What you need to Know about Wagyu

More and more people are adding Wagyu beef to their diet, and the more popular this delicacy becomes, the more people want to know about this top quality cut of meat. The word “Wagyu” comes from “Wa”, which means Japanese and “Gyu” which means cattle. Technically, Wagyu beef is white beef due to the intense marbling affect created by the fattiness of the meat. Wagyu cattle are bred in Japan, served a strict diet and are contained within certain geographic areas. But don’t feel too bad for these cattle. After all, they have been known to be served beer and sake to increase their appetite and aid with digestion, and even receive massages to keep their muscles tender and prevent any cramps. This gives Wagyu meat a rich juicy flavor that is loved by chefs, food connoisseurs and diners the world over. Today, the breeding of Wagyu cattle has reached as far as Australia, New Zealand and even the U.S.

The main reason that Wagyu tastes so darn good is the marbling from the fat. If you compare other cuts of USDA beef to Wagyu, there’s no contest. For example, a USDA prime cut of meat rates at about a six on a scale of one through twelve, while Wagyu rates at a twelve or higher. It’s because of this that the USDA scale cannot be used to accurately rate Wagyu steaks. Instead, the meat has its own rating scale, which puts it in a class all its own.

If you plan on dining out to enjoy the buttery goodness that is Wagyu, you can expect to pay a hefty price for something prepared in a restaurant. This is in part due to the fact that wagyu steaks are pricy on their own, at around a hundred dollars or so for a good piece of meat. Then add on to that the cost for an accomplished chef to prepare and garnish your plate before it is delivered to your table, and you’re easily looking at a few hundred dollars for a good meal and bottle of wine for two.

If you are pretty good on the grill, one of the best ways to enjoy Wagyu is from the comfort of your own home. You can get kobe steaks online, just be careful that the meat is 100% Kobe (the highest quality of Wagyu) and not Kobe-style, which is inauthentic. If you buy steaks online, you can have them shipped direct to your home or business. Once they arrive, the only thing left to do is cook and enjoy. The best way to cook Wagyu is to sear it in a hot iron skillet or over an open flame. But a word of caution – be careful not to overcook this amazing piece of meat, of you’ll be kicking yourself for spending the money. Simply sprinkle with a little bit of salt and pepper, then sear for a few minutes on each side, and you’ll be left with a steak that is slightly crispy on the outside and as tender as nothing you’ve ever tasted on the inside. Wagyu is truly in a class all its own.