Wagyu Meat Cuts
WAGYU BEEF
Learn about Japanese Wagyu beef cuts and their characteristics
Japanese wagyu beef is one of the most prized and sought-after meats in the world because of its tender texture and intense flavor. There are several cuts of Japanese wagyu, each with its own specific characteristics.
Japanese wagyu cuts are classified according to their anatomical origin and degree of marbling, or the presence of intramuscular fat. In general, the greater the amount of intramuscular fat, the greater the tenderness and flavor of Japanese wagyu meat.
Among the most valuable cuts of Japanese wagyu are definitely the tenderloin, rib eye steak and striploin. The tenderloin is characterized by an incredibly soft texture and delicate flavor, while the rib eye steak is characterized by the presence of intramuscular eye-shaped fat that gives the meat a unique flavor and extraordinary texture. Finally, the striploin is a highly valued cut because of its versatility and lends itself to many different preparations.
To recognize the quality of Japanese wagyu, it is important to assess the degree of marbling of the meat. In Japan, there is a wagyu grading system based on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 indicates low marbling and 5 indicates high marbling. Grade 5 Japanese wagyu cuts are considered the most valuable and expensive.
In addition, the quality of Japanese wagyu also depends on the conditions under which the animals are raised. Japanese farmers follow traditional methods of animal husbandry and nutrition, which include a balanced diet and caring for cattle in a calm and stress-free environment.
Striploin or Japanese Wagyu tenderloin?
Japanese wagyu tenderloin is one of the most prized cuts of meat in the world, due to its incredibly soft texture and delicate flavor. Wagyu tenderloin is obtained from the back of the cattle, it is the softest and most delicate part of the meat. This cut is characterized by the presence of a moderate amount of intramuscular fat, which gives the meat a delicate flavor and an incredibly soft texture.
Japanese wagyu tenderloin is one of the most expensive cuts of meat in the world, but its superior quality and unique flavor make it an ideal choice for special occasions or for people looking for the highest quality meat. The taste of Japanese wagyu tenderloin is delicate and rich, with hints of sweetness and an incredibly soft texture. This cut of meat lends itself to a wide range of culinary preparations, but it is especially popular for quick pan cooking.
To cook Japanese wagyu tenderloin, it is important to follow some simple rules. First, it is important to let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking so that it can cook evenly. Also, Japanese wagyu tenderloin requires quick cooking, so as to avoid overcooking the meat and compromising its tender texture. It is important to cook it over medium-high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side to get a crispy crust on the outside and tender meat on the inside.
Japanese wagyu striploin is made from the lower part of the beef thigh and it is a cut of meat with a considerable amount of fat. For this very reason, wagyu striploin is ideal for carving out thin slices and making a gourmet and refined meat carpaccio.
Gourmet recipes with Japanese Wagyu
If you are looking for wagyu recipes, here are a series of recipes featuring this prized meat with intense flavor. The perfect choice for those who want to prepare gourmet dishes that will leave diners speechless.
- Rib eye steak with rosemary potatoes: rib eye steak is one of the most prized cuts of Japanese wagyu, thanks to its high marbling and intense flavor. Cook the rib eye steak on the grill or griddle for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown on the outside. Serve with rosemary potatoes, diced and baked in the oven with olive oil, salt and fresh rosemary.
- Wagyu tacos with avocado sauce: This fusion recipe combines Japanese wagyu meat with Mexican flavors. Cook Japanese wagyu meat in a skillet with olive oil and Mexican spices for about 3-4 minutes per side. Slice thinly and serve in a corn tortilla with avocado sauce, fresh cilantro and lime.
- Japanese wagyu ramen: This traditional Japanese recipe involves the use of Japanese wagyu meat in the preparation of the broth for ramen. Cook the Japanese wagyu meat in a pan with olive oil and Japanese spices for about 3-4 minutes per side. Make the broth for ramen with kombu seaweed, shiitake mushrooms, chicken and soy sauce. Serve with ramen noodles, hard-boiled egg, soybean sprouts and spring onion.
- Wagyu burger with cheese and bacon: This American recipe uses Japanese wagyu meat in the preparation of a juicy burger. Cook the Japanese wagyu burger on the grill or griddle for about 5-6 minutes per side. Add cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and lettuce.
The secret to the tenderness of Japanese Wagyu beef
Japanese wagyu meat is known worldwide for its incredibly soft and juicy texture. But why is this meat so soft? The answer lies mainly in the particular anatomical conformation of wagyu beef, which results in its high level of fat. Intramuscular fat, also known as marbling, is the main factor that determines the tenderness and intense flavor of Japanese wagyu meat. This fat is found within the muscles of the meat, creating a marbled texture and a soft palate texture.
However, intramuscular fat is not the only factor contributing to the tenderness of Japanese wagyu. The farming method contributes to the tenderness of Japanese wagyu meat, as well as improving its flavor and texture. In addition, the way the meat is cooked can affect its tenderness. Japanese wagyu is a fine meat that requires careful preparation and cooking for maximum results. In fact, if it is cooked too long, the intramuscular fat may melt and cause the meat to be too soft or even loose. On the other hand, if you cook too little, the meat may be too tough and difficult to chew.
Therefore, to achieve the right soft and juicy texture of Japanese wagyu, it is important to follow some simple cooking rules. First of all, it is important to let the meat at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking it on the grill or in a pan. In addition, it is important to cook the meat over medium-high heat, turning it once and avoiding pressing down on the meat with a fork to avoid leaking juices and fat.
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