Seven teams meet judges Ganesh Raj, Nici Wickes and Jared Macdonald in the BBQ arena. They make their signature barbecues and are challenged to cook with a mystery ingredient: the eggplant.

The six returning teams are asked to make a fast food barbecue in the Throwdown challenge, then the mystery Scorcher gives them something to be excited about: venison.

The five remaining teams are challenged to create a fusion feast in the Throwdown challenge, then a dessert in the mystery Scorcher.