Wagyu beef is not like your normal meat. If you like you can cook it like any other beef, but that would be a waste. You’ve taken your hard-earned money and invested time into buying the perfect steak, so you have to get it right when cooking it.
Don’t fret, it doesn’t take many hours of watching the Food Network or years of culinary arts training to get it right. Taking extra time and care will help you bring out the best texture and flavor of Wagyu. Below are five top-notch tips on how to cook wagyu steak like a professional.
Buy the right cut
The reality is, when buying Wagyu steak, you need to select the right cut to win half the battle. You can go for a basic cut like a ribeye or filet, or go the unconventional route with a flank steak, teres major, kebab, flat iron, chuck steak, patties or english roast. Make sure not to be intimidated because anyone can perfect the art of cooking a special cut in the comfort of their own home.
How to store your beef
Now, before you think about tossing your Wagyu steak into a sizzling hot frying pan, you need to know how to store your beef correctly. Knowing how to store your beef is equally important to know how to cook it.
If you decide to order wagyu online, your beef needs to arrive partially frozen in a vacuum-sealed package. If it’s not frozen, you may end up with a chunk of freezer burnt wagyu. Upon arrival, you will need to place your steaks into a freezer straight away up until you are ready to prepare them.
Thaw the beef
A great rule of thumb is to thaw your frozen beef for about six hours for each cut. Once your steaks are completely thawed. Cooking them right away is a good idea as you will be able to maximize their flavor and freshness. Take the steaks out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before you place them in an oven for frying pan. Waiting will allow the steak to reach room temperature.
You may wonder why this is important? This is important if you want your meat to cook evenly from the center to all the edges. Making sure your steak gets really close to the final eating temperature is a good move. Because when your steak is out of the fridge before cooking, the temperature of the meat will grow from 20°F to 25°F, which is near its serving temperature. Guaranteeing you achieve a perfect and even cook.
Don’t add too much seasoning
Wagyu beef is best served with a bit of pepper and salt, but you are more than welcome to use your most loved steak seasoning. Just be careful not to overwhelm the inherent flavor that wagyu offers. It also comes with its own seasonings, marinades, and sauces.
Lastly – cook it well, and not well done
Whether you decide to throw your well-seasoned wagyu on the grill or pan fry it, if you want those beautiful char lines, just be careful not to overcook it. If anyone offers to make you well-done wagyu, just say no thanks. The most fulfilling temperature to enjoy the elite texture and buttery sweet flavor of wagyu is medium-rare, don’t let another person tell you otherwise.
