Japanese Wagyu beef is one of the most prized proteins in the culinary world and is deemed as luxurious as caviar and black truffles. The stunning marbling of fat, tantalising texture and umami-rich wagyu is what all steak lovers dream of eating. As a result, the sought after meat is used across Michelin starred restaurants across the world and has become one of Japan’s most prized ingredients. However, there is still a lot of confusion and questions as to what Wagyu actually is and where it comes from. So let’s get into everything you will ever need to know about Japan’s famous wagyu beef.
Table of Contents
What is Wagyu?
Firstly, wagyu is a type of cattle, which in Japan, is separated into four different breeds: the black, brown, shorthorn, and polled. This includes cattle produced in Japan as well as other countries such as Australia and the United States. When people think of Wagyu, the thought of Kobe beef springs to mind. While this is correct, Japanese Wagyu is not Kobe beef, but simply Kobe beef is a type of Wagyu from a particular black cattle strain grown in Kobe City.
Secondly, what makes Wagyu so unique is the inter-muscular fat that breaks the growth of connective tissue networks within the meat. The fat gets in the way of the connective tissue expanding and connecting with itself meaning weak muscles and extremely tender meat. These fats create a unique smell, aroma and taste as the fatty acid composition breaks down into powerful odourants. In addition, wagyu has a high proportion of unsaturated fats relative to other fatty acids and gram-for-gram it makes it healthier than other more saturated animal fats.
History of Japanese Wagyu
Historians recorded that cattle, pigs, and chickens were in Japan between 500BC AND 300AD. The timing coincided with the introduction of rice cultivation. As a result, people used cattle for mining, forestry, transportation, and rice farming. These cattle migrated from North China, as well as Mongolia and Siberia. Following this, Buddhist leaders banned the eating of the flesh of animals, making them work-based animals. Their worth became their physical prowess and people decided to breed on maternal traits. During the Meji Restoration era, in 1867, the government lifted this ban on eating meat. From there, cattle became sought after for their milk and meat, leading to a shipment of cattle from Kobe to Yokohama. For that reason, this beef became popular and gained the name Kobe Beef.
Due to the surge of demand for milk and beef, Japan decided they needed to increase the yield with large and improved breeds of cattle. Yet, compared to other regions in the world, Japan is small, especially with the land available to raise cattle. To compensate for the lack of supply of beef, Japan started to crossbreed native cattle with imported breeds. These included Braunvieh and Simmental cattle from Switzerland, Ayrshire, Devon, and Shorthorn cattle from the United Kingdom, and Holstein cattle from Germany and the Netherlands. This helped increase the size and yield meeting the demand of the public.
A decline in quality
However, as years passed, the quality of meat declined which prompted Japan to stop crossbreeding and start to intra-breed cattle. One of the original Japanese cattle breeds, Mishima, is bred on Mishima Island in Yamaguchi prefecture. People considered it to improve meat quality when crossed with other breeds and was thus a key component in the intra-breeding process. The result was the birth of the Japanese black breed in 1944, the leading cattle breed of Wagyu. After World War 2, farmers started to focus on raising this black breed for marbled beef production. The name Wagyu includes the Japanese black breed cattle as well as crossbred Japanese black cattle produced in other countries. The black breed comprises over 90% of Wagyu raised in Japan, highlighting its importance in the beef market.
Furthermore, in 1991, the Uruguay Round (multilateral trade negotiations) saw an upsurge in imported products such as beef, which severely affected the Japanese beef market. Leaner and less fat marbled beef was available cheaper than Japanese beef putting farmers at risk. This led to a shift in the perception of beef as Japanese beef farmers and the government aimed for increasingly marbled beef and improving the quality rather than the amount.
How is Japanese Wagyu raised
To meet the requirements of the Japanese beef market, there is strict nutritional management. Factors that are taken into account are growth rate, feed efficiency, health, animal welfare, disease tolerance, and intramuscular fat accumulation. Cattle are raised in group-fed pens depending on Japan’s own fattening system. From 11 months – 30 months of age, they feed on a high-concentrate diet, which helps accumulate more intramuscular fat. Furthermore, farmers give them a lot of freedom to roam the surrounding fields to create a stress-free environment. Whereas a mass-operated cattle farming pen would contain dozens of cows, a Wagyu farm typically contains only 4 or 5. Therefore, there is plenty of room to roam inside as well as outside.
Overall, during 11 to 18 months of age, cattle feed twice or three times a day. These meals consist of 36.8% to 86.4% formulated feed, which is high in grains. During this period, the cows mature and gain around 50% of fat and upwards to 1,500 pounds. From 18 months onwards, the diet becomes even more concentrated at around 85% formulated feed. Grains, such as corn, are more energy dense helping to grow inter-muscular fat, however it comes as a price. Some of these grains are not widely available in Japan, thus have to be imported, bumping the price of the overall Wagyu. When the cattle reach around 30 months old, they reach peak condition and are slaughtered. Although this is older than other breeds of cows, the extended period allows the cattle to develop more fat.
All Natural
The cattle are never given any artificial ingredients or medicine to promote growth, making it 100% natural. Although it takes more time and energy, it produce the delicious wagyu we know today. In contrary to popular belief, farmers to not tend to massage or play music to their cattle. However, they do as much as possible to allow the livestock to live in a stress-free environment. This is because stress increases adrenaline and contributes to tensed muscles and tough meat.
How is Wagyu quality ranked?
Carcasses of Japanese cattle breeds are evaluated by the Japan Meat Grading Association (JMGA). This is such an integral process in the production fo wagyu to protect integrity and authenticity. The meat between the sixth and seventh rib are graded on two specific factors: Yield and Grade. Yield is simply the ratio of meat compared to the carcass. This is based on a score by A (72%+), B (69%-72%) and C (below 69%). Grade is further separated into five factors: Beef Marbling Score (BMS), Beef Colour Standard (BCS), Beef Fat Standard (BFS), Firmness, and Texture. Each of these factors are graded from 1-5, 5 being the highest score and 1 being the lowest.
A5 is the highest quality wagyu you can get and the beef must be graded as Grade A for yield and Grade 5 in BMS, BFS, BCS, firmness and texture.
Different types of Japanese Wagyu
Kobe Beef
Kobe beef is the most internationally famous wagyu brand known worldwide. The city of Kobe was a key port for imports and exports in Japan, which allowed Japan to promote Kobe Wagyu to the rest of the world. The prestigious beef comes from the black Tajima breed of Wagyu Cattle, which has pass a strict passing of the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association.
Ohmi Beef
Ohmi beef comes from the cattle breed around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. The abundant nature around the lake lends itself for an excellent cattle raising environment. The lake’s clean water and the carefully selected feed, produces meat that is well marbled and soft, with tender fat and a mellow smell. Although Kobe is more unanimously known, Ohmi beef is considered just as, if not, better.
Matsusaka Beef
Matsusaka beef comes from a small, rural town in Mie prefecture. It is highly regarded for its flavor,richness,and distinctive marbled texture. The cows are specifically selected and then matured for 3 years giving this distinct flavour. In 2002, one Matsusaka cow sold for 50 million yen, or roughly $400,000.
Hida Beef
Hida beef comes from Gifu prefecture, jsut a little north fo Nagoya City. Prized wagyu beef from Takayama is considered some of the best beef in Japan. What sets Hida beef apart is in its muscle and marbling. This fat marblind permeates through the loin cut as well as other areas, such as the shoulder, flank and rear legs.
Miyazaki Beef
Just locates North-East of Kagoshima prefecture, Miyazaki prefecture is the second largest prefecture in producing Japanese black cattle. Much of the area is comprised of mountains and dense forests creating beautifully red-colored beef, fantastic marbling and a naturally rich flavor palate.
Hokkaido Beef
Finally is Hokkaido’s wagyu beef. The naturally cold climate, rich nature and cold air, makes it the perfect place for calves to grow. This creates a distinguished taste that is tender and juicy. Furthermore, tt contains a great deal of proteins, minerals, vitamins, iron, and other various nutrients!
Ways to enjoy Japanese Wagyu
Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki is maybe the most common way of cooking wagyu. A gas powered iron flat top allows for a variety of ingredients to be cooked. At high end restaurants, the chef will cook everything right in front of you. Typically, sliced garlic is fried to season the oil and hot plate. which is then used to cook thew wagyu. Artistically flipping and cutting, the wagyu is cooked till mouth wateringly tender and served alongside the fried garlic. Additional toppings of sea salt, wasabi and a special tare (sauce) can all be enjoyed with the wagyu.
Watch a video of wagyu being cooked teppanyaki style here!
Yakiniku
Yakiniku (translated to grilled meat) derivers from Korean cuisine. Bite size pieces of meat are grilled over a charcoal grill, or in some places, a gas grill. Various meats and various cuts of meat are available to eat, from fillets to organs. Whereas in Teppanyaki, a whole large piece of wagyu is usually cooked, in yakiniku, everything comes pre cut, allowing you to cook each piece as you would like. After grilling, you can enjoy the beef with sea salt, a special tare, or even lemon juice. In addition, you can find a wider variety of wagyu cuts and parts of the cow at a yakiniku restaurant.
Sukiyaki
Sukiyaki is a popular hot pot dish, where a mixture of vegetables and beef are cooked in a sweet and salty soy sauce based broth. There are two variations of sukiyaki: Kansai (Osaka) and Kanto (Tokyo) style. In Kansai, the meat is first seared in the pan and seasoned with sugar, sake, and soy sauce, then the vegetables are added. In Tokyo, all the ingredients are cooked in a sukiyaki sauce. Wagyu beef is usually slice thinly and gently cooked so it becomes tender and melt in your mouth. It is common to dip the cooked ingredients in a beaten raw egg before eating.
Shabu Shabu
Similar to sukiyaki, shabu shabu is also a hot pot dish. A selection of vegetables and proteins are cooked in dashi (Japanese stock) until tender. Sesame sauce and ponzu sauce are two common dippings that you can eat the ingredients with. The sounds of stirring the vegetables and meat with your chopsticks gives the onomatopoeic name ‘shabu shabu’. It’s a common dish to enjoy with friends and family that brings people closer together.
Sushi
Although sushi is commonly eaten using raw fish, that melts in your mouth, wagyu is also used for it’s same properties. The rich marbling of fat and umami packed beef makes it a perfect topping for sushi. In addition, it can be lightly blow torched, allowing that delciious fat to render and back even more delicious.
Yakitori
Small cuts of wagyu beef are skewered, lightly seasoned and grilled over a charcoal grill. The charcoal adds a smoky, barbeque flavour, whilst allowing the fat to render and become tatilisingly tender. Yakitori is a great way to eat wagyu as it is cut in bite size pieces, so you just get the right amount.
Where to enjoy Wagyu in Osaka
Matsuzakagyu YakinikuM
Specifically serving Matsusaka Beef, this restaurants advises you to enjoy the natural taste of wagyu with simple salt or soy sauce. Matsusaka beef is raised between the Izumi and Miyagawa river in the suburban area of Matsusaka City. They take extreme care in raising their cattle, as they massage and even give beer (helps develop appetite and fat in the cattle). Specifically, they have their own staff to look after and examine each cow to ensure that the perfect wagyu is supplied to their customers.
You can enjoy various cuts of the cow that are all beautifully presented to ensure you know exacvtly what you are eating. Finally, the dark and cozy atmosphere makes it relaxing and one of the best spots in Osaka to enjoy Japanese wagyu beef.
Opening Times: 17:00 – 21:00 (Saturday and Sunday 12:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 21:00)
Phone Number: 06-6211-2904
Website
Address: 〒542-0076 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nanba, 1 Chome−5−24 だるまビル 2F
Kitamura
Founded in 1881, Kitamura serves Kansai style Sukiyaki, which is a favourite amongst locals. They only used domestically raised wagyu, which is full of umami and sweetness. The thinly sliced wagyu becomes tantilisingly tender with the sweet and salty broth adding a deeper depth of flavour. There are other dishes available such as mizudaki (boiled beef slices) and batayaki (beef fried in butter).
There are traditional Sukiya style rooms as well as tatami rooms with horikotatsu. These are spaces where there are gaps in the floor under the table to rest your legs. The relaxed yet refined atmosphere makes it a fantastic place to enjoy some wagyu sukiyaki style.
Opening Times: 16:00 – 22:00 (Closed on Sunday and public holidays)
Phone Number: 06-6245-4129
Website
Address: 1-16-27 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Fukushige Horumon Osaka-shinmachi Branch
Located around Yotsubashi station, in a district filled with offices and shopping malls, Fukushige Horumon is crowded nearly every day. The relaxed and lively atmosphere makes it welcoming to anyone. The kitchen mainly serves A4 Wagyu from Kagoshima, with a variety of cuts available. One of the most popular cuts is the Skirt steak, which is deliciously tender. You can order the wagyu as it is or marinated in their sweet homemade sauce. The spicy dipping sauce makes it a perfect combination with the fluffy white rice. Finally, the beef tongue is sliced thickly compared to other yakiniku restaurants. The umami rich and soft yet chewy texture is a must try!
Opening Times: Lunch 11:30 am – 2:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Phone Number: 06-6578-4880
Website
Address: 1-8-9, Shin-machi, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Sumibi Yakiniku Tsurugyu
Using Tajima beef, the prefectly marbled and sweet beef is recommended to eat rare. Their recommendation is the chuck eye, which is simply eaten with sea salt, garlic flakes, soy sauce or Japanese mustard. They have a wide selection of cuts available, including the organs and intestines of the cow. This can be enjoyed a la carte or as a course meal.
Finally, the restaurant, with its natural wood-based interior, has two tables for four, three horigotatsu tables for four and a semi-private room for six customers.
Opening Times: 17:00 – 24:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Phone Number: 050-5263-9922
Website
Address: 3 Chome-5-14 Kawarayamachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0066
How to cook Japanese Wagyu at home
The incredible marbling of fat and natural umami rich beef should be preserved so I recommend simply frying it with salt. The amount of fat in Wagyu creates a butter like texture, which can be too rich if too much is consumed. With wagyu beef, I would always recommend medium rare but with wagyu medium is also delicious! No matter how you cook wagyu, it will be tender and juicy, however at a medium-rare cook, the fat will have time to render. The rendering process will help the meat become more tender as well helping release some of the sweet and umami flavour stored inside.
Ingredients
Wagyu Beef
Salt
Pepper
Sliced Garlic
Method
Step1
Let the beef come up to room temperature
Step 2
Fry the sliced garlic in a medium hot pan. Fry until crispy. Drain the garlic on kitchen paper and set aside. Discard remaining oil (or use for another dish!)
Step 3
Season the beef with salt. In a scorching hot, non-stick pan, sear the meat for 2 minutes (depending on the size). You do not need to put any oil in the pan as there is so much fat in the wagyu.
Step 4
Flip the beef over and sear for another 2 minutes and fry all the sides of the beef.
Step 5
Rest the beef for at least 3 minutes. This will help retain its juices and become even more tender.
Step 6
Slice and serve with wasabi, sea salt, and the sliced garlic.
Step 7
Enjoy a variety of different combination of flavours! I recommend slicing into smaller bite size pieces to make it even more enjoyable!
Watch a video of me cooking the wagyu beef!
Final
Japanese Wagyu beef is the ultimate meat experience. The love and care that farmers take in raising their cattle is expressed through the mouth-wateringly tender, juicy, and umami-packed wagyu. Although it’s a prized produce, the chance to experience and eat wagyu should not be missed. Teppanyaki offers all the theatrics and thrill that celebrate the famous wagyu, however there are a host of different way available to enjoy it. If you can get a hold of the 100% wagyu from Japan, it is well wroth cooking yourself just to get a taste of that sweet, umami-rich, and fatty piece of meat.
FAQs
What are the 4 types of Wagyu? ›
In Japan there are four breeds that are considered Wagyu and those are the Japanese Black (the predominant Wagyu exported to the U.S), Japanese Brown (In the U.S. referred to as Red Wagyu), Japanese Polled and Japanese Shorthorn.
What are the top 3 Wagyu beef in Japan? ›Japan's "top three" wagyu brands — specifically Matsusaka Ushi, Kobe Beef, and Ohmi Beef — all hail from the Kansai region of Japan. While their bloodlines all trace their origins to Tajima beef, a subspecies of Japanese Black cattle from Hyogo Prefecture, each of these wagyu brands boasts a unique flavor profile.
Is it safe to eat A5 Wagyu raw? ›In fact, there are a number of dishes which feature raw beef, including but not limited to sushi, thin sliced to show off the beautiful marbling. If you're going to prepare Wagyu beef, however, it is recommended that it is prepared and consumed fully cooked to avoid illness.
How do I know if my Wagyu is real? ›Ask to See a Certificate or Statue
Real Wagyu beef comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. This document should contain important information about the source of the beef as well as its official grade from the Japanese Meat Grading Association.
In Wagyu, particularly 100% Fullblood Wagyu, the Filet Mignon has more marbling, bringing even more velvety decadence and flavor than Filet Mignon cuts from other breeds of cattle.
Is Kobe beef the same as Wagyu? ›Kobe beef is a type of Wagyu. Wagyu is not a type of Kobe, so there are types of Wagyu that are not Kobe, including Bungo, Matsusaka, and Ohmi.
What steak is better Kobe or Wagyu? ›Wagyu marbling is also better tasting. Wagyu fat melts at a lower temperature than any other cattle's, resulting in a rich, buttery flavor unseen in other strains of beef. This fat is also unsaturated and high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, meaning not only is Wagyu marbling more delicious, it's also more healthy.
Is American Wagyu better than Japanese Wagyu? ›Flavor, Texture, and Quality
Authentic Japanese Wagyu is known for incredible flavor and tenderness, superb melting texture, and intense marbling—all which American Wagyu simply cannot compare to. Japanese Wagyu quality is simply unmatched due to the high standard of cattle raising and robust grading standards.
The Wagyu tri-tip is a triangular cut of meat that comes from the bottom sirloin section of the cow. This cut is known for its delicate flavor and tender texture. A tri-tip roast is a beef cut that comes from the bottom sirloin section of the cow.
What happens if you eat too much Wagyu? ›"A 300gm steak of wagyu is ridiculous, it's unhealthy to eat that much in one go," she says. "That can take up to 12 hours to digest, so it will sit on your gut, your gas is going to be terrible, your body will be stimulated with energy, you won't sleep well."
How long will Wagyu beef last in the fridge? ›
How Long Does Wagyu Beef Last in the Fridge? Raw, unfrozen Wagyu beef is typically safe to store in your refrigerator for up to five days. However, some suggest you keep organ meats and ground beef for no more than three days.
How long does Wagyu last in freezer? ›Wagyu beef can also be frozen if you're not ready to eat it within a day or two. Raw meat should be kept in the freezer for no longer than 1 month.
Is Arby's Wagyu real? ›The 6.4-ounce burger, which is 50% larger than McDonald's Quarter Pounder, uses a blend of 51% American Wagyu and 48% ground beef to deliver a premium steakhouse burger.
Is Aldi Wagyu beef real? ›Aldi sources its Wagyu beef from Warrendale Farms, which is the largest producer of British Wagyu beef, producing more than 4,000 animals across its main site and 125 partner farms around the UK.
Where does Costco Wagyu come from? ›1 A5 Grade, 12 lb. Boneless Ribeye Roast. Imported From the Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan.
Is Wagyu better grilled or pan seared? ›American Wagyu steaks that are an inch and a half or thicker, like tomahawks, are best grilled using the reverse sear cooking method. To do this, place the steaks on the side of the grill you prepared without charcoal or to medium-low heat with gas.
Which meat is better Angus or Wagyu? ›Wagyu, as compared to Angus, has high marbling, and this is why it is preferable when you want to enjoy the moisture, tender and delicious steak. When considering the right pick in terms of personal health, choose Wagyu Beef.
Is Wagyu healthier than Angus? ›Wagyu Beef Has Lower Total Fat Content Than Angus Beef
Wagyu also contains more monounsaturated fats, making it a healthier choice for heart health. Per 4 oz serving Angus beef contains 293 calories and 18.7 g of total fat while Wagyu contains 218 calories and 14 g of fat.
Since 1994, U.S. producers have worked to offer American Kobe-style beef that features the same characteristics, marbling and flavor that defines Japan's Kobe beef by bringing herds of Kryoshi and Akaushi breeds of Wagyu cattle to the United States.
Is A5 Wagyu better than Kobe? ›A: This beef comes from the same breed as Kobe Beef (Kuroge Washu) but from different parts of Japan. This beef is also rated higher, at A5 only, whereas Kobe Beef can come from cattle which have rated at A4 or A5. A5 Wagyu is a higher guarantee of quality.
What is the pork version of Wagyu? ›
The World's Finest Pork
Referred to as Kurobuta (black hog) in Japan, it is considered the culinary equivalent of Wagyu beef and is highly regarded for its internal marbling.
The American wagyu breed of cattle is not pure wagyu cattle. It is a cross-breed between wagyu and more common beef cattle breeds. Thus creating a different cow breed altogether, one that differs in texture, taste, and most importantly, price.
What is the best steak in the world? ›Results from the 2022 World Steak Challenge are hot off the grill, with a Japanese Wagyu judged to be a cut above the rest. The world's best steak award at this year's World Steak Challenge goes to a Japanese Wagyu from producer Starzen Co.
Are there Wagyu cows in the US? ›According to the American Wagyu Association, there are roughly 40,000 Wagyu-influenced cows in America today, with less than 5,000 being considered 100% purebred or “full-blood” as the term goes.
Where does Arby's get their Wagyu? ›It doesn't even really help out a burger. Wagyu is a rare, expensive type of meat that comes from a carefully bred line of cattle from Japan. The “wagyu” in this instance is “American wagyu,” which is a cross between Japanese Wagyu and other cattle.
What is the best tasting beef in the world? ›Wagyu beef originates from Japan and is considered by many the best beef on the planet. With the name meaning “Japanese Cow” (wa = Japanese, gyu = cow), it can be found in four different types of Japanese cattle.
How is Arby's Wagyu steak burger? ›At first bite, it tasted better than an average fast-food burger, but it honestly didn't blow me away. The shredded lettuce is a bit messy and I feel a burger on the level of Wagyu deserves a lettuce leaf. The sauce is standard much like a Thousand Island dressing.
What is the unhealthiest meat? ›Cured meats, cold cuts, salami, and hot dogs are just a few examples of processed meats to limit or avoid. Scientific consensus confirms that eating large amounts of these processed meats will raise your risk of colon cancer. These meats are often high in both sodium and saturated fats, Malkani says.
Are all Wagyu cows female? ›A vast majority of Wagyu meat produced in Japan is either from heifers (young virgin females) or steers (castrated males). Between the two, heifers are more highly prized for their tenderness and silky texture. Just like humans, the Wagyu males tend to be more masculine, so the meat feels slightly tougher and chewier.
Is American Wagyu worth it? ›It's considered one of the most luxurious meats, prized for both its flavor and rareness. If you're looking for a melt-in-your-mouth experience with your steak, you can't go wrong with ordering Wagyu beef wherever it's available.
How many oz of Wagyu should you eat? ›
For the Japanese A5 wagyu, plan to serve about one to two ounces of meat per person. That means a 13-ounce steak can feed anywhere from six to 12 people!
Why does Wagyu melt in your mouth? ›Its abundance of fat ensures a tender, juicy and flavoursome eating experience. The fat in Wagyu has a melting point lower than the human body temperature, which is what makes it melt in your mouth.
How much Wagyu can one person eat? ›Densely marbled, richly flavorful, with a tender, velvety texture, A5 Wagyu beef is truly a treat for the taste buds. Cut about an inch thick, these steaks are so rich that 3-4 ounces is a perfect serving size.
Do you wash Wagyu steak before cooking? ›According to the USDA, it's not recommended to wash any raw meat before cooking. Not only does it not remove all bacteria, it also causes the bacteria on the meat to get on the sink or other surfaces that get splashed in the process of washing.
What happens if you freeze Wagyu? ›Freezing Wagyu
Contrary to popular opinion, due to its higher marbled fat content, you can effectively freeze Wagyu beef. It is in fact, one of the best meats to freeze. The fat ensures that the quality of the meat is not affected by freezing, which often happens with other types of meat.
- Season several hours before cooking with salt and pepper.
- Cook on medium heat and remove from direct heat after 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Remove from heat and let rest after reaching desired temperature (145 degrees F for medium rare, 160 degrees F for medium)
Before cooking Wagyu beef, you need to thaw it if it's frozen. And the best way to do it is to put it in the fridge and let it sit in it for six hours per pound of meat. Once it is thawed, you should take it out of the fridge, let it rest for half an hour, and then cook it.
Can you defrost Wagyu in cold water? ›The answer is yes, but with a caveat. You may be tempted to use hot water to help speed up the process. However, you should always use cold water to thaw a steak. Yes, it takes longer, but it also ensures there aren't rapid temperature changes to your beef which can cause bacteria to grow.
How long does vacuum sealed Wagyu last in the fridge? ›Vacuum sealing can extend the fridge life of meats as well, but because anaerobic bacteria can grow at temperatures above 3°F, all vacuum-packed refrigerated meats should be unsealed and cooked within 10 days.
How much does a pound of Wagyu beef cost? ›The highest grade Wagyu Price can cost up to $200 per pound. The rarest Wagyu Steak in the world, known as Olive Wagyu can cose $120 to $300 for a steak. Wagyu cows can be 40 times more the price of US cattle.
Why is Wagyu healthy? ›
Wagyu beef is extremely rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and contains all of the essential amino acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids such as these are believed to lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer's and other conditions.
Is Arby's burger 100% Wagyu? ›The burger is a blend of 51% American Wagyu beef and 49% ground beef. The American Wagyu, a cross between Japanese Wagyu and high-quality domestic cattle breeds, enhances the flavor profile and texture of the patty, according to Arby's. The patty is cooked sous vide style to lock in the juices and flavor.
Is Costco Wagyu? ›The retail store offers 18 kinds of Wagyu beef. The most popular ones are Japanese Boneless Wagyu Ribeye Roast and A5 Wagyu Striploin Shabu Shabu Slices. Learn more about this a bit later. Costco Wagyu review is 50% positive and 50% negative.
Is the Mcdonalds Wagyu Burger real Wagyu? ›The delectable burger features 100% Aussie-bred Wagyu beef, a tasty rasher of bacon, grilled onions, signature sauce and 100% Aussie-grown produce including tomato slices, crisp lettuce and Aussie Jack cheese.
Does Trader Joe's sell Wagyu beef? ›YES! 100% American raised Kobe Beef (also known as Wagyu Beef) makes for a juicy, flavorful, steak-like burder.
Does Whole Foods have Wagyu? ›Wagyu Beef Steak Strips 20 Pack at Whole Foods Market.
Which Japanese Wagyu is the best? ›Wagyu A5 strip steak is the highest quality meat you can buy. Served boneless, it has a wonderful balance of texture and flavor. It also has some of the most intense marbling of all the cuts.
Does Costco have real A5 Wagyu? ›Enjoy this treat of exceptional flavor and marbling with Authentic Wagyu's Japanese A5 Wagyu Ribeye Steaks.
What is the highest quality Wagyu? ›What is the highest grade Wagyu? The highest yield grade and meat quality grade for Wagyu beef is A5, where A represents the yield grade, and 5 represents the meat quality grade. A5 Wagyu beef denotes meat with ideal firmness and texture, coloring, yield, and beef marbling score.
Which type of Wagyu is the best? ›Wagyu A5 strip steak is the highest quality meat you can buy. Served boneless, it has a wonderful balance of texture and flavor. It also has some of the most intense marbling of all the cuts.
What are the grades of Wagyu? ›
The Wagyu Beef Grade Scale
The letter can be from A to C (A being the best), and the number from 1 to 5 (5 being the best). The A to C scale represents the amount of wagyu that can be harvested from the cattle. Grade 'B' is treated as the standard, making grade 'A' a premium and most sought after product.
Wagyu translates to "Japanese cow," and generally refers to four Japanese breeds: brown, polled, shorthorn, and black. Like wine appellations, the most prized wagyu are raised in accordance with regional rules; the consensus is that the best—including Kobe and Hokkaido Snow Beef—come from strains of the black variety.
Is Kobe steak better than Wagyu? ›As we mentioned, Wagyu beef is just another term for Japanese beef from Japanese-raised cattle. Kobe beef is a special type of Wagyu beef that's famous for its marbling. In fact, some say that it has the most intricate marbling of any beef in the world.
What is Grade 7 Wagyu? ›With Wagyu Marbling Scores of 7 and 8 you're entering rarefied realm of the billionaires of beef. There's a whole new level of richness to these steaks, with softness approaching stick-of-butter levels.
Is Kobe Beef better than A5 Wagyu? ›More precisely, Kobe Beef has a creamier taste and feel in the mouth compared to regular Japanese A5 Wagyu. In our opinion, Kobe Beef takes the term 'Japanese Wagyu' to an even higher level.
Is there a difference between American Wagyu and Japanese Wagyu? ›American Wagyu is commonly utilized for grilling, roasting, and pan searing. The fat content is typically lower than Japanese Wagyu due to less marbling and this creates a hearty, beefy flavor many find very palatable when included in well-known dishes.
What grade is Costco Wagyu? ›Japanese Wagyu Boneless Ribeye Roast, A5 Grade, 12 lbs | Costco.
Is A4 or A5 Wagyu better? ›Olive Wagyu Grading - A3, A4, A5
A5 is the highest grade possible and the most luxurious beef you can buy. Exquisite marbling, extreme tenderness, packed with robust flavors. A5 Olive Wagyu is the world's rarest steak.
A: This beef comes from the same breed as Kobe Beef (Kuroge Washu) but from different parts of Japan. This beef is also rated higher, at A5 only, whereas Kobe Beef can come from cattle which have rated at A4 or A5. A5 Wagyu is a higher guarantee of quality.
Is Wagyu strip or ribeye better? ›With a super tender marbling texture and the highest percentage of sweetness and Umami of all Japanese Wagyu Beef, you really can't go wrong with ribeye—especially A5 Wagyu ribeye, which ensures it's of the highest quality. Japanese Wagyu ribeye is ideal for cooking steak, barbecue, wagyu sushi, sandwich, hot pot, ...
Is gold or black grade Wagyu better? ›
The short answer is marbling. Our Gold grade cuts include much more marbling than our Black grade cuts. But even our Black grade steaks and other cuts have marbling superior to USDA Prime beef.
What country has the best Wagyu? ›- The original home of Wagyu continues to be the leader for raising this majestic breed. ...
- Within these regions are the homes of the best beef in the world - Kobe, Ohmi, and Matsusaka.