MasterChef — Season 3

Season 3 of the American competitive reality television series MasterChef had a two-night premiere on Fox on June 4 and 5, 2012. By the third episode, which aired on June 11, 2012, the judges had tasted all 100 dishes and given white MasterChef aprons to 36 contestants. In the same episode, the judges cut that number down to 18 contestants. The season concluded on September 10, 2012 with the first blind contestant Christine Ha winning the MasterChef title.

1. Auditions (1)

Episode 1 · 4 Jun 2012 · 43 min

After a nationwide search, only the best amateur cooks – including a stock broker, a professional opera singer, a plastic surgeon, as well as the first blind cook to enter the competition - were flown to Los Angeles for a chance to prepare their signature dishes and present them to the judges. The judges will taste for flavor, originality, creativity and presentation. But most importantly, the amateur cooks must demonstrate a genuine passion for food and a drive to win in order to earn a coveted white apron and move on to the next round.

2. Auditions (2)

Episode 2 · 5 Jun 2012 · 43 min

The auditions continue as the judges critique the good and the bad and continue to winnow down the competition. Those who impress the judges will earn a coveted white apron and move one step closer to becoming the next MasterChef.

3. Auditions (3) and Top 36 Bootcamp

Episode 3 · 11 Jun 2012 · 43 min

The final round of auditions is held in Los Angeles. Then, the 36 remaining hopefuls compete in a ground-beef challenge in hopes of earning a spot in the Top 18.

4. Top 18 Compete

Episode 4 · 12 Jun 2012 · 43 min

The Top 18 must create gourmet dishes using duck and bananas. Later, they're challenged to cook with unusual and intimidating ingredients.

5. Top 16 Compete

Episode 5 · 18 Jun 2012 · 43 min

Culinary boot camp awaits the 16 remaining hopefuls at California's Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, where they'll work in teams to prepare a healthy, balanced meal for 200 servicemen and women.

6. Top 15 Compete

Episode 6 · 19 Jun 2012 · 43 min

Fifteen hopefuls remain, and they're tasked with creating unique dishes using unconventional—and unappetizing—cuts of meat in a challenge that tests their resourcefulness.

7. Top 14 Compete

Episode 7 · 25 Jun 2012 · 43 min

The judges split the cooks into teams to prepare breakfast for hotel guests; the members of the losing team must prove they deserve to stay in the competition.

8. Top 13 Compete

Episode 8 · 26 Jun 2012 · 42 min

A budget-friendly mystery-box challenge requires the wannabe chefs to create a gourmet meal using only $20 worth of ingredients. Later, another hopeful is sent packing.

9. Top 12 Compete

Episode 9 · 2 Jul 2012 · 43 min

The 12 remaining hopefuls are split into three teams for a food-truck challenge that requires them to create budget-friendly meals for beachgoers.

10. Top 11 Compete

Episode 10 · 3 Jul 2012 · 43 min

Judge Graham Elliot joins the amateur cooks in the kitchen, taking part in a mystery-box challenge. Later, a double elimination sends two hopefuls home.

11. Top Nine Compete

Episode 11 · 9 Jul 2012 · 43 min

The amateur chefs must cook with exotic ingredients from the sea

12. Top 8 Compete

Episode 12 · 16 Jul 2012 · 43 min

The amateur chefs are taken to a Southern California rodeo, where they'll work in teams to feed a hearty meal to 101 hungry cowboys. Members of the winning team advance to the next round of competition, while the others face off in a pressure test that has them preparing six eggs in four different ways.

13. Top 7 Compete

Episode 13 · 17 Jul 2012 · 43 min

Paula Deen is a guest judge for a Southern-inspired mystery-box challenge. Later, the hopefuls are paired up to cook a complicated Japanese dish.

14. Top 6 Compete, Pt. 1

Episode 14 · 23 Jul 2012 · 43 min

Part 1 of 3. Eight previously eliminated contestants return and compete for a chance to win back their aprons and continue on in the competition. Each hopeful selects one ingredient to make up the mystery box, and then they are required to use all of the items to create a dish that proves they are worthy of a second chance.

15. Top 6 Compete, Pt. 2

Episode 15 · 24 Jul 2012 · 43 min

Part 2 of 3. The seven remaining hopefuls find shrimp in the mystery basket, and must make standout dishes with a very limited pantry. The winner then determines which savory ingredient the others will have to incorporate into desserts in the elimination round.

16. Top 6 Compete, Pt. 3

Episode 16 · 14 Aug 2012 · 43 min

Conclusion. The six remaining hopefuls compete in a team challenge at Hatfield's, a Hollywood hot spot, where they attempt to replicate the acclaimed restaurant's signature dishes. Later, members of the losing team face off in an elimination challenge that requires them to prepare steak three different ways.

17. Top 5 Compete

Episode 17 · 21 Aug 2012 · 43 min

A game-changing twist surprises the five remaining hopefuls during a mystery-box challenge. Later, the wannabe chefs are tasked with re-creating one of Graham Elliot's signature dishes that he served to President Obama at his flagship restaurant.

18. Top 4 Compete

Episode 18 · 28 Aug 2012 · 43 min

Four hopefuls remain, and they must work in teams of two to prepare a gourmet meal for three world-renowned chefs: Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse and Guy Savoy. The winning pair will each earn a spot in the Top 3, while the losing team face off in a pressure test featuring soufflé.

19. Top 3 Compete

Episode 19 · 4 Sept 2012 · 42 min

Part 1 of 2. Season 3 finale: The three remaining hopefuls are tasked with creating a dish that best embodies their personality and passion for food. Then, each prepares a pair of legs—chicken, lamb and frog—in hopes of scoring a spot in the Top 2.

20. Winner Chosen

Episode 20 · 10 Sept 2012 · 43 min

In their final challenge in the kitchen, the two home cooks will conceptualize and prepare the most important three-course meal of their lives. Later, the judges will reveal America's next, and the deserving home cook will walk away with a book deal and the $250,000 grand prize. Find out whose culinary dreams will turn into a reality.