How to cook Wagyu steak like an expert

If you want to learn how to cook Wagyu steak, burgers, joints and other cuts, read this article for all the guidance you need to treat this special beef the way it deserves.

How to cook Wagyu

Wagyu beef, known for its tenderness and marbling, can be cooked in the same manner as any other type of beef. You can roast an entire joint, for example, or mince it for a gourmet shepherd’s pie or burger. It can be fried or cooked in the oven as steaks, but the traditional Japanese preparation involves grilling it.

When cooking Wagyu beef, use a lower heat than usual to ensure the best results. This will prevent overcooking and provide you with a larger timeframe to remove it from the heat at the optimal moment. Above all, ensure that Wagyu beef is given time to rest after cooking and before eating.

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How to cook a Wagyu steak

Wagyu steak can be cooked in one of three ways:

1. Pan-frying – Sear each steak in hot oil and then let it rest before simmering gently to cook throughout. An average-sized medium steak will take about four minutes to cook, but if you like steak to be rare, reduce this to two and a half minutes.
2. Oven roasting – Roasting steak after having first seared it is another popular method. After the steaks have rested, place them on a roasting tin in a 120°C preheated oven. A perfectly cooked medium steak should reach 60 to 65°C, while rare steaks should reach around 55°C.
3. Grilling – Slice the steak and place it under the grill for a short time until the pieces have browned on the outside. This is typically how Wagyu steak is prepared in Japanese cuisine.

After cooking, wrap the Wagyu steak in silver foil for at least five minutes to let it rest. This will help improve both the texture and flavour of the steak.

How to cook Wagyu burgers

Wagyu burger patties are best cooked in the oven. First, you should pan-fry them for a few minutes on each side, turning them often. Make sure the oven is preheated to a moderate temperature of about 160°C. Bake them on a tray in the oven for 10 minutes, then let them rest. Discover these mouthwatering burger recipes and try an exciting twist on the classic burger. 

How to cook Wagyu brisket

Place the Wagyu brisket joint in a slow cooker with the fat side up. This will allow it to baste the meat as the Wagyu cooks. Slow cooking is ideal for brisket. Set it to the lowest temperature and cook it for 8-9 hours. With this method, the brisket should fall apart on your fork.

How to cook Wagyu roast

Sear the Wagyu roasting joint, just as you would when cooking Wagyu in the oven. Preheat the oven to approximately 160°C and position the whole joint inside with the fat facing upwards. Roast for approximately 25 minutes per pound or 30 minutes per 500g. You can check with a thermometer to see if the joint has reached an internal temperature of 55°C.

Wagyu vs Kobe beef

Kobe beef is a type of Wagyu. In fact, Kobe beef is a particular strain of Wagyu beef called Tajima-Gyu, which is highly prized. Kobe cattle are raised to strict quality standards and only come from the prefecture of Hyogo in Japan and are, therefore, very popular in Japanese recipes. 

Wagyu beef recipes

There are plenty of tempting recipes that will taste all the more delicious with the addition of Wagyu beef:

• Double Beef & Twice-Cooked Potatoes: ideal if you have Wagyu mince or leftover steak to use.
• Double Seared Beef & Mumbai Coconut Sauce: a fantastic recipe for using any high-quality cut of beef you have on hand.
• Easy Double Herbed Beef & Apple-Walnut Salad: a good idea for when you don’t have much time on your hands.

FAQs

What’s the best way to cook a Wagyu steak?

The best way to cook a Wagyu steak is to sear it first. Place it into a preheated pan with oil and cook it for a few minutes on each side until the surface is brown. Remove the steak, allow the pan to reduce in heat, and then pan-fry it.

How is Wagyu traditionally cooked?

The traditional method for cooking Japanese-style Wagyu steak is to grill it over an open flame. This involves skilfully slicing the beef and grilling it over high heat for a short amount of time. The idea is to create a crispy exterior while the interior of each section of steak remains juicy. 

Can you grill or pan-fry Wagyu steaks?

Both methods are fine. If you want a Wagyu steak cooked in a traditional Western style, then pan-frying it slowly after searing would be preferable. For a Japanese finish, slice the steak into small sections, then grill them rapidly so that the outer part of the meat cooks while the inside remains tender.

Do you need to salt Wagyu before cooking?

Yes, salting Wagyu steaks before cooking them is advisable. Allow the steaks to reach room temperature before seasoning them to taste. This ensures the meat absorbs the salt more effectively compared to seasoning it afterwards.