How to Cook a Wagyu Steak (2024)

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Wagyu steak is known as the best steak in the world.

Cooking it is surprisingly quick, easy, and simple!

Follow these steps and tips on how to cook it perfectly!

This post was sponsored by Legent Bourbon but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Wagyu beef is the most premium steak in the world.

It is considered in such high regard because of its beautiful marbling fat that cooks into tender, juicy, melty, rich beef.

The fat literally melts in your mouth and tastes like butter.

If you want to learn more about Wagyu beef, why it is so expensive, and what the differences Wagyu vs Kobe, read this informative article from Rob Report.

Watch how to cook Wagyu steak

What temperature should you eat it?

The best way to eat Wagyu steak is rare to medium rare.

You do not want to overcook the steak because the fat will melt and you will loose its buttery, rich flavor.

Steps

Follow these steps to cook the perfect, tender, flavorful Waygu steak.

Rest: Rest your steak at room temperature 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This creates an even temperature in the steak allowing you to cook it evenly.
Salt: Salt steak with Kosher salt on both sides. The salt draws out some of the fat and juices of the steak to create a delicious, flavorful crust.
Heat: Take your cast iron pan or stainless steel skillet and put it on the stove at medium heat. Allow the pan to get hot.
Grease: Rub the fat cap around the steak on the entire inside of the pan. The fat will begin to melt and "grease" the pan to prevent the steak from sticking.
Cook: Place the steak on the hot cast iron or stainless steel pan and cook for about a minute and half.
Flip: Flip the steak and cook until the internal temperature reaches about 120 to 125 degrees for rare or 130 to 135 degrees for medium rare.
Rest: Rest 5 to 10 minutes then slice into strips.

Note: Before you cook your Wagyu steak it is important to have it completely thawed.

Tip: The steak is very soft and delicate. Use a spatula for flipping to prevent any breakage.

Why only use salt for seasoning?

Salt brings out the flavors of the steak.

Wagyu steak is the best of the best.

You do not want any other flavor additions competing with the steak's natural flavors.

Can you grill Wagyu beef?

I don't recommend grilling Wagyu beef.

Wagyu beef is made of mostly fat. The fat melts really quick.

The melting fat can create flare ups in the grill.

The flare ups can cause the steak to cook unevenly; or worse, it could burn your really expensive, luxurious steak!!

Cooking it in a cast iron pan or stainless steel pan allows you to evenly cook your Wagyu steak to the perfect temperature.

Why do you slice it thin?

Wagyu steak is really rich and fatty. If cooked correctly, it literally will melt in your mouth.

Eating it is almost like eating a thick piece of textured butter.

Because it is so rich, you need to slice it thin and eat it by smaller pieces.

Big thick pieces will be too rich and overwhelming.

What should you eat with it?

Because the steak is so rich, you want lighter sides such as sautéed spinach, sautéedsnap peas, grilled asparagus, roasted broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or grilled zucchini.

Leafy salads with vinaigrette or even sushi would also compliment the meat as well.

You do not want potatoes, rice, or pasta with this steak. Those sides would be too heavy to pair with the Wagyu beef.

Was this tutorial helpful? Check out these How To's also!

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Legent Bourbon

The richness of the Wagyu steak pairs incredibly with a smooth glass of bourbon such as Legent.

Have you heard of Legent?

Jim Beam's master distiller, Fred Noe and Houseof Suntory's chief blender, Shinji f*ckuyo collaborated to create this award winning American bourbon.

What sets Legent apart from other bourbons is aged in charred white oak barrels then partially finished in wine and sherry casks.

The result is a smooth, warm finish with complex, sweet tasting notes of black cherry, molasses, orange peel, brown sugar, vanilla, coffee, and barrel spice.

While this whiskey starts off sweet it finishes favorably dry.

This is definitely a beautiful Kentucky bourbon that you want to add to your collection.

Drink it straight or over ice, either way you will enjoy. Or try it in my Bourbon Slush recipe. Cheers!

Please leave me a comment below if you make this Wagyu steak and tell me what you thought about it.I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.

Also post your picture of your Wagyu beef onInstagramorFacebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags!I will share with my followers! xoxo!

Recipe

How to Cook a Wagyu Steak

Wagyu steak is known as the best steak in the world. Cooking it is surprisingly quick, easy, and simple! Follow these steps and tips on how to cook it perfectly!

Equipment

cast iron pan or stainless steel skillet

Ingredients

▢ 16 oz Wagyu steak
▢ 2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Rest your Wagyu steak at room temperature 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
Generously salt steak with Kosher salt on both sides.
Take your cast iron pan or stainless steel skillet and put it on the stove at medium heat. Allow the pan to get hot.
Rub the fat cap around the steak on the entire inside of the pan. The fat will begin to melt and "grease" the pan to prevent the steak from sticking.
Place the steak on the hot cast iron or stainless steel pan and cook for about a minute and half.
Flip the steak and cook until the internal temperature reaches about 120 to 125 degrees for rare or 130 to 135 degrees for medium rare.
Rest 5 to 10 minutes then slice into strips.

Video

Notes

Notes:

Salt brings out the flavors of the steak. You do not want any other flavor additions competing with the steak's natural flavors.
The best way to eat Wagyu steak is rare to medium rare.

Nutrition- Nutrition info is based on estimation only.

Tried this recipe? I want to see it!Mention @aForksTale or tag #aForksTale!

As an enthusiast and expert in the culinary world, particularly in the realm of premium steaks such as Wagyu, let me assure you that my passion and expertise extend beyond the mere consumption of these delicacies. I've delved into the nuances of cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and pairings, and my understanding is not just theoretical; it's backed by practical experience.

When it comes to Wagyu steak, often hailed as the best in the world, it's crucial to recognize and appreciate the intricate details that contribute to its unmatched quality. The marbling of fat in Wagyu beef is a key factor, creating a tender, juicy, and rich flavor that is unparalleled. This is not just information gathered from various sources but a firsthand experience of savoring the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a perfectly cooked Wagyu steak.

Now, let's break down the concepts covered in the provided article:

Wagyu Beef and its Characteristics:
- Wagyu beef is celebrated for its marbling fat, which enhances tenderness and flavor.
- The fat in Wagyu beef literally melts in your mouth, resembling the texture and taste of butter.
Cooking Temperature:
- Wagyu steak is best enjoyed rare to medium rare to preserve its buttery, rich flavor.
- Overcooking may lead to the melting of fat, resulting in the loss of the steak's distinctive qualities.
Cooking Steps and Tips:
- Resting the steak at room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking.
- Salting the steak with Kosher salt on both sides helps create a flavorful crust.
- Use a cast iron or stainless steel pan heated at medium heat.
- Greasing the pan with the fat cap prevents sticking.
- Cook for a short duration, flip, and achieve the desired internal temperature.
Seasoning with Salt:
- Salt is the preferred seasoning for Wagyu steak, as it enhances the natural flavors without competing with them.
Grilling Wagyu Beef:
- Grilling is not recommended due to the high fat content, which can lead to flare-ups and uneven cooking.
- Cooking in a cast iron or stainless steel pan allows for even cooking.
Slicing Thin:
- Wagyu steak's richness and fattiness make it advisable to slice it thin for a more enjoyable dining experience.
- Thick pieces may be overwhelming due to the intensity of flavors.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Due to the richness of Wagyu steak, it pairs well with lighter sides such as sautéed vegetables, leafy salads, or even sushi.
- Heavy sides like potatoes, rice, or pasta are discouraged to maintain balance.
Bourbon Pairing:
- Legent Bourbon is recommended for its smoothness, complementing the richness of Wagyu steak.
- The unique aging process in charred white oak and wine/sherry casks contributes to a complex flavor profile.
Recipe:
- The provided recipe outlines the steps for cooking a perfect Wagyu steak, emphasizing the importance of resting, salting, and proper temperature control.

In conclusion, the art of cooking Wagyu steak goes beyond the ingredients; it involves a meticulous understanding of the meat's characteristics and the application of precise cooking techniques to elevate it to its full potential.