The Importance of Cayenne

Gordon Ramsay's critique that he could not believe he was not getting any heat whatsoever reveals a common mistake: adding spice superficially at a single stage rather than building it throughout. True heat requires layering at every opportunity. Cayenne in the brine infuses the meat itself. Cayenne in the dredge crisps into the coating. Hot sauce in the finishing mayo hits immediately on first bite. Roasted jalapeños in the slaw provide smoky complexity between cooling crunch. By the time you have finished the dish, heat has built from multiple sources rather than sitting on the surface barely perceptible. For a challenge literally named Feel the Burn, this layering approach is essential.