How to Grill Wagyu Steak for the Perfect Char

Authentic A5 Wagyu is one of the most popular beef delicacies on the market. With its perfect marbling, it’s a meat you can enjoy in any setting. Like any other quality steak, it’s possible to grill Wagyu. However, there are certain things to ensure ideal char and juiciness at the end of the process.

Whether you’re grilling it for the first time or looking to master the technique, there’s much to learn about perfecting the Wagyu grill process. Read on to learn more about grilling methods for Wagyu steak, steps for grilling Wagyu, and other valuable information before your next Wagyu event. 

What Are Grilling Methods for Wagyu Steak?

Grilling is a general term. If you want to grill a Wagyu steak, it’s vital to note the grill you’re using. Each will yield a different cooking process.

The most popular grilling options for protein include the following:

• Charcoal grill: The charcoal grill offers a smoky, rich flavor. Thanks to the higher heat, they can create a significant char on Wagyu. However, they require more maintenance. 

• Gas: Gas grills provide a clean flavor profile and are much easier to control. However, the taste isn’t as smoky and rich as the charcoal grill.

• Pellet: Pellet grills provide a smoky flavor profile with more control than the charcoal or gas grill. However, they don’t provide the same high heat as some grills.

• Kamado: A kamado grill provides high-heat searing and low-heat slow cooking in one machine. They can cook with very even cooking temperatures.

• Electric: An electric grill is perhaps the easiest to control and provides a clean taste. Their flavor isn’t as complex, even though the cooking process is cleaner. 

Proper Steps for Grilling Wagyu

The most critical thing to remember with Wagyu is that you don’t want to overcook it. Cooking too long burns away the delicious fat. Ideally, Wagyu should be rare, medium-rare, or medium. Rare should be 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit, medium rare at 130-135, and medium at 140-145. Once you’ve decided on the cooking temperature, it’s time to move forward.  

Here are some ideal steps for grilling Wagyu properly:

1. Let the steaks rest at room temperature for around half an hour. Once rested, season all over with salt and pepper. 

2. Oil the grates of your grill and preheat to around 500 degrees. If the grill isn’t searing hot when it’s time to cook the Wagyu, you won’t be able to achieve the perfect char and juiciness. 

3. Set the steak on the grill and close the lid for a few minutes. 

4. Open the lid and flip. Repeat the cooking time.

5. Place the steaks on a part of the grill that provides indirect heat.

6. Check the internal temperature of the steaks. Once they hit around five degrees below where you want them, remove them from the grill.

7. Tent the Wagyu and allow them to rest for a maximum of ten minutes before enjoying. 

Tips for Grilling Wagyu

There are several factors to consider when grilling Wagyu. Looking at the fat, seasoning, and texture are vital aspects of stepping into the process. These are the most significant aspects of Wagyu for any connoisseur. 

Fat 

Individuals invest in Wagyu meat for the fatty marbling throughout the product. Thanks to the fat, the cooking process looks different than a traditional steak. There is no fat cap you must cut off before cooking since it’s distributed throughout the protein. 

Rather than a large chunk of fat, the fatty portions are stretched into thinner components throughout the beef. The goal is to keep the fat inside the steak rather than cooking it out to retain the quality Wagyu marbling.

Seasoning

Seasoning also takes a different approach when grilling a Wagyu steak. When cooking with a traditional protein, you’d typically add ample spices and seasonings to amplify the flavor profile. However, thanks to the iconic fatty marbling of the Wagyu, you usually don’t want to add much seasoning, if any at all. 

Less is always more when preparing your Wagyu steaks for the grill. Stick with a basic coating of salt and pepper, which properly sets the stage for the grilling process. The Wagyu has a deep umami flavor, which the salt and pepper will help emphasize. 

Texture

Finally, consider the texture of the Wagyu. One of the primary reasons individuals invest in Wagyu for grilling is thanks to the buttery texture. It tends to melt in your mouth with every bite, which is another reason why getting the char and juiciness correct matters. 

The cut of your Wagyu will change the grilling experience. For example, a grill mat should be used for more delicate cuts to keep them intact. 

It’s also vital to note that you should never grill A5 Wagyu. Only use Australian and American Wagyu when grilling. A5 Wagyu should be seared on a flat top or hot stone for best results. 

How Long to Cook Wagyu for Desired Tenderness

It’s a very delicate process cooking a Wagyu steak to your desired tenderness. Remember, Wagyu should only be served rare, medium rare, or medium to keep the delicious fatty marbling. Thus, it doesn’t need to be on the grill for long.

Here are the cooking times for desired tenderness:

• Rare: For a steak one-inch thick, cook the meat three minutes on each side.

• Medium Rare: For a steak one-inch thick, cook the meat three to four minutes on each side.

• Medium: For a steak one-inch thick, cook the meat for four minutes on each side. 

Where Can You Purchase Quality Wagyu?

Unfortunately, finding an excellent piece of Wagyu for your next grill is easier said than done. There aren’t many locations that provide top-notch Wagyu from reputable sources. If you look online, it’s easy to find your way to a website that doesn’t offer ideal Wagyu. Where should you look to purchase excellent Wagyu?

If you want incredible Wagyu, sides, and more, consider investing in Kolikof Caviar & Gourmet. Whether you’re hunting for an Australian Wagyu or an option from Japan, there is something here for you. All steaks will be delivered to your front door, chilled and ready to throw directly on the grill.