Wagyu steak is a type of beef that comes from Japanese cattle. The word “Wagyu” actually means “Japanese Cow,”
The beef is renowned for its rich flavor and tender texture. Wagyu cattle are raised on a diet of grain and soybeans, which gives the meat its characteristic marbled appearance.
This marbling results in a higher fat content than other types of beef, which contributes to the rich flavor.
Some essential tips to keep in mind when cooking Wagyu steak include cooking it quickly over high heat, seasoning generously, avoiding marinating, and letting it rest for five minutes before cutting into it.
If you have any reservations about cooking Wagyu, keep reading for some valuable tips to make it the best steak you will ever have.
Tips For Perfect Wagyu Steak
When you spend money on a Wagyu steak, you want to make sure it is cooked perfectly so that you can enjoy all of the fantastic flavor and tenderness that it has to offer.
Here are some tips to help you out.
Cook Quickly Over High Heat
This will help to seal in the juices and prevent the steak from drying out.
Season Generously
The rich flavor of Wagyu steak means that it can handle a lot of seasoning.
Be generous with your salt and pepper, and try other seasonings like garlic or herbs. Also, make sure you season several hours before you plan to cook the meat.
Avoid Marinating
The high-fat content of Wagyu steak means that it does not need to be marinated. Marinating will actually cause the steak to lose some of its flavor.
Let it Rest
After cooking, allow the steak to rest for at least five minutes before cutting into it. This will help to keep the juices from running out when you cut into the steak.
Use a Heavy Duty Pan
When cooking Wagyu steak in a pan, be sure to use a heavy-duty pan that can withstand high heat. Cast iron pans are ideal for this purpose.
Can be Grilled or Broiled
Wagyu steak can also be cooked in the oven, either by broiling or grilling. If cooking on the grill, be sure to use a high heat setting.
It Goes Great With Veggies
Wagyu steak can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Don’t Cook it Cold
Take the steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking so that it can come to room temperature. This will help to ensure that the steak is cooked evenly.
Does Wagyu Steak Taste Different From Other Types Of Steak?
Wagyu steak has a rich, intense flavor that is often described as “buttery” or “melt in your mouth.” This is due to the high-fat content of the meat, which also makes it incredibly tender.
In comparison to other types of steak, Wagyu has a more intense flavor and a higher fat content. The combination of these two factors makes it a unique and delicious option for steak lovers.
Do I Need to Tenderize Wagyu Steak?
Wagyu steak is naturally tender, so there is no need to tenderize it. In fact, tenderizing the meat can actually cause it to lose flavor.
If you are looking for a steak that is easy to eat, then Wagyu is a good option.
The high-fat content makes it melt in your mouth, and the intense flavor means that you won’t need to add much in the way of seasoning unless you choose to.
However, if you want to tenderize the steak further, you can use a marinade, cook the meat very slowly, and add ample salt.
If you want to pound out the meat:
- Place the steak on a cutting board
- Lay a piece of plastic wrap on top of it
- Use a meat mallet to evenly pound the steak starting at the center
- If you don’t have a mallet, a rolling pin or cast iron pan will get the job done.
How Long Do You Cook Wagyu Steak?
Wagyu steak should be cooked quickly over high heat in order to seal the juices and prevent them from drying out.
Depending on the thickness of the steak, it should be cooked for two to three minutes per side.
Here is an example of how long you should cook Wagyu Beef for a cut that is about one inch thick:
| Temperature | 130oF | 140oF | 150oF | 160oF | 170oF |
| Time | 3 min. | 4 min | 6 min | 7 min | 8 min |
| Doneness | Rare | Med Rare | Medium | Med Well | Well Done |
Should Wagyu Be Cooked Longer?
Wagyu steak should not be cooked for a longer period of time. The high-fat content of the beef can cause it to become greasy if it is cooked for too long.
This can ruin the flavor of the steak and make it less enjoyable to eat.
How To Cook Wagyu Steak In A Pan
Wagyu steak can be cooked in a pan using either a gas or electric stove.
If cooking on a gas stove, set the heat to high and wait for the pan to get hot before adding the steak. If cooking on an electric stove set the heat to medium-high.
Once the pan is hot, add a small amount of oil and swirl it around to coat the surface. Then, add the steak and cook for two to three minutes per side.
Cooking Wagyu Steak In The Oven
Wagyu steak can also be cooked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the steak on a rack that has been coated with cooking spray. Cook for two to three minutes per side.
How To Cook Wagyu Steak On The Grill
Wagyu steak can be cooked on a charcoal or gas grill. If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are ashy before adding the steak. If using a gas grill, set the heat to high.
- Leave the steak out and season it in advance
- Cook for 2 or 3 minutes in direct heat then move to the indirect heat for as long as you need to get the correct tenderness
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting
Charcoal vs. Propane
While either can be used to cook the steak, propane, or gas is recommended due to controlling of the heat.
Wagyu should be cooked quickly at high heat and this can be more difficult on a charcoal grill.
However, charcoal will give you a smoky flavor due to the release of guaiacol during the cooking process.
How To Cook Wagyu Steak Using Cast Iron
Wagyu steak can also be cooked using a cast-iron skillet.
- Make sure you leave the steak out so it can get to room temperature
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat the skillet on the stove over high heat until it is hot.
- Add a small amount of oil and swirl it around to coat the surface.
- Then, add the steak and cook for two to three minutes per side.
- Place the skillet in the oven and let the steak rest for five minutes.
How Should I Season Wagyu Steak?
Wagyu steak does not need a lot of seasoning because of its intense flavor. However, if you want to add a little bit of flavor, you can season it with salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Leave the meat out before cooking
- Sprinkle the seasoning on the steak before you cook the meat
- Message the spices in to allow them to penetrate the steak
Can I Broil Wagyu Steak?
Generally speaking, you can broil Wagyu steak. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the steak on a rack that has been coated with cooking spray. Cook for two to three minutes per side.
Why Is Wagyu Steak So Expensive?
Wagyu steak is generally more expensive than other types of beef due to the process by which it is raised. However, the taste and quality of the meat make it worth the price.
Some of the reasons it is more expensive than your typical ribeye include:
Imported from Japan
The vast majority of Wagyu steak is imported from Japan, where it is raised.
The cost of shipping the meat to the United States adds to the overall price, along with the lack of cattle ranches available in Japan.
Special Diet
It takes a long time to fatten them up because they’re only fed on milk replacer until they’re ten months old, at which point they are taken to fattening farms.
The cattle are fattened on a costly high-energy diet made up of rice, wheat, and hay.
Genetics
Wagyu cattle have a genetic predisposition for higher levels of intramuscular fat, which gives the meat its characteristic marbled appearance and makes it more tender.
High Demand
The quality of Wagyu steak has led to high demand, which contributes to the high price.
Quality Control
In order for Wagyu beef to be certified, it must meet strict quality standards. This certification process adds to the overall cost of the meat.
What’s The Difference Between Kobe And Wagyu Beef?
Kobe beef is a type of Wagyu beef that comes from the Tajima breed of cattle. Kobe beef is prized for its intense flavor and marbled texture.
Wagyu beef can come from any of the four Japanese breeds of cattle and is known for its high-fat content and rich flavor.
Kobe beef is more expensive than Wagyu beef because it is harder to find and produce.
If you want to learn more about Kobe beef nutrition, health benefits, taste, and texture difference from Wagyu beef, check out Wagyu vs Angus vs Kobe Beef.
Final Thoughts
If you have the money to splurge on a fantastic piece of meat like Wagyu steak, make sure to prepare it properly so that you can enjoy all of its amazing flavors.
Season the steak generously with salt and pepper and cook it quickly over high heat. With proper preparation, Wagyu steak is an incredibly delicious and luxurious treat.
You might want to check out our Ribeye Steak In Air Fryer Recipe.
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