Creative Ways to Serve Wagyu Beef as the Main Course

It's only logical to serve authentic Wagyu beef as the main course. After all, its notable umami notes coupled with one of the most tender textures you'll experience from a steak can't be pushed to the side or serve in a secondary role.

Still, if you hear "Wagyu beef" and picture strictly a steak, the growing number of recipes out there point toward possibility and adventure. If you regularly indulge in Wagyu beef and want to get creative, we've compiled a few ideas below.

What's Different About Wagyu Beef?

At this point, Wagyu beef's reputation has spread across the globe, intriguing diners and home cooks equally.

What makes it so special? Once cooked medium-rare, it delivers a rich, juicy and all-around tender texture many describe as buttery. This characteristic goes back to its web-like, evenly distributed intramuscular fat deposits, also known as marbling, which begin to break down in preparation. When properly used and controlled, they contribute to an all-around moist cut of beef.

Then, there's the care that goes into both preserving cattle's bloodline and providing optimal raising conditions. In Japan, with similar techniques used in the United States and Australia, farmers create a serene, calming environment for their cattle and feed them a diet of corn, grain and other wholesome ingredients.

Resulting from these factors, the umami qualities of Wagyu beef go beyond other types. You'll notice both subtle notes and depth of flavor that shouldn't be covered up by heavy, over-spiced sauces. As such, Wagyu beef is traditionally seasoned with just salt and pepper, and other ingredients are kept to a minimum.

Distinctive Ways to Serve Wagyu Beef as the Main Course

From specific cuts to preparation methods, experiment with any of the following for your next Wagyu beef-centric meal:

Short Ribs

As a cut of beef, short ribs feature more visible marbling, and this attribute translates to extra tenderness and a more decadent flavor.

Rather than pan-sear or grill, however, slow-cooking your ribs allows these characteristics to emerge.

As far as seasoning goes, continue with salt and pepper. For an Asian-inspired direction, create a light sauce from chili, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger and soy sauce that complements, rather than masks, its umami flavors.

Wagyu Beef Wellington

This traditional dish wraps a filet steak in puff pastry and heightens its umami flavors with a minced mix of mushrooms. While already considered a special-occasion meal for its complex preparation and decadent texture, including Wagyu beef infuses more tenderness into the recipe.

Asian-Style Rice Bowls

Contrast Wagyu beef's luscious richness and umami flavors with starchy, nutty rice and crisp or pickled vegetables.

Whether you go with chunks or striploin, cook your Wagyu beef traditionally with salt and pepper, perhaps adding a touch of soy sauce and garlic. In addition to your preferred type of rice, complete your bowl with pickled carrots, chopped cucumber, spring onion and red peppers, avocado for a creamy, smooth element and a garnish of sesame seeds for some crunch.

Building Your Own Meal

If you intend to stick with Wagyu steak, get creative with your sides. Popular pairings in varying combinations include:

Vegetables tossed in olive oil and light herbs and roasted until crispy
Fried rice or rice pilaf, a complementary umami side that's punctuated by crunchy vegetables
Baked potatoes, which enhance its tender, softer side and absorb its juices
Sauteed mushrooms, an umami side adding earthier notes to your plate
Bruschetta, which adds a mix of savory and umami qualities to your meal with the contrasting crusty texture of Italian bread