Tips for Cooking, Serving and Enjoying Wagyu Beef

What is considered by many to be the champagne of meats, Wagyu beef is characterized by its delicious flavor profile, it’s tender juicy consistency and the beautiful marbleized look that the comes from the high fat content. Being such a high quality meat, Wagyu is not a typical cut that you can find at your local grocers. Instead, you can find kobe steaks online and get them shipped direct to your home.

Once you buy steaks online, wagyu steaks should be prepared a certain way in order to preserve that natural flavor and tenderness of the meat. Wagyu doesn’t require a lot of seasoning – simple salt and pepper can be just enough. Be sure to bring the meat to room temperature (except for ground beef, which should shaped into burger patties and then returned to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until ready for use).

Steaks and Wagyu roasts should be cooked rare to medium rare, as overcooking can cause the meat to be comparable to a lesser quality cut of meat. In actuality, Wagyu cooks pretty quickly on a preheated broiler, over an open flame or in a cast iron skillet. Add just a bit of cooking oil or butter so the meat won’t stick to the pan. Steaks should be seared hot, but not too hot, as the meat is very delicate. You can however, cook cuts such as brisket and short ribs by using a braising method.

Once you’ve cooked your Wagyu, you’ll need the perfect wine pairing to complete your meal. Wagyu practically melts in your mouth, leaving behind a very rich and buttery flavor. A fruity Bordeaux blend or a Pinot Noir would work well and won’t overwhelm the palate, whereas a heavy Cabernet or very tannic Bordeaux may not be the best fit for this refined meat.

If you’re going to do a wine sauce when serving Wagyu beef, try to pair with a wine accompaniment that has similar flavor and aroma. Though most agree that Wagyu does not need a lot of adornment, you can bring different flavor notes when you add things like truffles or mushrooms.
Wagyu beef is a real treat, and in case you’re wondering, the fattiness in the meat is monounsaturated, so you can enjoy it on special occasions without worrying. Try ordering some for yourself, your spouse/significant other, family or to impress business associates. Wagyu is sure to be a winner every time.