Iron chef america how do they know what to make once the give them the secret ingredient?

Question

IM ONLY ASKING CUZ IM WATCHING

Answer 1

Few days before the show, the chefs are given three possible secret ingredients. They can then plan their menu for all three ingredients. When the ingredient is reveals, they already know what they are making.

Answer 2

I think they are alloted about 10 min. to discuss the recipes before they actually start cooking .....  When you've been cooking for a long time, experience will help you formulate new recipes on-the-spot

Answer 3

Several of the secrets to how the show is taped were revealed in an episode of Unwrapped entitled "Food Network Unwrapped 2." It was stated that the chefs find out what the secret ingredient is about 15 minutes before the battle begins because the opening sequence is recorded many times. It's all explained on Wikipedia.

Answer 4

They come up with the dishes on the spot.

A good cook can take an ingredients and create something without a recipe.

Sometimes the secret ingredient is something they already work with in their restaurants.

Answer 5

I think it just comes from years of experience cooking.  You learn what will taste good with what and what will enhance this or that flavor.  

They are pretty amazing on that show.

Answer 6

Training and experience.

Chefs who have been formally trained have extensive knowledge about what goes with what, and most can make up a recipe on the spot using almost any ingredient or combination of ingredients.

They usually have a lot of recipes memorized, and can substitute the "secret ingredient" for one of the ingredients already in the recipe.

They've also been trained in the various cooking methods ... and have had LOTS of practice.

Seasoning is also key ... the correct seasoning can make or break a dish, so a chef usually has a highly developed "palate" or sense of taste, and can tell instantly if a dish is over-or under-seasoned, or if it "needs something" added to make take it from good to great.