Some people think that home-cooked steaks can never be quite as good as restaurant steaks. But this doesn’t have to be the case. With the right ingredients and techniques, every home chef can cook a Wagyu steak that is easily as delicious as anything served in a top-end steakhouse.
This blog will cover how to properly cook Kiwami Wagyu steak and the most common mistakes home chefs make when preparing Wagyu at home.
What Is Kiwami Wagyu?
Wagyu is an ultra-luxury kind of beef that is derived from certain breeds of Japanese cattle. Famous for its intense marbling, melt-in-the-mouth texture, and rich buttery flavour, it’s one of the most prized and highly coveted types of steak in the world.
At Prime Gourmet, one of our favourite types of Wagyu is Kiwami by Stockyard, the renowned and prestigious Australian-born beef producers. An exceptional variety of Wagyu that translates to literally mean ‘outstanding excellence’ in Japanese, Kiwami’s high marble grading of 9+ ensures it represents the epitome of luxurious dining and can essentially be described as Wagyu in its purest form.
Raised on a carefully monitored, 400-day, all-natural feeding programme, Kiwami Wagyu delivers a subtle umami flavour and creamy, nutty notes that you are bound to fall in love with.
Tips on the Best Way to Cook Wagyu at Home
Cooking Wagyu might sound like a simple process, but it is actually a fine art. The heavy marbling and tenderness of this sophisticated beef calls for extra care and attention, and overcooking it can ruin the flavour and texture of the meat. To achieve the perfect Wagyu steak, follow these simple steps below:
- Take your Wagyu steaks out of the fridge around 30 to 35 minutes before you plan to cook them.
- Season the steaks with salt and pepper just before cooking.
- Drizzle an oven-safe skillet with olive oil and heat on medium-high heat.
- Cook both sides of the steaks for a couple of minutes until golden brown and until the desired level of doneness has been achieved.
- Leave to rest for five minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Kiwami Wagyu
Kiwami Wagyu is a super delicious cut that is ideal for special occasions and date nights at home. However, even making small mistakes when cooking it can ruin its iconic flavour and texture, leaving you with a steak that is disappointingly dry. So, before you get started, keep in mind these common mistakes that should be avoided when cooking Wagyu.
1. Do Not Overcook the Meat
Overshooting the cooking time is one of the most frequent errors made with Wagyu. Every home cook must always keep in mind that Wagyu cooks quicker than other types of meat and that the fat in the marbling will melt even at low temperatures. This means that cooking it for too long, or on too high a heat, will cause it to become too tough.
To prevent overcooking, aim to cook your steak to medium-rare or medium level, and remember that it will continue to cook for a few minutes even after it has been removed from the heat.
2. Don't Skip Letting the Cooked Wagyu Rest
Leaving Wagyu steak to rest before serving it might seem like an optional add-on, but it is in fact essential. This step allows the juice to distribute evenly throughout the meat before your guests grab a knife and fork and tuck in, and it helps ensure that every bite is as perfect as possible.
3. Don't Skip the Seasoning
Wagyu might be full of natural flavour, but adding some simple seasoning can help bring out its distinctive taste even further.
Try adding a dash of salt and pepper, throw in some fresh rosemary or crushed garlic, or make it extra indulgent by cooking it in a generous blob of creamy butter.
4. Don't Slow Cook the Wagyu
While pan searing is generally the recommended way of cooking Wagyu beef, grilling can also work well when executed carefully. However, Wagyu is not suitable for slow cooking, and it shouldn’t be used for dishes such as braised beef.
Premium Wagyu Products to Enjoy in the Comfort of Your Home
At Prime Gourmet, we offer a range of premium Japanese and Australian Wagyu products that are easy to cook at home in a matter of minutes.
Ranging from delectable ribeyes, striploins, and tenderloins that are made for special celebrations to juicy burgers for BBQs with family and friends, our diverse Wagyu collection includes options for every budget and occasion.