Wagyu steaks

What is a Wagyu Steak?

Wagyu literally means Japanese (Wa) cow (gyu). It’s a cattle breed originating from Japan and is considered the most exclusive beef in the world—especially the authentic Wagyu meat imported directly from Japan. Recognizing the uniqueness of their marbling and flavor, the Japanese sought to protect the breed's bloodline. Since 1997, exporting Wagyu DNA has been prohibited.

While The Butchery offers Japanese Wagyu, we also provide Australian and American Wagyu steaks, as well as Dutch Wagyu. Though not 100% pureblood Wagyu, these steaks carry the remarkable characteristics of authentic Wagyu, such as a lower fat melting point and intricate marbling.

How to Cook a Wagyu Steak?

When investing in a premium steak, you’ll want to cook it perfectly. Wagyu is known to be pricier than more common cuts from breeds like Black Angus USA or Aberdeen Angus. While the preparation method doesn’t differ much, it’s recommended to avoid open flames due to Wagyu's high fat content and to cook it to no more than medium-rare. Follow specific cooking instructions for each steak cut—picanha and tenderloin require slightly different techniques.

Below is a cooking video for Japanese Wagyu A5 BMS 12 Entrecote:

Why is Wagyu So Expensive?

Several factors make Wagyu steak relatively expensive. Japan, being a small country, has limited capacity to supply its exceptional Wagyu to the global market. The Japanese cattle industry is much smaller than those in countries like the USA, which drives up prices. Additionally, Wagyu cattle undergo a specialized 600-day feeding regimen with an energy-rich (and costly) diet. This process is labor-intensive and significantly longer than standard practices. Japanese feedlots are also smaller and lack the economies of scale seen in other countries.

What Makes Wagyu Steak Special?

The first thing you’ll notice about Wagyu steaks is their exquisite marbling, also known as intramuscular fat. For Japanese Wagyu, this marbling is achieved through specific feeding practices over an extended period.

What’s unique is that the melting point of Kagoshima Wagyu’s fat is approximately 29°C, extremely low! The fat starts melting as soon as you touch it. This fat is so finely distributed that the muscle tissue appears pink rather than deep red, as seen in other breeds. The result is uniquely flavored meat with a buttery mouthfeel.

Where Does Wagyu Come From?

While Wagyu originally hails from Japan, it’s now bred globally. The Butchery offers steaks from Japanese, Australian, and American Wagyu. While Australian and American Wagyu are exceptional and more budget-friendly alternatives, the authentic Japanese Wagyu remains unmatched in flavor and quality.

What is Kagoshima Beef?

Kagoshima Wagyu comes from the southern city of Kagoshima in Japan and is produced from 100% purebred Japanese Black cattle. With Kagoshima Wagyu, you’re guaranteed the pinnacle of quality, ensured by stringent selection processes.

How Much Wagyu Steak Per Person?

You could serve a whole steak per person, but for larger gatherings, consider offering smaller portions as a starter or amuse-bouche. For appetizers, plan on 30-40 grams per person. For a Wagyu-themed meal, complement a Japanese Wagyu starter with Australian or American Wagyu as the main course for a delightful tasting experience.

Buying Wagyu Steak

Wagyu steaks aren’t something you typically find at your local butcher. Fortunately, you can order them online! The Butchery offers premium steaks from Japanese Kagoshima Wagyu, Australian Wagyu, and American Wagyu. Orders over €60 ship for free, and orders placed before 11:00 AM are delivered the same evening on weekdays. We also offer Saturday delivery for orders placed by 3:00 PM on Friday.

Wagyu Delivered Quickfrozen

When you order Wagyu online from The Butchery, your steak arrives deep-frozen. Why frozen? Immediately after portioning and trimming, our butchers vacuum-seal each steak and freeze it using specialized rapid freezing methods. This process locks in nutritional value, taste, and texture.

Ordering Wagyu Steak Online

Ordering Wagyu steak online from The Butchery ensures premium quality from a genuine butcher shop. Our team of passionate butchers trims, portions, and packages every steak with care. Want advice or have questions about our Wagyu? Feel free to call or email us. We’d be happy to help!