Iron Chef (Ryôri no tetsujin) was a Japanese cooking show wherein competing chefs created dishes with a common ingredient. A challenger chooses one of the Iron Chefs to compete against and panel of judges then decide which menu is the best, decided by presentation, flavor, and use of the common ingredient. The show was broadcast in Japan, then dubbed in English by the Food Network leading to the creation of Iron Chef: America.

Each week chefs battle it out in Kitchen Stadium and use the Secret Ingredient to create culinary masterpieces within 60 minutes. The American Iron Chefs include: Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, Masaharu Morimoto, Cat Cora and Michael Symon.

• Bobby Flay has been cooking since he was 17 years old and has developed his very own innovative style of southwest cuisine. He can be seen on Food Network cooking in shows such as Iron Chef, Throw down with Bobby Flay, and Grill It. He is also the author of numerous cookbooks and restaurateur with six restaurants.http://www.bobbyflay.com/

• Since 1998, Mario Batali has been serving up his Italian inspired dishes. Owner of several restaurants, Mario has been named "Man of the Year" for the chef category of GQ Magazine in 1999, James Beard Foundation's "Best Chef: New York City" in 2002, and "Outstanding Chef of the Year" in 2005. http://www.mariobatali.com/about_biography.cfm

• Born in Japan, Masaharu Morimoto came to the United States in 1985. He worked for the Nobu restaurant in New York City before being noticed by the Food Network and asked to join the Iron Chefs. He has since opened two restaurants of his own. Named for himself, the first Morimoto was opened in Philadelphia in 2002 and in New York City in 2006.http://www.foodnetwork.com/masaharu-morimoto/bio/index.html

• As the first female Iron Chef, Cat Cora graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. In 2005 she began as the only female on Iron Chef America, and in 2006 was honored by Bon Appetit Magazine as the Teacher of the Year. Cat has been seen on Food Network since 1999 and most recently partnered with Macy's to bring her BBQ flavor to patrons. http://www.catcoracooks.com/CatCoraPress.pdf

• Michael Symon won The Next Iron Chef in 2007. Opening his first restaurant Lola in 1997, and Lolita in 2006. In 1997 Michael was named National Rising Star by Restaurant Hospitality magazine. He has appeared on the Food Network with chefs such as Sara Moulton and Bobby Flay. http://www.foodnetwork.com/chefs/michael-symon-bio-repeat/index.html

• Jose Garces is the latest chef to join the ranks of Iron Chef America. Winner of the Food Network show The Next Iron Chef in November 2009. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20091123_Garces_cooks_up_an__Iron_Chef__title.html

• Iron Chef America is hosted by Alton Brown and Mark Dacascos . Star of his own Food Network show "Good Eats", Alton provides a culinary education as well as commentary throughout the battle in Kitchen Stadium. http://www.foodnetwork.com/alton-brown/bio/index.html

Iron Chef America airs on Food Network on Sundays at 9PM ET/PT.