By Michael Stalter, the founder of Terra Market in Scottsdale
American wagyu is becoming known around the world as one of the top styles of beef. Due to its amazing marbling of fat, tenderness and unique flavor American wagyu beef is demanded by chefs all over the world.
As American wagyu becomes more of a staple in restaurants across the states and now becoming more easily accessible for home cooks means more people have availability to it. To fully appreciate the flavor of this meat you must understand how to cook it properly. Understanding how to cook American wagyu is key so you don’t waste your money and ruin these expensive pieces of meat.
Here are four ways to cook four of the most popular cuts of American wagyu so you know what to do if you decide to splurge on one of these cuts.
American wagyu ribeye
Ribeye steaks are known for their bulkiness and intense beef flavor. Enhance that by 100 when it comes to American wagyu. To properly cook an American wagyu ribeye at your next barbeque or with the family consider these steps.
Always choose a well-marbled American wagyu ribeye. The more marbling means more flavor. Let the steak sit out on the counter to reach room temperature. This usually takes about an hour. Once the meat is ready, place in a cast iron skillet or on the grill at high heat to sear all sides of the ribeye. Let the meat cook on all sides for two to three minutes for a perfect medium rare.
Always check your meat with a meat thermometer for your desired temperature as everyone has a different doneness liking. Once the steak is done cooking, place on a cutting board and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes. Doing so allows all those fatty juices to contract back into the meat. Lastly, cut it and enjoy. Remember to always cut against the grain to provide even more tenderness when eating.
American wagyu filet
Filets of any beef style can be difficult to cook. When it comes to American wagyu you need to pay special attention because you don’t want to waste that perfect piece of meat or your money.
Cut away any excess fat from the filet before placing in the pan. This will prevent any hot spot flare ups due to the fat melting in the pan or on the grill which can burn the meat. Season the filet with a gentle coating of salt and pepper. With American wagyu and its already amazing flavor this is all you need to help bring the natural flavors out of the meat.
Cook the filet in a hot skillet or on the grill at medium to high heat for 2 to 3 minutes on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms. Once the meat has reached the desired internal temperature of 125 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare, pull the filet off and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes. Serve the filet with some buttery mashed potatoes or an asparagus side dish and your date, wife, family members or friends will be asking you to grill at every cookout from then on out.
American wagyu tri-tip
Tri-tip is a popular meat in Arizona. The Fourth Avenue Street Fair held in Tucson every year shows this with multiple stands selling slow-roasted tri-tip to patrons. American wagyu tri-tip however is a completely different experience due to the fattiness and distinct flavor of the meat. If you decide to purchase and cook one of these American wagyu tri-tips yourself here is what you should do.
First off, marinate your meat in whatever sauce or seasoning you like. It is best to marinate a tri-tip anywhere from 4 hours to overnight depending on how deep you want the marinade to seep into the meat. The longer it marinates the more flavor and more tender the meat will be.
Grilling or using a cast iron skillet is best for small pieces of tri tip and if you don’t have availability to a smoker. Grill or cook your meat in a skillet on medium to high heat for 5 to 7 minutes on all sides until a complete sear takes place. You will know it is seared correctly by a golden-brown crust forming on the meat.
Once seared, turn down the heat to medium and cook until your desired temperature. To get the best result use a meat thermometer to gauge the internal temperature. The best way to experience tri-tip American wagyu is medium rare which is 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. If you like your meat more well done consult your thermometer readings.
Once the tri-tip reaches the desired temperature pull it out of the skillet or off the grill. Allow it to rest for the same amount of time you cooked it, so all those great juices are sealed inside. After the time is up slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness and enjoy.
American wagyu New York Strip
New York Strip is one of the most popular steaks in the country. The marbling of fat and soft tenderness of American wagyu takes what you thought you knew about store-bought steak to an entirely new level. With these pieces of meat, due to its cost you want to make sure you cook it right. Here’s how to do just that.
The first thing you must do is pull your steak from the refrigerator and let it come up to room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on thickness. Doing this step allows the meat to cook evenly.
Next, season your American wagyu New York Strip with nothing but salt and pepper. Do not use any Chicago seasonings, Dan-O’s or anything like that. When it comes to American wagyu you want the meat to speak for itself.
Place the meat on a grill or cast-iron skillet over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side to reach a medium rare temperature. Again, use a meat thermometer for best results. Be sure to sear the meat on all sides, including the fat cap. Once the internal temperature reaches your desired temperature pull it off the grill and let it rest for the same time it was cooked, allowing all the juices to be locked inside. As with all these meats always cut against the grain for even more tenderness.
Cooking American wagyu requires attention to detail as the fat renders and the meat sears. Following these guidelines for these four cuts of beef will help you have an amazing experience with American wagyu and allow you to become the best cook in your neighborhood.
Terra Market, https://www.theterramarket.com/, is a family-owned business bringing Arizona raised American wagyu beef and Iberian pork from their farm to your table.
