Wagyu beef burgers have become increasingly popular at upscale restaurants and burger joints. But what exactly is Wagyu beef, and what makes these burgers so special compared to regular hamburgers? This article will cover everything you need to know about the world of Wagyu beef burgers.
What is Wagyu Beef?
Wagyu refers to a breed of cattle originally from Japan. In Japanese, “wa” means Japanese, and “gyu” means cow.
There are four main types of Wagyu cattle:
- Japanese Black
- Japanese Brown
- Japanese Polled
- Japanese Shorthorn
But the Japanese Black, also known as Kuroge Washu, is the most prized type used for high-end Wagyu beef.
What Makes Wagyu Beef Unique?
Wagyu cattle are most famous for their intense marbling. The meat contains substantially higher levels of intramuscular fat distributed in intricate webs throughout the muscle. This extensive marbling gives Wagyu beef its renowned richness, tenderness, and flavor.
In addition, Wagyu cattle are bred specifically to produce flavor compounds that result in a distinctly sweet, buttery, and umami-rich meat.
How Wagyu Cattle Are Raised
Authentic Wagyu cattle breeding and rearing follows traditional Japanese practices:
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Calves remain with their mothers for nearly a year after birth, which reduces stress.
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Once weaned, cattle are fed a healthy diet high in grains and rice straw for over 400 days to ensure optimal marbling.
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Farmers massage the cattle daily to reduce muscle stiffness.
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Cattle are monitored for health and happiness, which impacts meat quality.
This pristine, stress-free environment enables Wagyu’s signature marbling, tenderness, and taste.
Wagyu Beef Grading
Wagyu beef is graded on two systems:
Japanese Grading System
- A-5 – Highest grade, most marbling
- A-4, A-3, A-2, A-1 – Successively less marbling
USDA Grading System
- Prime – Highest grade, heavily marbled. Only 6% of U.S. beef achieves Prime.
- Choice – Well-marbled
- Select – Average marbling
Because of the unparalleled marbling, most authentic Japanese Wagyu beef qualifies for the top grades.
Wagyu Beef Burgers
Wagyu beef is ground into burgers to deliver the luxury beef’s opulence in a fun, approachable way. Expect the following from a Wagyu burger:
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Superb marbling – Each bite unravels the sumptuous lace-like marbling.
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Tender and juicy – Abundant fat keeps the patty incredibly moist and tender.
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Intense, complex flavor – Deep, concentrated umami and butteriness in the meat itself.
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Aroma – You’ll notice lovely fragrant, meaty aromas while cooking and eating.
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Quick cooking – The fat content enables cooking burgers medium-rare without drying out.
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Downplayed condiments – Too many toppings will mask the star flavor of quality Wagyu beef.
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Buzzworthy indulgence – For many, Wagyu beef remains an exclusive, bucket list treat.
Cost of Wagyu Burgers
Due to limited supply and painstaking production, Wagyu beef commands a far higher price than conventional beef. While regular ground beef costs $3 to $5 per pound, Wagyu ground beef averages $12 per pound. Wagyu burgers at restaurants typically start around $15, with some exceeding $50.
For this premium experience, expect to pay more, but devotees find the unforgettable taste and texture well worth the splurge on special occasions.
Buying Wagyu Beef for Burgers
While Wagyu beef selection has increased globally, authenticity standards still vary:
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Japan – For guaranteed traditionally-raised Kuroge Wagyu, source directly from Japan.
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Australia – Some Wagyu-bred cattle raised with traditional practices. Check certifications.
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United States – Mostly Wagyu-Angus crossbreeds. Fullblood options available from specialty ranchers.
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Local butcher shops – May source authentic imported Wagyu. Inquire about sourcing.
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Online – Order directly from reputable Wagyu ranches. Shipping costs may apply.
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Restaurants – Sample Wagyu beef on menus, especially at higher-end steakhouses.
Seek out trusted suppliers willing to share sourcing details to get true, pedigreed Wagyu beef.
Cooking Your Wagyu Beef Burgers
Treating exquisite Wagyu beef right starts with careful cooking:
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Don’t overhandle the meat – Gently form into patties right before cooking.
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Cook to medium rare – Pull burgers at 135°F for optimal doneness.
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Avoid overpowering flavors – Simple salt and pepper allow the beef to shine.
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Use high heat – Get a nice sear on the exterior while keeping the interior juicy.
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Let meat rest – Allowing burgers to rest seals in the juices.
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Add cheese or condiments sparingly – Too many toppings disguise Wagyu’s subtle flavors.
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Consider oven finishing – Finish cooking in a 275°F oven for more even, gentle heating.
Handle and cook Wagyu beef with care to highlight its full potential.
Wagyu Beef Burger Recipe
This straightforward recipe gives the wonderful Wagyu flavors room to sing:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground Wagyu beef
- 4 burger buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices cheese (optional)
Directions:
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Divide beef into four 6-ounce patties, handling gently. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add patties and cook 3 minutes per side for medium rare.
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Top each patty with 1 slice cheese, if desired, during last minute of cooking.
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Let burgers rest 5 minutes before serving on buns.
The rich Wagyu beef really stars when other flavors stay in supporting roles. Add your favorite burger toppings, but use judiciously.
Why Are Wagyu Burgers Worth Trying?
The hype over Wagyu burgers comes down to an unparalleled eating experience:
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Each bite melts with tremendous marbling unmatched by conventional beef.
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The flavor complexity needs to be tasted to be believed – sweet, nutty, umami, buttery.
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The delicately velvety, juicy texture comes from ample fatty content.
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Exemplary care and attention involved in raising Wagyu is evident in the final product.
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Eating Wagyu beef demonstrates tremendous respect for time-honored traditions.
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The luxurious indulgence and craftmanship appeals to beef connoisseurs and grill masters.
For hardcore carnivores or special celebrations, a real Wagyu burger is a bucket list treat worth the splurge.
Wagyu Beef FAQs
Is Wagyu beef worth it?
For special occasions, absolutely. The extraordinary flavor, tenderness and richness is an experience every burger lover should have. But daily Wagyu burgers may be tough on your wallet.
What’s the difference between Wagyu and Kobe beef?
Kobe is a very specific type of Wagyu from the Kobe region of Japan. All Kobe is Wagyu, but not all Wagyu is Kobe.
Is Wagyu healthier than regular beef?
While higher in monounsaturated fats, Wagyu should still be enjoyed in moderation for overall health.
Can you cook Wagyu burgers well done?
You can, but that defeats the purpose. Cook just until medium rare to enjoy properly.
How can you tell authentic Wagyu beef?
Look for official Japanese or other certifications confirming Wagyu ancestry and traditional breeding. Unverified or generic “Wagyu-style” claims are less reliable.
For the ultimate beef experience, get your hands on true Japanese Wagyu beef and fire up those grills. One bite of a real Wagyu burger, and you’ll be hooked!