Gordon Ramsay erupts over 'bland' mash and cold greens in MasterChef's chaotic train challenge

MasterChef: Dynamic Duos returned with episode 9, titled "Train to Table," which aired on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, on FOX. In this outdoor team challenge, the Top 8 duos were split into two groups to cook a fine-dining meal for 60 VIP guests on a moving steam train. The task tested how fast, carefully, and well each pair could work under pressure.

Each team had to make two dishes: a small starter (amuse-bouche) served on the train, and a main dish served once the train returned to the station. After tasting both courses, the guests voted for the team they thought delivered the better overall experience. The winning team would be safe, while the losing team would face a Pressure Test, where at least one pair would be eliminated.

The Red Team was led by Zach & Michelle and included Rachel & Julio, Timothy & Athena, and Tonna & Cait. The Blue Team, led by Jessica & Jesse, included Adam & Joel, Azu & Javier, and Tina & Aivan.

Both teams faced cooking problems during the challenge, but the Red Team received the most criticism. The tensest moment came when Gordon Ramsay shouted at them over their side dish, calling it a “train wreck.”

Ramsay lashes out as Red Team struggles with execution in MasterChef: Dynamic Duos

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Gordon Ramsay (@gordongram)

As the challenge went on, the Red Team started to lose coordination in MasterChef. While Rachel & Julio served the starter on the train, the others worked on the main course: steak with mashed potatoes, mushrooms, greens, and sauce. Early in the cook, Gordon Ramsay warned Zach & Michelle that he wasn’t confident Tonna & Cait knew how to properly cook the steaks.

Despite adjustments, problems persisted. Joe Bastianich said the dishes looked “technically sound but sloppy.” Ramsay added that the crab amuse-bouche was under-seasoned and the filet was undercooked. But the most vocal criticism came during plating when Ramsay discovered that the greens were cold and the mashed potatoes had poor texture. He further said that their mashed potatoes were "watery, lumpy, bland." He yelled,

“This is a frickin’ train wreck!” while throwing the greens off the train in frustration.

During service, guests seemed to prefer the Red Team’s filet flavor over the Blue Team’s duck breast, but the judges remained critical. Ramsay called the mashed potatoes “watery, lumpy, bland,” and Joe noted a lack of consistency across plates. Meanwhile, diners cast votes based on the full experience, both courses and overall presentation.

Ultimately, the Red Team’s mistakes proved costly, setting them up for the Pressure Test in the next episode of MasterChef.

Blue Team takes the win despite early setbacks in MasterChef: Dynamic Duos

The Blue Team, led by Jessica & Jesse, faced its challenges but managed to stay composed in this episode of MasterChef. Adam & Joel served the amuse-bouche aboard the train — a sesame-crusted ahi tuna crisp with avocado purée and pickled onions. However, Tina struggled with seasoning the tuna and was assisted by Jesse. Joe later told them that the tuna was overcooked and the sesame seeds hadn’t been toasted at all.

Back at the station, the remaining Blue Team members prepared the main course: duck breast with butternut squash purée, roasted carrots, and port wine sauce. Ramsay praised the duck, saying it looked beautiful, but pointed out that the carrots were “undercooked and under-seasoned.” Despite those critiques, the service onboard was smooth and timely.

Once the diners returned for their main course, the Blue Team continued plating with minimal issues in MasterChef. While their duck didn’t outshine the Red Team’s filet for every guest, the full dining experience, including timing, plating, and flavor balance, won them praise.

When votes were counted, the Blue Team was declared the winner. Joe commented that they had “more style and finesse” in execution. All four Blue Team duos: Adam & Joel, Azu & Javier, Tina & Aivan, and Jessica & Jesse, advanced to the Top 7 and avoided the upcoming elimination challenge.

Stay tuned for more updates.