$151 vs $19 Fried Chicken Sandwich: Pro Chef & Home Cook Swap Ingredients | Epicurious

Pro chef Esther Choi, owner of Mŏkbar in New York and home cook Lorenzo are swapping ingredients and hitting the kitchen. We set Lorenzo up with all of the supplies he’d need to make Chef Esther’s out-of-this-world $151 fried chicken sandwich while sending his more modest $19 worth of ingredients back the other direction. While Esther was working her magic, food scientist Rose dialed in to assist her old friend Lorenzo with a few questions he had along her way. Watch and find out whose chicken sandwich is worth clucking over.
Follow Chef Esther on Instagram at @choibites & @mokbar_nyc
Rose is on Instagram at @rosemarytrout_foodscience
Keep up with Lorenzo at @rollinabenzo
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$151 vs $19 Fried Chicken Sandwich: Pro Chef & Home Cook Swap Ingredients | Epicurious

[@mikecascone3579]

Out of every home cook they decided to give Lorenzo a blow torch, kudos.

[@chilibreath]

I can hear him laughing from here, and I know he's using the torch.

[@chrono-glitchwaterlily8776]

I hope he buys his own

[@melon-pie4801]

@@chrono-glitchwaterlily8776 he will

[@frankpasek3024]

Ik it’s hilarious

[@lukeeatschicken]

Lol yea

[@FakhriaNoori]

“It’s spicy but it’s not hot.. it’s interesting because.. oh.. I’m wrong..” -Lorenzo

[@RichardCampbell_DotNetRocks]

Lorenzo is the best!

[@Mrbink01]

@@RichardCampbell_DotNetRocks best male Level 2 chef...Beth is my vote for #1 on the female side

[@_meIody_]

Pff-t😆

[@joshuajohnson2216]

I love Lorenzo so much. He's the funniest guy ever.

[@b10nc09]

You forgot the ☝🏽

[@sadreality2470]

Ive been watching all these videos just to watch Chef Ester cook , the fact that she makes everything from scratch and doesn’t waste anything shows u how much she loves food and cooking .

[@Aiibh]

The fried rice video was top tier. The shrimp sauce is one the the best things I've tried.

[@angiew2324]

@@Aiibh It just can't do fish or shrimp sauce, I'm sure it's fine but it sounds gross. Lol That was an amazing video though, she's extraordinarily talented! I went to culinary school but I bet I'd learn soo much more from her.

[@kendohawj1063]

It really show how a person really know the foods universe not to waste anything

[@BOREDOM6969]

I love Ester's respect for all quality of ingredients. High end or affordable, it doesn't matter. She'll make the most of whatever is in front of her. She's so talented and respectable.

[@stacyhedrick3412]

That’s part of her ethnicity, and how she was brought up in her family. I’m sure. Absolutely love it too. She’s just an absolute dream to watch every episode in a love how she doesn’t add extra things to every dish she just uses what’s provided other than spices

[@RaiOuArt]

Me: "that chicken doesn't fit onto the bun" Esther: *doubles the chicken*

[@alexgac1801]

That's when I fell in love

[@daveteves]

Esther, she crazy.

[@ylio_66t60]

Meat is the most important thing, the more the better

[@shhh_sun9134]

Bru

[@jgould30]

@@ylio_66t60 that's what she said

[@sealdew5348]

Lorenzo playing with the blowtorch is the most lorenzo thing ever

[@TheLadyBlerd]

"I LOVE THIS... I LOVE THIS... I AM A MAD SCIENTIST!!!"

[@sssssshj743]

*Krusty the Klown laugh intensifies*

[@jerryjones8470]

Playing with fire literally

[@sinon-chan1434]

lorenzo is legit your far uncle whos the best at jokes and making people laugh

[@N0rmal_Teen]

He reminds me of my scienece teacher, a girl who liked to play with fire

[@jkuhl2492]

Esther: Cooking requires patience Lorenzo: I AM A MAD SCIENTIST MUA HAHAHAHAHAHA

[@YazTheHomegirl]

Esther is SO informative & confident in the kitchen. You can tell her expertise come from not only her technical training but also her family kitchen. And Lorenzo really enjoys himself in the kitchen! Such an entertaining duo! Loved this and I can't wait to try her cucumber kimchi recipe!

[@zolaxx4267]

YAAASSS More of Esther, please!! We need more of the Pros being really creative with the provided ingredients rather than adding a bunch of stuff. It’s more educational and entertaining this way. Kudos to Chef Esther!

[@LOL-pb2if]

I feel Frank does a better job.He is simple as well as creative

[@giselleb5499]

I remember the ramen video where she made stock out of rotisserie chicken. That blew me away

[@FlamingTrashRiver]

Esther and Frank are my favorite chefs.

[@apollotheodore2560]

@@LOL-pb2if No. There are episodes where he adds stuff that aren’t from the ingredients. It’s kinda annoying and defeats the purpose of this series

[@evewhoo]

@@apollotheodore2560 Tbh I watch this because I find the pro and home chefs entertaining. Not because the chefs should be restricted to only the ingredients given

[@markdamaniac6041]

Loved that this pro chef used the ingredients she was given and went in different directions with them, rather than adding stuff like others have done. Thats how it should be done!

[@adhambeldad2513]

Yeah, I was looking in the list of ingredients whenever she do a step in the cooking process and there's no additional ingredients. She just used the ingredients to amplify other parts of the dish.

[@aldohorn1704]

I love it when the chefs do this. I think it shows a lot about their skills when they don't add anything new.

[@cathylee5173]

I think Epi implemented some rules on the pros to not add in things. I've noticed a lack of adding on things lately. Lol.

[@novacentorium4943]

@@cathylee5173 yeah

[@yeti25934]

I'm usually ok with them adding basic seasonings and spices that anyone should have in their pantry, but when they go "well, I'm going to replace this piece of regular ham with this 300$ artisanal prosciutto imported straight from Italy that I just had lying around!" Is when they lose me haha

[@AquaAtia]

I love this pairing! Lorenzo is a riot and Esther comes off super knowledgeable and I enjoy her Korean takes on the food! It’s good to learn about other cultures’ culinary tricks and foods

[@morgankemp483]

Me to

[@Yogripper]

Lorenzo reminds me of that dad whose kids say is embarrassing but all their friends think is cool.

[@peterflom6878]

Lorenzo is such a delight. Cooking gives him joy, we can tell

[@kamanarai3413]

That gives us joy too

[@deric35]

He's the reason i started watching this channel bro 😂

[@googlewasmyidea5577]

I just wanna know how they remember exactly what Rosemary says(the instructions) bc I would assume it’s a lot of steps…

[@giggusgaming4834]

@@deric35 same 😆😆

[@VulpineRainbow]

The joy is his sanity being drained.

[@colthuhn2523]

I really like Esther, good personality, good cook, and used Lorenzo's ingredients, staying true. Great add!

[@markzenith1441]

Totally, I hope we see much more of her.

[@ivamanral989]

@@joesguitargear7742 it's not a stand up comedy show. She's professional and extremely talented. If you want entertainment watch SNL lmao

[@Aiibh]

@@ivamanral989 lmao how u ended him even if i am not able to see his comment anymore 😂

[@ivamanral989]

@@Aiibh 💀💀💀plsss he deleted it

[@olivamodak1724]

@@Aiibh what did he say! I'm curious now

[@kristianstevens6694]

I can’t tell if Lorenzo is super happy, high, or insane Whatever it is, he is by far the best person on this channel

[@ChiefBret]

He seems high on life fr

[@ggc4183]

Esther is so insane with how she utilizes the full potential of all the ingredients. Absolutely remarkable chef!

[@tixzame]

Lorenzo: “It’s spicy but it’s not hot.... well I’m wrong” This had me dying 🤣🤣🤣

[@kamilahdouglas1609]

Me too! Lorenzo is hilarious!!!

[@giggusgaming4834]

Ik right?!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nirmolmunvar6939]

Chef Esther: we have chicken thighs and we will cook it with the recipe described by ancient gods Lorenzo: you are thighs, why are u thighs

[@SaarN1337]

The moment she topped the oversized schnitzel with another one - I fell in love. Love you too, Lorenzo.

[@TheBest6431]

Esther is an actual artist i love her 😭 can we make her make her own youtube channel?

[@Glyzinien]

She has a channel but doesn't upload so much anymore it's called choibites if you ever see this 💀

[@jordanvaldez3470]

I love how Esther's Recipe respected all the ingredients she used throughout the cooking, that red oil topping was a pleasant unexpected surprise.

[@sarinamayari8309]

.

[@bored5859]

.

[@dinurijayasinghe8374]

.

[@samuelpastrana2149]

.

[@adyashasharma4279]

.

[@fyrebolt8555]

I love how Lorenzo maniacally stares at the buns he is blow torching and just saying how much he loves it 😂

[@dan907]

i like this duo. lorenzo's personality is so fitting for a show. and esther's execution and attitude to cooking is good too. they make a great combo. and the sandwiches look so goood.

[@maryrosa6825]

Lorenzo made me laugh so much, he's very funny, been watching these shows back to back and I love all the home cooks.

[@howto-camden8659]

When Lorenzo pretended to be micheal Jackson I just lost it

[@TfVictor]

😂😂😂😂

[@biggyboi8130]

@@TfVictor 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@biggestwanderer8827]

@@biggyboi8130 Can you stamp the time?

[@HermanVonPetri]

@@biggestwanderer8827 9:20 Lorenzo putting on the one white glove.

[@biggestwanderer8827]

@@HermanVonPetri Thank you. Here’s a subscribe for your troubles.

[@sammykat2hb]

The dynamic in this episode is amazing!! Chef Esther is having fun teaching, and Lorenzo is having fun learning... and impersonating MJ... and playing with a blowtorch...

[@miuyuu_1041]

Lorenzo looks so happy cooking,it also makes me happy.

[@miuyuu_1041]

What am i saying?It makes us all happy!

[@ashleyfrederick3292]

I’ve been binge watching this series and let me tell you I LOVE chef Esther! She is so creative and explains things in a simple way. More of her PLEASE!!!!

[@ronalyndacuno2146]

Mom: Why have you not cleaned your room yet? Me: Doing nothing means doing everything

[@akmalhaziq419]

just gotta live with that principle now

[@retro2712]

adhd

[@AYA-ti3nv]

this has got to be one of the wittiest comment i've everrrr read HAHAHAHAHA

[@AnthonyJonathan]

and that's my folks, how i get kicked out of the house

[@donotlike4anonymus594]

Peterson: ,.---._ ,,,, / `, \\\\ / '\_ ; |||| /\/``-.__\;' ::::/\/_ {{`-.__.-'(`(^^(^^^(^ 9 `.=========' {{{{{{ { ( ( ( ( (-----:= {{.-'~~'-.(,(,,(,,,(__6_.'=========. ::::\/\ |||| \/\ ,-'/, //// \ `` _/ ; '''' \ ` .' `---' (OK I'm not sure if it's my phone or the Text not displaying right... Never mind)

[@janebruce3495]

Seeing the professional make an outstanding dish with so little ingredients is amazing and the home cook always has a quote of the year exactly what a show needs

[@cspo]

Esther's technique/knowledge and Lorenzo's continuous childlike wonderment are both *chef's kiss*. I could myself to death on both sandwiches.

[@renata6002]

Lorenzo laughing like a cartoon mad scientist while using the torch is everything XD

[@xvii713]

Don’t go to 5:19 and skip 10seconds

[@chriscook509]

I had visions of Chang from Community.

[@mslululu98]

I love Esther, she’s great at using the given ingredients and taking every element of the sandwich to the next level, one of the best at doing this of all the chefs. I also loved the Asian inspiration for both chicken sandwiches, they looked amazing.

[@guardiandevil3]

his sheer excitement over a tool you can get at any hardware store brings satisfaction to my brain

[@Umiizack]

I love watching chef Esther, she’s cooking with basic ingredients but she uses her advance skills and I learn a lot from her.

[@Nikolas_kloudas]

- Producer : how much chicken you want? - Esther : Yes

[@jesseb5710]

Esther: the whole bird

[@davidoh709]

You literally can't find someone more likeable than Lorenzo. That's science.

[@raymondjames57]

Bob Ross, mr. Rodgers, I could do this science all day🙂

[@davidoh709]

@@raymondjames57 touche, brother, touche

[@shubhangisharma12]

I agree

[@raideranimator6091]

lynja from cooking with lynja ties

[@mpls1982]

@@raymondjames57 I don't think the comment was meant to be debunked pal.

[@katl8825]

Esther: calm and confident Lorenzo: WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO--

[@SwedBaben]

When she said we should vision someone we're annoyed with having their face in the chicken was hilarious 😂 she's amazing

[@hantea5430]

Lorenzo is just next level of a chef

[@Fikavision]

Producers: let's give Lorenzo a blow torch WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!!

[@chrono-glitchwaterlily8776]

Magic

[@sufferingsun5704]

Magic

[@sufferingsun5704]

Magic

[@lisk_2552]

Magic

[@ItsJingyi]

Magic

[@AshiyaWhitley-ShawVeganAthlete]

I love these two. They’re so creative, and their personalities are top tier.👏🏽

[@EpicTacoSenpai]

i love saul and frank on the 4 levels of food. but esther is amazing at these cook swap . she just makes you wonder what new thing shes going to create with the next batch of ingredients. she keeps it real and all you have to do is get the ingredients shes using and you have a video showing you what you need to do to make the meal shes making than your basic whatever you were gona make

[@rebecca1191]

The fact that she said, “Good luck Lorenzo,” looks up and down, “you’re going to need it.”-

[@majornija]

LOL meanwhile, he’s disgusted by the ingredients

[@ktvindicare]

@@majornija and yet the sandwhich she made with them makes my mouth water.

[@writbanalim2715]

"You're a thigh, why are you a thigh" - Lorenzo in Thailand, presumably

[@HermanVonPetri]

I feel bad for snorting hysterically at this!

[@MonalisaS]

LMAO I laughed way too hard at this

[@writbanalim2715]

@@ytho4426 In the video Lorenzo says "You're a thigh, why are you a thigh" Thigh sounds a lot like "Thai", which is the nationality of people from Thailand. So I made a pun on that

[@abhishekxiss75]

Pls🤣

[@nicholasherrera2742]

I really would love to just hangout with Lorenzo one day. His energy just always makes me happy and smile during these videos!!

[@rossy3lo]

Lorenzo is a pro level of home cook. He made the beautiful milk bun and fried the chicken perfectly, etc.,etc. He's very proficient in cooking (of course).

[@CaptMWI]

Frank still waiting for his eggs to hatch to make his chicken sandwich

[@megajohntomahawk9878]

Lol

[@unknownplayer445]

😂😂😂😂

[@omarlewis7576]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@yanielacevedo654]

That was funny!!

[@unHingedOYT]

😂😂😂

[@skinchip]

Lorenzo had pure evil in his eyes while he was blowtorching that mozzarella lmao

[@zainab-ic3ip]

Lorenzo just has such a happy and positive vibe, love it!

[@cold_coffee8526]

Such a well made video Love the enthusiasm of both chefs

[@ktvindicare]

Whose bright idea was it to let Lorenzo use a blowtorch? You have created a monster!!

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

I’m no great cook, so I love how Lorenzo can handle anything you throw at him. She did double chicken. I’m in love. The chicken is the main thing.

[@jaiannejadevargas3779]

I just know that an episode with Chef Raul and Lorenzo would be hilariously chaotic 😂😂😂 looking forward to it!!

[@feuerteufel7813]

I like her. I mean, she is no Frank, obviousley, but she is a worthy "second most sympathic chef". Hope we'll see more from her.

[@joeees7790]

I thought her performance on the cooking appliance/gadget reviews as lackluster.

[@bobsaul4568]

Nah. She’s pretty boring

[@KNIFERCOD4]

Saul/King are sending their regards

[@jadejaguar69]

I find her interesting

[@kombokhan]

I like the Spanish chef. He seems relatable

[@josephpaterson8274]

I feel like Lorenzo could clean a toilet and still have fun somehow

[@SilverGamingFI]

He could have fun watching grass grow or paint dry

[@Adorbsxfairy2.0]

Lol

[@kenallenswag]

I love watching Ester cook! Every video she is in looks so tasty! A true natural in her element 😊

[@vamsterr]

Love Lorenzo's energy! Very fun to watch him

[@vinayakshahdeo7578]

The shine in Lorenzo's eyes were like he is gonna burn corona out of the world

[@CC-si3cr]

These two were just a delight to watch! Lorenzo always has fun in the kitchen and embraces every challenge. Pro chef Esther is a true talent. I understand she is a professionally trained chef, but I am more than sure she learned a lot of her technique watching family cook in the kitchen when she was growing up. Love her organization! I do not enjoy cooking, but one thing I am glad my mom taught me was clean as you go! It really does make a world of difference when it's time to clean up the kitchen.

[@jessysotelo1621]

How am I just seeing this! I love Esther! Lorenzo is always a treat too!!

[@Someone-fn3ij]

love the transition from "IM A MAD SCIENTIST" to chef esther's calming plating xD

[@thibautisserant]

I love seeing a pro chef actually presenting something satisfying, size wise. That sandwich was huge !

[@Mister_Clean]

That woman knows how to eat

[@Barry_TopG]

Lorenzo always makes my day better whenever I see a new video with him his soul is just overwhelmed with laughter

[@evanguilbault7657]

Esther: I’m gonna have to get creative Lorenzo 00:40

[@rebeccateh826]

20:05 go lorenzo go

[@Fishingbayarea]

Lorenzo has been on this show so much he is now being upgraded to a professional chef haha. he is awesome!

[@its_pheonix8706]

I 100% agree

[@cliquemate6453]

great love that definitely not disappointed at all

[@d16771]

드디어 한국분이 나오시다니ㅠㅠ 익숙한 재료로 국뽕이 차오르면서 더 재미있게봤네요:) I really glad to see Korean chef in this channel:). all of ingredients are familiar with me so I felt proud and enjoyed more.

[@hoangphuckhang1987]

Love it. Watching these kinds of videos while having your meal aside is true perfection

[@creakimoi2958]

Lorenzo is honestly one of my favorite people on earth. and Esther is kinda my hero. I really love how she...chefs up her side of the recipe without entirely changing what she's been given...but also she makes her recipes look doable. Like...I feel like I could do her version (not her 151 dollar version, but the version she chefs up) without blowing my wallet out. She's willing to come down to a level two to show that you can still make great food at a lower price and I appreciate that. Also, side note: i know I'm an adult, but can Lorenzo adopt me

[@majornija]

I’m crying at the shade Lorenzo is throwing 😂😂😂

[@chrono-glitchwaterlily8776]

I feel like it's a mutual throwing of the shade

[@Darrky92]

Always love Lorenzo being himself, and really enjoyed Chef Choi's attitude towards the food she's cooking.

[@kayyzayy]

Congratulations on being on Iron chef Esther! Also I love Lorenzo!! Two great chefs 😊

[@tansioeluan4786]

Lorenzo is just having fun man, he's having the time of his life in every each and one of these videos

[@bethbayless5652]

Lorenzo's "Mwahaha I'm a mad scientist!" Is so relatable to me.

[@SallyM]

Lorenzo is the type of person that can make you smile even if you’re having the worst day ever

[@coquettelove]

lorenzo is such a fun guy omgg his laugh never fails to make me laugh as well

[@vuminx2198]

These two are the best, more of them please!!

[@yoitsruu]

the new chef has a cute and cool personality, I like her

[@loislane1290]

I don't

[@yoitsruu]

@@loislane1290 thank you for sharing your opinion, here's the attention you wanted

[@michellebowen1194]

@@latviantrainy968 DID YOU NOT JUST WATCH HER COOK A MEAL?!? god you people are dumb

[@Poketrainer317]

I was hoping to learn how to make the ultimate chicken sandwich today, but I don't like her dish, so I'm disappointed. My gut reaction was negative probably only based on that :/ She seems educated and is super personable though, I'm sure she's great!

[@xothisdickox]

She’s stunning

[@rafaelsuetsugu6027]

Give this man a torch every video, that is pure entertainment.

[@glossaria2]

Kudos to Lorenzo for nailing those milk buns!! I knew he could do it. I made milk bread for the first time this year, and it was MUCH easier than I expected it to be. ^_^

[@d.a.bdysfunctionatitsbest5743]

Lorenzo having fun laughing makes me laugh and Esther is really knowledgeable she gives great tips 👍 great video

[@delvisgomez2124]

I love the fact I was able to work for Esther Choi in her NYC restaurant Mokbar✨✨ she’s an AMAZING CHEF

[@maxsaboofpiu]

Nothing screams "I love chicken sandwich" Like Esther's version of Lorenzo's chicken sandwich

[@ghostlylookin]

Lorenzo is so full of energy i love him so much ♡

[@dont4157]

I've been watchng loads of these kind of swap vids,and I enjoy it, I really like these home cooks trying new things hahahahhaha so funny and interesting, and I also love watching these chefs make something fancy withh sumthing that isn't fancy

[@phoenixmysticised88]

Lorenzo, it's unanimous: "We the people decree, that you are worthy and certainly deserved of having your own cooking show!" 👋👋🏾👋🏿👋🏻👋

[@alektotten]

I would pay a daily subscription fee to have that

[@phoenixmysticised88]

@@alektotten So would I Cheers👍

[@weskintime4177]

@@alektotten who wouldn’t?

[@mothercain..]

He will be on top chef amateurs starts July 1st

[@BlackJungleCake]

"Be gentle but fierce" it's truly a life lesson 😌💫

[@tylielizabeth]

I like how both of them keep such an open mind and no one had anything to say about each other’s ingredients! Both are such kind souls

[@nazmulbhuiyan1982]

Love both Lorenzo and Chef Esther. Thank you

[@12344duhdnf]

*pounding a chicken* Esther: I like to pretend this is someone's face that I hate. Person off camera: Who would that be? Esther: *stares into his soul* Wouldn't you like to know.

[@KaixoDenek]

What if she's thinking about that person off camera

[@Joseph-tl5nw]

Lorenzo is like a Golden Retriever , Esther is like a German Shepherd 😭

[@xebec.1569]

@@KaixoDenek 😳

[@GoldenStarXD24]

Rose is like the godmother of food. She’s so pretty and sweet. I love her 🥺✨

[@Theakakage]

I really like Ester recipes and Lorenzo is really fun to watch.

[@keribailey6193]

I say this on every episode with him, but Lorenzo really does make my day better.🖤 his energy is contagious

[@Nicole-rn6tq]

I just want a blooper reel of all the times the amateur cooks miss catching the notebook

[@StephenShepherdOfficial]

Lorenzo is such a joy. I hope he is paid well.

[@eksoedusprime]

i love them both! lol esther is so smart when it comes to her cooking cuz she uses EVERYTHING! the cucumber kimchi looks so fire

[@hollyambler9772]

I love Lorenzo! His laugh made ME laugh. What a lovely person.

[@seananthonyaguilar6307]

Chef Esther radiates this powerful girl boss energy and I'm here for it!!!

[@InnerDness]

lady chef energy

[@onederb71nln83]

She KILLS on the new Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend

[@Jordan-he4ry]

Two of my faves in 1 video! I love it!! Lorenzo is hysterical and is just really there for a good time & Esther is one of the best pro chefs. She stays true to the home cook’s ingredients