurri, and bone marrow butter was praised but criticized for gummy potatoes; Elise's New York strip with mashed potatoes, roasted mushrooms, and asparagus was called classic yet faulted for sloppy plating and lumpy potatoes. Both judges voted to eliminate Elise, sending her home in 14th place.
"I'm disappointed," Elise said through tears. "I am obsessed with being the best version of myself and being here has gotten me closer to that. There is so much more to accomplish for me. It's going to be virtually impossible to get me out of the kitchen at this point."
The next episode airs on March 5, featuring a moving platform of ingredients that requires grabbing items on the go.
