Wagyu beef is possibly the most famous type of beef in the world – and for good reason. This beef is divine, and is known for its intricate marbling.
There are high levels of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids within this beef, and it contains more monounsaturated fats compared to any other kind of beef.
The marbling in this beef really sets it apart from other types. However, if you have never had wagyu beef, you might not know what to expect when you first try it.
Perhaps you have been on the internet and seen video after video of this delicious meat, but they all look different! How are you supposed to eat it? Is this beef supposed to be eaten raw? Should you cook it first?
These are all questions that we will be covering in the section below.
Can You Eat Wagyu Raw?
Simply out – yes! However, this is not unique to wagyu beef, as most, if not all, beef can technically be eaten raw. In wagyu’s case, this beef is more often than not enjoyed raw, or briefly fried to seal the outside of the cut.
Wagyu is typically safe to eat raw, as the cattle are very carefully cared for in Japan. The thick skin and flesh of these animals will also usually prevent parasites from getting in.
This does not mean that it is not impossible for this beef to make you ill, though.
How Should Wagyu Be Prepared?
This type of beef can be prepared in numerous different ways, depending on what you intend to use it for. Wagyu can be used for various sushi dishes, where it is thinly spiced to show off the beautiful marbling, or it can be braised.
You will find wagyu meat at many fine dining establishments around the world now, and it can be used in many different dishes. It is popular as a decadent steak, and it is even used in burgers and sandwiches!
You may choose to get wagyu brisket, or use the meat in a stroganoff, or turn it into a delectable meatloaf – there are no real rules.
However, the most popular option is cooking the meat on a skillet just enough so that the marbling, or fat, inside melts. This is the traditional and popular way of enjoying this meat, as it is quick and easy, but uses all the natural flavors of the beef.
Is Eating Raw Wagyu Safe?
There are always risks associated with eating raw foods – especially meat. While wagyu, and beef in general, is safer than consuming raw pork or chicken, it is not foolproof.
You can still get sick from eating raw wagyu, and suffer from illnesses such as listeriosis, E.coli food poisoning, and salmonellosis.
This should not put you off trying wagyu beef, though! You face the same dangers and possibilities while eating many of your favorite foods every single day.
The best thing to do would be to briefly sear the wagyu at a high temperature. Doing this will kill any bacteria on the surface of the meat. The bacteria will not be on the inside of the meat, so eating a rare steak should be perfectly safe.
Even enjoying some raw wagyu is safe, as long as the meat has been handled properly and in a sanitary manner. As such, you can still dig into your raw wagyu in your preferred dish or methods.
Cooking Rules To Follow When Working With Wagyu
If you want to cook your own wagyu at home to try and have an authentic experience, then you may want to consider following a few simple rules.
When it comes to wagyu beef, there are specific methods used for cooking and preparation.
- Only season your wagyu with salt and pepper – because wagyu is specially bred and raised, this kind of beef will have a different flavor to your usual everyday beef. This might be difficult to notice at first, but trying this beef side by side with a regular steak will highlight the differences in flavor and also texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the beef – this might depend on personal preferences, but you usually do not want to overcook your wagyu beef, no matter what you are using it for. Most restaurants and wagyu lovers will cook it just enough so that the internal temperature gets high enough to melt the fat. This will make the beef super juicy and flavorsome, and it’s very quick.
- Ensure the wagyu is high quality and fresh – wagyu beef is not the only type out there with marbling in it, but it is the best. You need to make sure that you are a) getting wagyu beef and another kind, b) the beef is high quality, and c) it is fresh. A fresh steak will have a deep red color, and it should not be bruised or look unusual. The marbling will be white, and show throughout the cut.
Where Can You Get Wagyu Beef?
Depending on where you are, getting wagyu beef may be difficult or easy. However, no matter your location, you should be aware that purchasing this meat is not cheap.
There are specialist stores that may sell wagyu beef in the area. This could be a butcher or a grocery store of sorts – it depends on where you live.
The easier option may be to check online for a retailer that sells this product.
Remember – wagyu should be expensive, so if the price doesn’t seem to match the quality of the product, it is probably too good to be true.
Final Thoughts
Wagyu is a beautifully marbled type of beef that can be used in various ways. From briskets and steaks to sandwiches and sushi, this popular meat is full of flavor and succulent beyond belief.
One of the most popular ways to eat wagyu is by lightly searing the outside, just enough to melt the internal fat. However, it can also be enjoyed completely raw, like it is used in sushi.
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
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