How to Cook Wagyu Steak

Learn how to cook wagyu steak perfectly. From A5 wagyu to American wagyu, ribeye, wagyu skirt steak, New York strip, filet mignon we will show you the best way to cook wagyu steak – pan sear, sous vide, hibachi, flat top and more!

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Want to learn how to cook wagyu steak or curious the best WAY to cook wagyu steak? You have hit the meat-lover-jackpot!

The key to cooking the perfect wagyu steak is to perfectly caramelize the outside and cook the inside to the perfect temperature (typically medium-rare to medium, based on preference).

So, the best way to cook wagyu steak will be dictated (in part) by the thickness and the cut of the wagyu beef.

Sous vide can be the perfect way to cook thicker cuts of wagyu such as a ribeye or Denver steak. Reverse sear is also a good option for thicker cuts.

Pan searing in a frying pan or cast iron skillet or on a Hibachi or flat top are also excellent cooking methods for a standard thickness wagyu.

While you can cook a wagyu on a grill, you need to be careful because of the high fat content in a wagyu beef renders into fat that drips on the grill and can sauce it to light on fire.

Pairing with the decadence of a beautifully cooked wagyu steak, top with roasted bone marrow or bone marrow butter.

And for all the steak and burger lovers, do not forget these amazing Wagyu Burgers, Bavette Steak with Chimichurri and this Asian Marinade for Steak (to turn a boring cut into exciting!).

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Ingredients
• Best Way To Cook Wagyu Steak
• Best Wines to Pair with Wagyu Steak
• Best Whiskey to Pair with Wagyu Steak
• FAQ and Expert Tips
• Sides for Wagyu Steak
• How to Cook Wagyu Steak

Why This Recipe Works

• Wagyu steak has an unparalleled flavor profile (beefy) and remarkable tenderness (affectionately known as meat butter), making it a truly indulgent dining experience. Speaking of umami, be sure to check out this Gochujang Pasta!
• Explore and savor the rare and highly sought-after Wagyu beef as a unique and memorable Japanese culinary adventure.
• Wagyu steak can elevate special occasions and impress guests with its luxurious taste and texture, making it a popular choice for celebratory meals and gatherings such as Christmas and New Years.

Ingredients

• Wagyu Steak (A5, American or Australian Wagyu): Wagyu Filet or Tenderloin Steak, Wagyu Top Sirloin, Wagyu Skirt Steak, Wagyu Ribeye, Wagyu Strip Steak, Wagyu Hanger Steak or Wagyu Flat Iron Steak,
• Kosher Salt

Best Way To Cook Wagyu Steak

Pan Sear, Hibachi or Flat Top

1. Allow your steaks to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to cooking. This allows the meat to cook more evenly.
2. Season both sides of the Wagyu beef filet generously with salt and pepper (optional).
3. Preheat frying pan or cast iron pan over high heat until pan is hot. Test for sizzle with a drop of oil.
4. Carefully place the seasoned Wagyu beef cut in the pan. Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side, adjusting the time for your preferred doneness and thickness of steak.
5. Remove the wagyu from the pan and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice wagyu steak and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Sous Vide Wagyu Steak

1. Preheat a sous vide water bath to 125°F (51.5°C).
2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
4. If desired, lightly brush the steak with olive oil to enhance the crust formation.
5. Place the seasoned steak in a vacuum-sealed bag or a zip-top bag, ensuring it’s sealed tightly to prevent any water from getting in.
6. Submerge the sealed bag with the steak into the preheated sous vide water bath. Cook the steak at 125°F (51.5°C) for your desired duration (typically 1-4 hours for most cuts, depending on thickness).
7. Once the sous vide cooking time is complete, remove the steak from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels.
8. Preheat a cast iron pan over high heat for 30-45 seconds until it’s smoking hot.
9. Carefully place the sous vide-cooked steak in the hot cast iron pan and sear it for 30-45 seconds on each side to create a flavorful crust.
10. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board or plate.
11. Slice the rested steak and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly cooked and crusted sous vide A5 wagyu steak!

Best Wines to Pair with Wagyu Steak

If you are feeling overwhelmed and are unsure on how to select the best wine to pair with your exquisite Wagyu steak, let us help! Pairing wine with Wagyu steak is an art that marries the rich, buttery essence of the beef with the nuanced notes of the wine. A successful pairing should harmonize the flavors with the steak’s texture and taste, creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

2019 HALL Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2019 Jack’s Masterpiece is powerfully aromatic with effusive notes of blackberry, 5-spice, black pepper and cocoa on the nose. The palate is brooding and opulent; full of deep dark flavor, that is supported by notes of graphite and spicy oak. The finish is intense and focused; showcasing the power of Napa Valley’s premiere hillside vineyards.

2021 BACA I Spy Zinfandel

The 2021 BACA I Spy Zinfandel reveals an enchanted combination of luscious blackberries intermingled with aromatic black pepper and wild mountain bay laurel. This is a savory, plush wine with some weight, and a finish that lingers with an impression of toasted herbs. It’s like walking into a secret forest glade glistening with dewy moss.

Outerbound by North Coast Wine Co.

• 2019 Petite Sirah (Sonoma County): This beautiful vintage bursts with aromas of ripe blackberry, chocolate-covered strawberry, and fresh ground coffee. Full in body and loaded flavors of black cherry, grilled meat, and cocao nibs, our Petite offers refreshing acidity that lingers with its copious, plush tannins.
• 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Alexander Valley): With a focus on power and precision, this Alexander Valley Reserve Cab encourages further exploration from first taste. Coated layers of dark fruit, black licorice, fresh tobacco, cacao and sage explode on the palate to then be reined in by firm tannins and brisk acidity pulling through the finish.

2019 Pio Cesare Barolo Pio DOCG (Piemonte, Italy) by Maisons Marques & Domaines

The 2019 Pio Cesare Barolo DOCG is traditional vintage delivering fresh fruits and beautiful aromas, with great structure and complexity, intense color and a balanced acidity, with sharp tannins but already approachable—all the classic components of the great outstanding vintages of Barolo.

2021 Charles Krug Merlot (Napa Valley)

This lovely 2021 Napa Valley Merlot opens with expressive aromas of cherry, blueberry, cranberry, red currant, with hints of brown butter, cedar, white pepper, and green tea. This medium-bodied wine enters with soft, lush, sweet fruit and finishes with flavors of berries, baked fruit, sweet tobacco, flint, and toasted oak.

Best Whiskey to Pair with Wagyu Steak

While wine often comes to mind when pairing with steak, do not forget about an amazing whiskey, rye or bourbon! A successful pairing should unite the spirits’ complexity, notes of smokiness, sweetness or spice, with the rich umami of the Wagyu.

One of our favorites that we just had to mention was Putnam American Single Malt Whiskey by Boston Harbor Distillery!

This is the first whiskey Boston Harbor Distillery produced upon opening the distillery in 2015 and celebrated it’s first release December 2017.

The Putnam New England Single Malt has a big bold taste, which stands up to the richness of the A5 Wagyu, but also smooth and complex with lots of character. It has a lingering finish of chocolate and coffee notes which marry perfectly with the steak.

FAQ and Expert Tips

Sides for Wagyu Steak

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