We take a closer look at one of the most sought-after cuts of beef and answer the question, just exactly what is Wagyu Beef and what makes it so expensive?
Let’s be honest, steak, without question, is one of the nicest foods in existence. For times when you’re craving something delicious and satisfying, a steak dinner cooked to your liking simply cannot be beaten.
Whether you choose to enjoy your steak dinner with chips/fries, a baked potato, a sweet potato, mash, or any other accompaniments for that matter, the cut of meat you select literally determines the overall quality of your dinner.
There are many different cuts of steak, and there are many different varieties, yet we can all agree on the fact that Wagyu beef is one of the finest, most luxurious, decadent, and top-quality forms of steak out there.
Here’s a better look at Wagyu beef.
What Is Wagyu beef?
Wagyu beef is one of the most expensive steaks in existence. Renowned for its amazing fat marbling, its buttery soft texture, and its unmissable umami flavours, Wagyu is found on the menu of Michelin-starred restaurants all over the globe, be it in the best steakhouse in Beverly Hills or in a swanky pop-up in Tokyo, and for very good reason. Wagyu means ‘Japanese cow’, though this isn’t just a term used to describe any cow originating in Japan. The luxurious version of Wagyu which meat-eaters know and love is a unique breed of cattle which creates the delicious fat marbling that makes this cut of meat so amazing.
With Wagyu, the fat is metabolized internally, which is why you get the amazing fat marbling patterns in the meat. Instead of storing fat outside the muscle, they store it inside.
The cows are raised in luxurious conditions, they’re fed healthy produce, they’re relaxed, and they are cared for very well.
Interesting facts about Wagyu
Here’s a look at some interesting facts about Wagyu beef that you probably weren’t aware of before.
Wagyu cattle are encouraged to relax
Wagyu cows are raised in relaxing, zen-like conditions for a reason.
When stressed, people and animals produce a hormone known as cortisol. This stress hormone affects the quality of the meat and makes it tough and chewy.
Wagyu cattle are given massages, they listen to relaxing music, they have their own massage stations, and they are even given beer to drink. Seriously.
Wagyu beef is very healthy
Some people wrongly believe that because Wagyu is rich in fat, it is unhealthy. But, that is not the case at all.
We know that fats can be healthy, and this is evident in Wagyu. Wagyu contains three times more omega 3 fatty acids than regular steak, along with more zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
Wagyu is best served medium rare
How you enjoy your steak is entirely up to you, though if you do order a Wagyu steak well done, don’t be shocked if the chef looks at you like he wants to throw you on the grill.
Like most steaks, Wagyu is best-served medium-rare, as this allows the fat inside to gently melt, leaving a soft, buttery, meaty steak that melts in the mouth.
Accompaniments are important with Wagyu
Though Wagyu is delicious on its own, for best results, you need to know what to serve with your Wagyu.
Our suggestion here is beer-battered onion rings, a grilled tomato, crisp watercress, garlic sautéed shitake mushrooms, and chips cooked in beef dripping.
The meat is so soft it doesn’t usually come with a sauce, although bearnaise does work very well.
To really compliemnt your meal, rather than red wine, enjoy with a chilled Japanese beer such as Asahi, or Sapporo.
