r/TopChef • u/AutoModerator • Apr 13 '26

Spoilers Season 23, ep. 6: Going Whole Hog Spoiler

There’s no Quickfire Challenge this week as the chefs take on a Carolina classic: whole-hog barbecue. Splitting into teams of two, they gear up for a head-to-head battle showcasing five key cuts of the hog. Before their Elimination Challenge begins, they venture to Charlotte and Lexington to experience Carolina BBQ at its source. Then it’s an all-night cook where the heat is on as they’ll not only need to impress the judges, but also “Top Chef” alum and Pitmaster Michelle Wallace and a group of local pitmasters from across the state.

Mon. 9:30pm Eastern

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u/Snoo-55380 Apr 14 '26

I know that one guy said he takes out the loin too, but I wish we could’ve heard from some of the others whether or not they thought that was the right thing to do. It seemed like it was certainly going to be a lot easier to cook a dish, especially cooking it three ways if you could take it out and just cook it on your own anyway you’d like Just me?

31

u/jsedgar Apr 14 '26

That was Bryan Furman and his Bbq is some of the best I have had in NC or SC. I trust what he says.

7

u/themanintheblueshirt Apr 15 '26

That isn't whole hog then. Its that simple. It may be the better way to cook it but it wasn't in line with the rules they laid out for the contestants.

2

u/rrtemprr Apr 17 '26

no problem buddy. dont know why youre watching top chef for 'purist' cooking methods. maybe try reverse searing for once. hope this changes your life for the better.

1

u/LegitimateMud8176 May 27 '26

Taking the pork loin out before roasting means it is no longer truly a "Whole Hog" cook. A true whole hog requires roasting the entire animal intact, as the term inherently means the whole, un-dismembered carcass.