America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated Season 26, Episode 19: Savory Mexican Classics

Make-Ahead Masterclass

Test Cook Erin McMurrer makes host Julia Collin Davison tender Glazed Boneless Beef Short Ribs. Gear Heads hosts Hannah Crowley and Lisa McManus share expert-reviewed tools and tips for easier meal prep. And Test Cook Sam Block shows host Bridget Lancaster how to bake Make-Way-Ahead Dinner Rolls.

24 min

Flavor-Packed Pastas

Test cook Keith Dresser makes host Julia Collin Davison Spaghetti All’Assassina, a hyperlocal dish from Bari, Italy. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Julia and host Bridget Lancaster to a head-to-head tasting of canned whole tomatoes. And test cook Elle Simone Scott makes Bridget a Triple Mushroom Pasta.

Corn Cakes and Chowder

Test cook Becky Hays makes host Julia Collin Davison Cachapas con Queso de Mano (Venezuelan Cheese-Filled Corn Cakes). Equipment expert Adam Ried reviews dish towels, and science expert Dan Souza uses physics to demonstrate the importance of a sharp knife. Finally, test cook Joe Gitter makes host Bridget Lancaster Fresh Corn Chowder.

Turkey Lasagna and Chocolate Sorbet

Test cook Vallery Lomas makes host Bridget Lancaster a savory Turkey Sausage Lasagna. Tasting expert Jack Bishop talks all about sugar. And test cook Antoinette Johnson makes a refreshing Chocolate Sorbet for host Julia Collin Davison.

Farmer’s Brunch

Test cook Keith Dresser prepares host Bridget Lancaster a hearty German Farmer’s Breakfast (Bauernfrühstück). Equipment expert Adam Ried reviews cookie sheets. And Bridget makes host Julia Collin Davison a delicious Appeltaart (Dutch Apple Pie).

Ice Cream Cake

Test cook Lan Lam shows Julia Collin Davison how to build a showstopping Ice Cream Cake. And science expert Dan Souza reveals the unexpected powers of melting ice.

Two Takes on Chicken and Rice

Test cook Erica Turner makes host Bridget Lancaster Chicken Yassa (Senegalese Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Lemon). Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Bridget and host Julia Collin Davison to a tasting of chicken broths. And test cook Becky Hays prepares Peruvian Arroz con Pollo for Julia.

Pan-Seared Halibut and Ma’amoul

Test cook Ben Mims prepares Pan-Seared Halibut with Wilted Bitter Salad for host Bridget Lancaster. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Bridget and host Julia Collin Davison to a tasting of frozen puff pastries. And test cook Erica Turner makes Julia buttery Ma’amoul, or semolina cookies.

New Thanksgiving Favorites

Test cook Lan Lam makes host Bridget Lancaster a crowd-pleasing Stuffed Spatchcock Turkey. Equipment expert Adam Ried reveals our top pick for slicing knives. And test cook Erin McMurrer makes host Julia Collin Davison a crisp Shaved Celery Salad with Pomegranate-Honey Vinaigrette.

Taiwanese Staples

Test cook Dan Souza makes Gua Bao (Taiwanese steamed buns with braised pork belly) for host Julia Collin Davison. Tasting expert Jack Bishop and host Bridget Lancaster review hoisin sauce. And test cook Maggie Zhu prepares a Quick Taiwanese Pork Rice.

The Ultimate Holiday Dinner Party

Test cook Antoinette Johnson makes host Julia Collin Davison Shrimp Cocktail. Gear Heads hosts Hannah Crowley and Lisa McManus share what expensive gadgets are worth the price. And Julia makes host Bridget Lancaster Easy Beef Tenderloin with Harissa Rub and Cilantro-Mint Relish.

Zesty Salmon and Salad

Test cook Elle Simone Scott prepares Double-Glazed Salmon with Lemon and Thyme for host Julia Collin Davison. Gear Heads hosts Hannah Crowley and Lisa McManus share their take on natural cleaning sprays. Tasting expert Jack Bishop talks all about tofu, and test cook Becky Hays prepares Kale Salad with Radishes, Grapefruit, and Candied Pepitas.

Weeknight Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Test cook Alex Heugel makes host Bridget Lancaster Cold-Start Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Cherry and Rosemary Pan Sauce. Equipment expert Adam Ried reviews paper towels. And test cook Sam Block makes host Julia Collin Davison the Fastest, Easiest Mashed Potatoes.

Mediterranean Eggplant Dishes

Test cook Ben Mims makes host Julia Collin Davison Silky Roasted Eggplant with Tomato and Feta. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Julia and a special guest to a head-to-head tasting of hummus. And test cook Antoinette Johnson prepares Zaalouk (Moroccan Eggplant Meze) for host Bridget Lancaster.

Catalan Supper

Test cook Erin McMurrer makes Bridget Lancaster Zarzuela (Spanish Seafood Stew). Gear Heads hosts Hannah Crowley and Lisa McManus compare disposable and reusable plastic bags. And Bridget prepares Red Pepper Coques for host Julia Collin Davison.

Breakfast from Scratch

Test cook Alex Heugel makes host Julia Collin Davison Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches. Techniquely host Lan Lam Lan shares techniques to make picture-perfect pancakes. And test cook Aran Goyoaga makes Spiced Pear, Buckwheat, and Almond Pancakes for host Bridget Lancaster.

A Taste of Sichuan

Test cook Lan Lam makes Dry Chili Chicken (Làzi Jī 辣子雞) for host Bridget Lancaster. Tasting expert Jack Bishop breaks down different miso. And test cook Dan Souza prepares Suan La Bai Cai (Sour and Hot Nappa Cabbage) for host Julia Collin Davison.

A Tale of Two Pastas

Test cook Dan Souza makes Pici alla Boscaiola (Handmade Pasta with Mushrooms and Sausage) for host Julia Collin Davison. Tasting expert Jack Bishop talks all about stone-ground flour. And test cook Nik Sharma prepares a punchy Pasta with Creamy Lemon–Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce for host Bridget Lancaster.

Comforting Japanese Dinners

Test cook Dan Souza makes Tonkatsu (Japanese Fried Pork Chops) for host Bridget Lancaster. Tasting expert Jack Bishop reviews types of Japanese rice. Test cook Lan Lam prepares Kare Raisu (Japanese Curry Rice with Chicken) for Julia Collin Davison.

22 min

Maple Pork Chops and Squash Soup

Maple pork chops with sweet potato-bacon hash; reviewing enameled cast iron skillets; how to defrost food quickly; leek, fennel and squash soup with sausage.

23 min

Seafood Stew and Salmon Burgers

Test cook Vallery Lomas makes host Julia Collin Davison Crab and Shrimp Stew. Equipment expert Adam Ried reviews gyuto knives. And test cook Becky Hays prepares Fresh Salmon Burgers with Sriracha Mayonnaise for host Bridget Lancaster.

23 min

New England Clambake

Julia Collin Davison grills up a New England Clambake for host Bridget Lancaster. Techniquely host Lan Lam shares tips to up your grill game. And test cook Keith Dresser prepares Grilled Fresh Cornbread with Charred Jalapeños and Cheddar.

23 min

Tandoori Salmon and Broiled Zucchini

Test cook Nik Sharma makes host Julia Collin Davison a flavorful Tandoori Salmon. Gear Heads hosts Hannah Crowley and Lisa McManus share their favorite kitchen gadgets under $15. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Julia to a tasting of yogurt. And test cook Lan Lam prepares Broiled Smashed Zucchini with Garlicky Yogurt for host Bridget Lancaster.

23 min

Petite French Pastries

Host Bridget Lancaster bakes up delicious Macarons with Raspberry Buttercream for host Julia Collin Davison. And Julia returns the favor by making Gougères for Bridget.

23 min

Grilled Flank Steak and Chili Crisp Noodles

Test cook Joe Gitter fires up the grill and makes Bridget Lancaster a delicious Grilled Flank Steak. Science expert Dan Souza explains why cooking some meat to medium makes them more tender. Equipment expert Adam Ried reviews aluminum foil. And test cook Maggie Zhu makes host Julia Collin Davison Chili Crisp Noodles.

23 min