Wagyu (pronounced WAH-gee) is an Asian breed of cattle that originated in Japan.
Wagyu beef has a reputation as one of the most tender meats available on Earth because it’s raised with special care.
This means it has been fed exclusively grasses to increase its fat content.
The result is a rich, fatty flavor that’s hard to find anywhere else.
While we love this unique style of beef, sometimes we’re not sure how we feel about all that extra fat.
That said, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this type of meat without overdoing it.
You can cook it up into a variety of dishes like hamburgers, steaks, and more.
If you’ve never had wagyu before, here’s where to start.
Read our guide to wagyu ground beef so you can get started making your own version at home.
What Is Wagyu Ground Beef?
Wagyu refers to any beef from cows raised under specific conditions.
There are two main types of wagyu: Kobe (Japan) and Matsusaka (Korea).
Both breeds have their origins tracing back hundreds of years ago.
They both come from crossbreeding of native Japanese animals with imported European ones.
For example, Kobe was developed by crossing Japanese Black oxen with French Charolais bulls.
Similarly, Matsusaka was created through breeding Bonsmara cattle with Holstein dairy cows.
Today, these breeds are commonly used in Japanese restaurants around the world.
And while they may seem similar, each has slightly different traits.
In fact, Kobe tends to be leaner and less marbled than other varieties of beef.
The same goes for Matsusaka.
They also differ when it comes to production methods.
While Kobe is typically raised on pasture, Matsusaka is generally fed hay and grain.
What Are The Ingredients In A Wagyu Ground Beef Recipe?
The key ingredient in a wagyu ground beef recipe is always going to be the beef itself.
Other common items include Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, and red chili flakes.
For a basic burger, try adding bacon bits instead of regular crumbled bacon.
Or if you’d prefer, skip the meat altogether and just use the buns.
How Do You Make Wagyu Ground Beef?
There are several options for preparing wagyu ground beef.
You can roast it whole, cut it up into small pieces, or shred it.
We recommend using a wagyu ribeye steak since it’s easy to slice thin.
Then simply season it with whatever spices you want — such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, and red chili flakes.
Next, add a little bit of butter and olive oil to help keep everything moist during cooking time.
Finally, place it onto a hot cast iron griddle pan and sear it until browned.
Cook the rest of the way on medium heat until done.
Serve immediately.
What Is The Nutritional Value Of Wagyu Ground Beef?
Beef accounts for nearly 90% of the average American diet.
So naturally, it makes sense that people would turn to beef when looking to improve their health.
However, there are a few things to know about wagyu ground beef.
First, it’s pretty high in protein.
A 4 ounce serving will provide approximately 22 grams of protein.
Second, it’s low in carbohydrates but high in fats.
Each tablespoon contains 6 grams of total fat.
Third, it packs in lots of vitamins and minerals.
One cup provides roughly 100 percent of what adults need per day.
How Many Calories Are In Wagyu Ground Beef?
If you eat half a pound of wagyu ground beef, you’ll consume 3,500 calories.
That works out to roughly 200 calories per meal.
But again, that varies based on which part of the cow you choose.
Steak lovers should definitely go with the rib eye portion.
What Are The Benefits Of Eating Wagyu Ground Beef?
In addition to being tasty, wagyu ground beef has numerous benefits.
First off, it’s incredibly nutritious.
Since it’s higher in protein and lower in carbs, it helps prevent muscle loss due to aging.
Also, it has fewer saturated fats than other cuts of beef.
Plus, it’s packed full of essential nutrients including zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and niacin.
All of those things contribute to better overall health.
What Are The Risks Of Eating Wagyu Ground Beef?
As mentioned above, wagyu ground beef is extremely healthy for you.
However, if you have certain medical conditions, you shouldn’t eat this kind of beef.
These include allergies and intolerances to gluten and lactose.
Some people might also experience gastrointestinal distress after ingesting too much beef.
Lastly, steer clear of wagyu ground beef if you’re pregnant or nursing.
How Long Does Wagyu Ground Beef Last?
Since it’s so good for you, it lasts relatively well.
Once cooked, wagyu ground beef keeps very well in the fridge.
As long as you don’t overcook it, you could easily store it for three days.
Of course, there’s no telling how long it will actually stay fresh.
Depending on how often you prepare it, you might only end up having leftovers for a couple of meals.
Can You Freeze Wagyu Ground Beef?
You certainly can! Just follow the instructions below carefully.
Keep in mind that freezing wagyu ground beef doesn’t affect its quality.
First, remove all visible blood spots and trim away any excess fat.
Next, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and seal it airtight.
Freeze it within 24 hours.
Thaw frozen beef overnight in refrigerator and then refreeze it in freezer bags once defrosted.
What Are Some Wagyu Ground Beef Recipes?
Now that you know how to make your own wagyu ground beef, check out these tasty recipes for ideas.
Meatball Slider Salad Sandwich
Slice beef thinly and mix with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp minced parsley, and 2 eggs.
Form into balls and roll them in flour, dip in egg mixture, and coat with breadcrumb mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before assembling sandwich.
Top with lettuce, tomato slices, grilled onions, and pickles.
Serve with ranch dressing and crackers.
Grilled Beef Kabobs
Season beef with Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Grill over a hot fire for 8 to 10 minutes per side.
Remove from the grill and let stand for 5 minutes.
Cut into bite size chunks and serve with ketchup and mustard.
Steak Fajitas
Cut beef into strips and toss them with lime juice, avocado, sour cream, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, cornstarch, and crushed jalapeno peppers.
Heat tortillas in microwave oven for 20 seconds.
Place tortilla on work surface and top with steak fajita filling.
Fold sides toward center and secure with toothpicks.
Wrap burrito style and repeat process until all fillings are gone.
Rib Eye Steaks With Blue Cheese Butter Sauce
Preheat broiler. Season beef with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Mix together blue cheese, soft butter, and lemon zest in separate bowl.
Pour mixture evenly over beef and sprinkle with paprika.
Broil for 7 to 9 minutes on each side.
Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tenderloin Medallions With Peppercorn Cream Sauce
Heat skillet over medium flame and rub beef medallions with melted butter.
Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Sear medallions for 4 minutes on each side.
Meanwhile, bring heavy cream, peppercorns, shallots, thyme sprigs, and water to boil in large pot.
Add wine and reduce heat to simmer.
Reduce heat to low and cover pot for 10 minutes.
Strain liquid and discard solids.
Return cream to pot and whisk vigorously.
Bring to boil.
Whisk constantly for 30 seconds.
Season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle sauce on top of medallions and serve.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos
Shred wagyu beef across the cutting board.
Add shrimp and shredded cabbage to a mixing bowl along with diced bell pepper, sliced scallion, and minced garlic.
Toss to combine.
Stir in taco seasoning and pour mixture into a baking dish lined with aluminum foil.
Spray lightly with nonstick spray and bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes.
Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Equipment
- 1 Pan
Ingredients
- 300 g beef
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- salt sugar
- 1/3 chili flakes
Instructions
- Wagyu ribeye steak can be roasted whole, diced, or shredded.
- Then just add any more seasonings you choose, such Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, and red chilli flakes.
- Add some butter and olive oil after that to help keep everything wet as it cooks.
- In the end, put it on a hot cast iron griddle and brown it there.
- Cook for the final few minutes over medium heat until finished.
- Serve right away.
Video
Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.