MasterChef 2020: Viewers heartbroken over Sarah Tiong’s elimination

MasterChef fans have farewelled a season nine favourite after a curry paste bungle during an intense pressure test.

MasterChef fans said goodbye to Sarah Tiong on Tuesday night after an intense pressure test saw her accidentally burn her curry paste and bungle her broth.

The challenge, set by guest judge Benjamin Cooper of Chin Chin Melbourne, saw contestants who had fallen in the bottom four after Monday’s twinning challenge; Brendan Pang, Reece Hignell, Poh Ling Yeow and Sarah Tiong, tasked with recreating his flavour-packed and super spicy jungle curry without a recipe to refer to.

But while Poh and Sarah were initially confident in their palettes — certain they would be able to mirror the flavours in an hour and a half without direction — a twist revelation in the final minutes sent them both into a tizz.

Contestants were asked to recreate the punchy, seafood-filled jungle curry set by Chin Chin executive chef Benjamin Cooper sans-recipe. Picture: Channel 10.

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Having prepared their chicken stock, made their chilli-packed curry paste and already begun cooking down the combined spices, it came as a shock to Poh and Sarah when chef Benjamin Cooper revealed that he only cooks the curry in 10 minutes – stirring through the paste rather than letting it reduce.

Of the contestants, Reece had been the only chef to trust his instinct when it came to leaving the curry until last.

Poh – whose curry paste had caramelised, plated up a heavier dish than the original, commenting that what she’d made tasted more like a Malaysian curry rather than Thai.

Elsewhere, Sarah had accidentally burnt her curry paste with 40 minutes to go, with the remaining paste she had prepared not enough to complete the dish, rendering the broth “watery”.

“It’s almost like a Goldilocks moment ... Poh’s was too heavy, this is too light,” guest chef Cooper said.

Judge Melissa was disappointed by the thin curry broth. Picture: Channel 10

The judges labelled it “the polar opposite of Poh’s dish”. Picture: MasterChef.

Despite its thick consistency, Poh’s well-balanced plate kept her in the competition over Sarah’s, who was forced to hang up her apron in the Back to Win kitchen.

“Sarah, this hurts. I think this hurts all of us,” judge Andy Allen told the 28-year-old from Sydney.

Fans agreed:

Damn I was hoping for Sarah Tiong to go all the way. She's an incredible cook and so full of fun and positive energy. Sad to see her go. #MasterChefAU

— Lia (@LiaMirch) June 9, 2020

Me knocking on the producers doors after seeing Sarah get eliminated like this: #MasterChefAU pic.twitter.com/KhBJtTz2IY

— Olivia Silk (@livsilk) June 9, 2020

Can Sarah just stay up on the gantry and narrate for the rest of the season? #MasterChefAU

— Sir Kumference (@sirkumference) June 9, 2020

Sarah going in for the hug then realising she can’t and going for a self high-five I’m crying 😂😂😂 #MasterChefau

— Prash (@prash_xo) June 7, 2020

WHAT IS THE POINT OF WATCHING IF SARAH IS GONE?! I’m done. I quit.

(See you all same time and place tomorrow)#MasterChefAU pic.twitter.com/m1MFDTkA6h

— Tara Watson (@tara_watson_) June 9, 2020

Me trying to remove all emotional attachment I have to Sarah right now #MasterChefAU pic.twitter.com/ol92gEqhQW

— Téa (@tearobillot) June 9, 2020

Not to be dramatic but I would die for Sarah Tiong #MasterChefAU

— Polly Maeve 🏆🐯🏆 (@PollyMaeve) June 9, 2020

“You’ve brought us some of the biggest flavours this kitchen has ever seen, and will ever see,” he added.

Before she ran out the doors, gesturing and laughing to fellow contestants as she went, Sarah said: “It’s been an incredible privilege to come and see familiar faces and new ones, and walk and work among legends.

“I’m so grateful. MasterChef has been such a pivotal part of my life … It’s created so much joy.

“I want to leave this kitchen on a really positive note, and that’s just be kind and have fun.”

Sarah Tiong has been eliminated from the MasterChef top 10. Picture: Channel 10.

The episode saw Reece emerge as the challenge winner — much to his surprise — with judge Jock Zonfrillo telling him the cook proved he has what it takes to take out top spot.

“You used your instincts … You’ve got the intelligence to take this right to the final,” he told Reece, who was genuinely shocked by the win.

MasterChef: Back to Win continues Wednesday night from 7.30 on Channel 10.