Season 12 ofMasterChefwas full of firsts.

“This time around, I think there was just more at stake,” she says.

“I plated everything round in round plates and in a round formation,” Yu says.

Dara Yu

Courtesy of FOX

“I cook basically 90% with a cast-ironeven bake in it,” she says.

“Cleaning as you go is really important, too,” Yu says.

“I think that’s definitely a hack for just being efficient in the kitchen.”

MasterChef Dara Yu cooking

Courtesy of FOX

farmers market

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Cast iron skillet with herbs and spices

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Dara Yu cooking

Courtesy of FOX