If you’ve ever questioned why Wagyu beef is so expensive and yet everyone still loves it, well, the answer is not far-fetched, Wagyu beef is delectable.
Everyone loves steak, but more than just steak made with any beef, Wagyu beef steak is a variety that delivers a whole different flavour and satisfies your taste bud better.
For clarification, Wagyu means Japanese Cow, Wa stands for Japan, while Gyu means Cow. Steak made using Wagyu beef is exceptionally delicious because Wagyu are believed to be different species of cattle nutritiously fed in Japan.
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What is Wagyu beef or Kobe Beef?
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Wagyu or Kobe beef has become famous in American Kitchens, but why? Wagyu beef is considered the best beef for BBQ, and this is mainly because of its ability to make creamy and buttery flavoured streaks. With different types of Wagyu or Kobe beef, the most famous is gotten from Japanese Black cattle raised to perfection in Hyogo.
These cattle are raised with particular attention being paid to their feeds. Rather than any feed, Wagyu are bred on grass, rice straw, forage, corn, soybean, and even in some cases; they were given beer. All these puts together increase the quality of the beef from these cattle.
Kobe or Wagyu beef is rich in creamy flavour, and it has an unequal level of marbling. When the meat is made into barbeque, it has a fat level that melts at a lower temperature, makes it tender, and melts right in your mouth.
Other types of Wagyu or Kobe beef are Japanese brown, Japanese Polled, and Japanese shorthorn. Aside from the Japanese Wagyu, there is also American Wagyu, but it is not as delicious as the Japanese variety.
Why is wagyu beef so expensive?
Wagyu beef is expensive because of two significant reasons. The first reason is the amount required in breeding this species of cattle. Because Wagyu itself is given nourishing feeds and demands special attention, raising the cattle is expensive.
Another reason is the fact that demand for Wagyu beef has increased in recent years. An increase in supply does not cover this increase in demand. Japan provides only 3,000 Wagyu per year; hence, supply is low, and the price is naturally high.
How to make Wagyu beef
Is making Wagyu beef cost-effective? In other words, do you spend less by making your own Wagyu beef? Making Wagyu beef yourself could be the best way to cost price and still enjoy a tasty and flavour-ridden steak. Wagyu beef is made differently; however, all recipes aim to deliver a delicious steak that everyone loves. Below is a simple step-to-step guide on how to make Wagyu beef
Wagyu beef recipe
- Place a clean Wagyu beef inside the fridge for about 1 hour before cooking to regulate temperature.
- Remove the beef from the fridge and rub salt on both sides
- Prepare your grill or saucepan and make sure it is on medium heat
- Spread the fat capped up around the edges of the beef on the pan to prevent stifling
- Place Wagyu beef in the pan or on the grill and cook slowly for 1 minute, 30 seconds
- Flip the steak and cook the other side until the meat’s inner temperature reaches 130 degrees.
- Remove from the pan and let it cool for few minutes
- Slip and serve.
- You can add olive oil, butter, or salad
What you need
- Thawed Wagyu beef
- Grill or gas
- Cooking Pan
- Salt
- Thermometer (compulsory because determining the Wagyu beef temperature is essential to get it right)
Note: while cooking Wagyu beef can be very easy, it is advisable to be cautious with the grilling. This is to ensure that you do not over-grill or under-grill the beef. When you are cooking with a grill, it is always recommended to cut the beef into small sizes to prevent a flare-up.
Finally, the taste of the steak depends entirely on the quality of the beef you bought. With much different beef out there claiming to be Wagyu, you should not expect to offer less for the beef and always choose quality over quantity.
When cooking, the Wagyu beef temperature is critical; cook between 125 degrees to 130 degrees to avoid overcooking the beef.
How long does Wagyu beef last?
Wagyu beef can last for about 12 months if it remains inside its vacuum pack. So if you purchase Wagyu beef, but you are not ready to taste it yet, you can place it directly inside the freezer. However, you do not want to store your expensive beef for as long as 12 months. This is because there may be a change in taste.
Therefore, it is recommended that you plan to cook it before buying it. Once you open the vacuum pack, storing Wagyu beef cannot be done for long again. However, it can still be kept inside the freezer for 2-3 days without depleting in taste.
Is Wagyu beef healthy?
After realizing that Wagyu is high-fat beef, you wonder if it is healthy to consume or not. The excellent news is Wagyu contains healthy fat that does not increase Cholesterol and is also heart-healthy. So enjoy your plate of steak with confidence.
Conclusion
While there is a little confusion regarding Wagyu beef due to different varieties, the Japanese Black Wagyu is the most popular and the most expensive. With beef costing about $200 per pound, looking for a more cost-effective way is understandable.
To ensure that you do not have to deprive yourself of enjoy the world most expensive beef and provide a better understanding of the reason behind high price, we put together the list of most asked questions in respect of Wagyu along with a simple recipe to guide you on how to make your own delicious steak at home.
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