In the high-stakes world of Next Level Chef Season 5, where viral fame meets brutal culinary pressure, the “Auditions — Social Media Chefs” episode (aired February 5, 2026, on FOX) delivered pure drama and delicious innovation.

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Key Standout Dishes : Next Chef Confirmed Contestants

Eight internet-famous cooks—accustomed to perfect lighting, quick edits, and endless likes—stepped into the iconic three-tier kitchen, trading ring lights for rusty basement tools and just 20 minutes per round to prove their skills go beyond the screen.

Mentors Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais watched closely as the contestants elevated humble corner-store staples into dishes worthy of the top level. Only five would survive the cuts to join the draft and chase the $250,000 grand prize.

Three were sent home: Henna after a risky hot dog stir-fry in the basement, Miriam with her wasabi pea-crusted tilapia in the middle round, and Landon in the final elimination.

But the real stars of the night were the bold, creative standouts that had the judges buzzing—and viewers hungry.

Christian’s Oatmeal-Crusted Chicken Wings: Basement Magic

Starting in the dreaded basement under Gordon Ramsay’s watchful eye, Christian (35, Austin, Texas) turned a simple pantry item into something extraordinary.

His oatmeal-crusted chicken wings weren’t just crispy—they were a clever textural twist that elevated a classic bar snack into fine-dining territory.

The judges praised the unexpected crunch and balanced flavors, with one noting it “didn’t taste like it came from the basement at all.” In a round full of pressure and limited tools, Christian’s ingenuity shone, securing his spot and proving social media creativity can translate to real kitchen chops.

Tim’s Beef Strip Ramen: Redemption in a Bowl

Tim (35, Dripping Springs, Texas) delivered what many called the redemption dish of the episode. Using beef strips and ramen staples from the corner store, he crafted a rich, flavorful beef strip ramen that screamed comfort elevated.

The broth was deep, the noodles perfectly textured, and the presentation screamed confidence. Ramsay and the team highlighted its bold seasoning and composure under chaos—qualities that turned a basic instant noodle pack into a standout that helped Tim advance effortlessly.

Other Highlights That Sealed the Deal

The middle level, mentored by Richard Blais, challenged the remaining chefs to go big on visuals and bold ideas. Matt (54, Chesapeake, Va.) impressed with crispy shrimp and curry noodles, blending vibrant colors and spice.

Landon brought seared mackerel with purple potato salad for a striking purple hue and fresh contrast. Mareya (56, Capistrano Beach, Calif.) wrapped snapper in serrano ham with rice and tomatoes, delivering elegant yet approachable flair.

Andy (37, Malibu, Calif.) rounded out the basement top three with pan-fried white fish and creamed spinach—a clean, sophisticated take that showed finesse amid the chaos.

These five—Andy, Christian, Mareya, Matt, and Tim—now head into the draft, where Ramsay, Arrington, and Blais will build their teams for the battles ahead.

The episode reminded fans why Next Level Chef thrives: it’s not just about who has the most followers, but who can handle the heat when the cameras are rolling and the elevators are rising.

Christian’s oatmeal wings and Tim’s ramen redemption weren’t just dishes—they were declarations that viral potential can become championship caliber.

With the social media group now set, the real competition begins. Who will rise to the top tier? Tune in to FOX next week to find out.

Next Level Chef airs Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX and streams on Hulu.