Meat Master

Wagyu Steak Cooking Tips & Guide

Name: The Meat & Wine Co
Price range: $$

Wagyu steak is the pinnacle of beef excellence, renowned for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavour. Our Meat Master guide will help you master the art of selecting, preparing, and cooking the perfect Wagyu steak. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious food enthusiast, our expert tips will take your Wagyu experience to new heights. So come with us on a culinary journey that will transform your understanding and appreciation of this exquisite delicacy.

What is Wagyu Steak?

Wagyu, which translates to ‘Japanese cow’, refers to several breeds of cattle known for their genetic predisposition to intense marbling. This intramuscular fat creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a buttery, umami-rich flavour that sets Wagyu apart from other beef varieties. Originally from Japan, Wagyu cattle are now raised in several countries, including Australia, where strict breeding and feeding practices are maintained to ensure the highest quality meat.

Preparing Your Wagyu Steak

Let your wagyu steak come to room temperature by taking it out of the fridge about 30 minutes prior. This helps the steak cook evenly and achieve the desired doneness.

Selecting the Best Cut

When choosing a Wagyu steak, look for even, abundant marbling throughout the cut. The fat should appear white or slightly off-white, creating a snowflake-like pattern within the red meat. Opt for cuts with a bright red colour, indicating freshness.

Popular Wagyu cuts include ribeye, striploin, and tenderloin. At The Meat & Wine Co, we source only the finest Wagyu beef to ensure our customers experience the true essence of this exceptional meat.

Seasoning Tips

Wagyu’s rich flavour shines with minimal seasoning. A sprinkle of high-quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper is often all that’s needed. Apply seasoning just before cooking to prevent drawing out moisture from the meat.

Understanding Wagyu Grades

Wagyu beef is graded on a scale that measures marbling, colour, firmness, and texture. The highest grade is A5, which represents the pinnacle of Wagyu quality. A5 Wagyu steak boasts the most intense marbling and flavour, offering an unparalleled dining experience. Lower grades, while still excellent, have less marbling but can be more approachable for those new to Wagyu.

Cooking Techniques

There are a number of ways you can cook a Wagyu steak, and with each, it’s crucial to keep the consideration of how long to cook Wagyu steak in mind. Here are several methods of how to cook Wagyu steak:

Grilling Wagyu Steak

Before cooking Wagyu steak, preheat your grill to high heat. Sear the Wagyu steak for 3-4 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish. Use tongs to flip the steak and avoid piercing the meat, which can cause juice loss. For thicker cuts, finish cooking over indirect heat to achieve desired doneness.

Pan-Searing Wagyu Steak

Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of high-smoke-point oil if needed. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side, basting with rendered fat. For a medium-rare finish, the internal temperature should reach 54°C.

Sous-Vide Wagyu Steak

Set your sous-vide device to 54°C for medium-rare. Vacuum-seal the seasoned steak and cook for 1-2 hours. After cooking, pat the steak dry and quickly sear in a hot skillet for a crispy exterior.

Temperature Guide for Wagyu Steak

For the best experience, we recommend cooking Wagyu steak to medium-rare or medium. Here’s a temperature guide for different levels of doneness:

Rare: 49-52°C
Medium-Rare: 54-57°C
Medium: 60-63°C
Medium-Well: 66-68°C
Well-Done: 71°C and above

Remember that the internal temperature will rise slightly during resting, so remove the steak from heat when it’s just below your desired doneness.

Resting and Serving Your Wagyu

After cooking, let your Wagyu steak rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This crucial step ensures maximum tenderness and flavour. Slice the steak against the grain for the most tender bite. Serve with simple sides that complement but don’t overpower the Wagyu’s rich flavour, such as grilled vegetables or a light salad.

Other Meat Cuts

Experience Wagyu Steak at The Meat & Wine Co

Ready to experience perfectly cooked steaks? Join us at The Meat & Wine Co, where our expert chefs are dedicated to bringing out the best in every cut of meat. Book your table today and indulge in an unforgettable dining experience.