A wagyu beef burger is a timeless classic. Wagyu beef is derived from a Japanese cattle breed that is raised with thorough care and precision. The cow’s lifestyle, history, and bloodline are regulated strictly, creating high-quality wagyu beef meat lovers can enjoy.
There is a high demand for Wagyu beef imported from Japan. Today you can also purchase American Wagyu, a crossbreed of the Japanese Wagyu cattle, and the American Black Angus. Whether you choose the Japanese wagyu beef or the American Wagyu depends on your taste. Some Americans feel the Japanese Wagyu is too rich and prefer the American version because of the familiarity of beefy Angus with the tenderness of the Japanese Wagyu.
Different Types of Wagyu Beef
The term ‘Wagyu’ literally translates to ‘Japanese Cow.’ There are several primary breeds of cows that produce Wagyu beef. These are:
- Kobe Beef: Kobe beef is the most well-recognized wagyu beef and comes from the city of Kobe in Japan.
- American Wagyu: American Wagyu is derived by crossbreeding the Japanese wagyu cattle and several traditional American cattle breeds of high quality. American Wagyu beef has traditional Wagyu richness and familiar American flavors. The high-fat content gives this beef a silky, buttery taste and texture.
- The Japanese Wagyu is quite expensive, costing as much as $200 per pound. It is also limited in supply as it is imported from Japan.
- American Wagyu beef is more easily available in America. But the price of American Wagyu is also higher than other varieties of ground beef. You may be able to find one pound of Wagyu beef from $14-15.
Different Ways to Cook the Wagyu Beef Patty
You can cook the Wagyu beef patty either on the grill, in the oven, or on the stove. If preparing the Wagyu patties on the grill, make sure the patties reach an internal cooking temperature of 160 degrees. A meat thermometer is essential to ensure your Wagyu beef patty is done precisely. When the patties are done, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a minute or two.
If preparing the patties in the oven, make sure you preheat your oven on low broil. Cook your patties for about four minutes on each side. When one side is done, remove the pan, flip the patties with a spatula and cook the other side.
You can also cook your Wagyu beef patties on a cast-iron skillet. Melt butter on the pan before placing the patties, so the patties don’t stick to the base of the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the meat cook for at least 7 minutes.
Important Pointers
Even though preparing a Wagyu beef patty may seem similar to a regular beef patty, the beef’s makeup is quite different. Here are some tips for handling your Wagyu beef.
- When you purchase your Wagyu beef patties, make sure to put them in the freezer as soon as you get home. The meat should have as little exposure to air as possible, or the beef might go through the beef burn.
- Wagyu beef burgers are very delicious due to the high-fat content present in the meat. But this also means wagyu beef patties cook faster than ordinary beef patties. The patties will be done quicker than ordinary beef patties; hence keep a close eye on them as they cook. The best way to serve Wagyu beef burgers is medium-rare. This is when their juicy flavor is at its peak.
Wagyu Burger Recipe
This recipe serves four individuals. It is an easy recipe that requires 40 minutes of prep and cook time.
Ingredients
- One tablespoon of vegetable oil
- One yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Half teaspoon of fresh thyme
- One-fourth cup of Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper
- Four slices of Gruyere cheese
- Four tablespoons butter
- Four leaves lettuce
- One sliced tomato
- Thirty-two ounces of Wagyu beef
Steps
- Begin by heating some vegetable oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the yellow onion and sauté until the onion is a golden-brown color and caramelized. This will take about 5-6 minutes. Add the thyme and mix. Set this mixture on very low heat until it’s ready to use.
- Next, take your Wagyu beef and shape it into patties. Make half to a three-fourth inch thick patties. Make a small dent on the surface of each patty with two fingers. Make sure to minimally handle the beef, or it will become tough.
- You can also pre-prepare the patties and place them with wax paper. Cover the patties with cling wrap and place in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- When cooking the patties, spread a tablespoon of Dijon mustard on one side of the patty.
- Warm a skillet on medium-high heat. Place the patty mustard-side down on the skillet. Sprinkle the exposed surface of the patty with a small amount of black pepper and salt.
- Cook the mustard side of the patties until they reach a light brown color. Flip the patties over and let them cook some more. The center of the patty should reach a temperature of 160 degrees F.
- Do make sure to check the internal temperature of the patty with a meat thermometer, don’t rely on color alone.
- A medium-well wagyu beef patty will have a firm center but a visible line of pink running through it when sliced through the middle.
- Place the sautéed onions over each wagyu patty when the patty is almost done. Place one slice of Gruyere cheese over the onions. Cover the skillet so the cheese melts over the onions.
- Butter your brioche buns and toast them on a separate skillet until thoroughly warmed.
- Place a patty on each bun and top with sliced onions and tomatoes. Serve with condiments, such as potato chips or fresh salad.
Our Final Thoughts
Having a Wagyu burger is a must for burger lovers. These burgers are known to be supremely delicious. The exquisite flavor of Wagyu burgers lies in the Wagyu beef patties. These patties have a sizeable fat content making them flavorful, juicy, and tender. Love Wagyu burgers but tired of eating out? Try out these easy Wagyu burger recipes at home. Now you can easily prepare these burgers for your family and friends at home and revel in the delightfulness of Wagyu beef.
