A good cut of meat is all and good, but sides can be just as important. You want something that accents the well-cooked Wagyu beef without robbing the flavor.

Creating the perfect meal is everyone’s dream. And certainly, no one wants to take the chance of ruining such an expensive type of beef like Wagyu or even a Wagyu Picanha (or cuts like Tomahawk, Skirt, or even burgers, etc).

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1. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is just fancy people’s rice. It takes a tad longer because you’re infusing more in-depth flavors like garlic or soy sauce, and you use broth for cooking it instead of water.

Do a little sauteeing, and voilà, rice pilaf that pairs perfectly with some Japanese Wagyu beef.

2. Colorful Side Salad

A salad seems too simple. But, hear us out!

Wagyu beef is tender and delicious and makes a perfect steak. But it’s just a hunky chunk of meat.

A brightly dressed salad helps you get a healthy dose of produce, and you’re adding some color to the meal.

Fresh or cooked fruit and vegetables
Choose your cheeses
Crunch croutons
Nuts and seeds
Sprouts
Edible flowers
Micro shoots

3. Mushrooms

Sauteed mushrooms are quick and easy. The earthy flavors combined with the buttery taste make a great companion to Wagyu beef (or use a rub like Porcini for the same taste).

Add a little garlic for an extra punch, but don’t add too much; you don’t want to take away from your expensive steak.

4. Asparagus

You are going to want to pair light veggies with your Wagyu steak. Anything more and the heaviness will take away from your enjoyment.

If you enjoy asparagus, it adds a specific bitterness that accents the beef. The only seasoning you’ll need is salt, pepper, and a little olive oil.

5. Loaded Potato

Meat and potatoes are a marriage that just makes sense. Smashed potatoes feel too simple, though. A loaded baked potato is the way to go maybe with some minced garlic.

It is heavy, and you will feel like you may pop when you’re done. But, sometimes it is just hard not to want a steak and a potato (or mashed potato). At least make it the best one you’ve ever had.

The Wine Menu

It is perfectly fine to enjoy a simple beer when you’re nomming on a Wagyu steak. But for the perfect pairing, try an excellent red wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon and French Bordeaux are the two that come most highly recommended.

If you want a little more variety and something a lot stronger, traditional Japanese sake has always been a soulmate to Wagyu beef.

Cook a Wagyu Steak in 3 Simple Steps

You will want to salt and pepper your steak several hours before you plan on cooking it.
Next, use medium-high heat to cook each side for 2-3 minutes.
Remote the Wagyu steak from the direct heat and let it rest. Do not cut into the steak for 5-10 minutes (as seen in the video above from Crowd Cow).

What this says about Wagyu beef, in general, is that it tastes magical without much help from you.

What else can you Serve with Wagyu?

You have heard a lot about Wagyu steaks so far, but you can do a ton more with this beef. If you want to make a sandwich with it, feel free. It will be the most expensive one you make, to be sure.

But let’s start with the basics.

Wagyu Beef Spaghetti and Meatballs

You can pretty well make spaghetti using any meat. But, Wagyu beef spaghetti puts a new spin on a family recipe.

Grilled Wagyu Beef Burger

An outdoor gathering is always better when the grill is on and ready to go. A Wagyu beef will impress and give everyone a taste of the good life.

Crank your grill up to medium heat.
Brush the burger patties with the oil or seasoning of your choice. (avocado, grapeseed, peanut oil)
Season the Wagyu beef with salt and pepper.
You will cook your burger for 4-5 minutes on each side. But keep an eye on them, so you don’t overcook.
The internal meat temperature needs to be at least 160F.
Don’t press down or do a ton of flipping; you will lose the juiciness and taste.
Let the burger patties reset for 4-5 minutes.

More Wagyu Beef Dishes

Here is the thing, you can make just about anything that calls for beef using Wagyu. But, always check cook times and meat temperature to create that perfect dish.

Waygu BBQ brisket
Wagyu beef curry
Meat pies and casseroles
Bolognese sauce
Tacos

Is Wagyu beef healthier than other breeds?

Wagyu beef has marbled fat that does more than taste good and glistens beautifully. It contains a higher concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) than any other type of meat on the planet, even lean meats. The health benefits don’t stop there. Wagyu beef is full of essential amino acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The benefits include lowering the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and inflammation.

Signs Your Wagyu Beef Has Gone Bad

Food shouldn’t just sit in the freezer for months. But things happen, and maybe you’ve defrosted and refrozen your Wagyu beef. You will need to watch for red flags that your beef has seen better days and toss it out.

A gross slimy surface.
A foul odor.
Dry.
It is a grey color. (any discoloration is bad)

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Wagyu traditionally served?

Wagyu is traditionally served in various ways, one of which includes shabu-shabu, a Japanese hot pot dish where thinly sliced wagyu is cooked in a flavorful broth. This dish is typically accompanied by an assortment of vegetables and dipping sauces. However, with the advent of modern techniques, there has been an emergence of innovative methods to prepare wagyu beef, offering a wider range of creative options.

What do Japanese people eat with Wagyu?

Japanese people eat Wagyu with a variety of accompaniments such as wine, roasted vegetables, fried rice, baked potatoes, and sauteed mushrooms.

What do Japanese eat with Wagyu steak?

Japanese often enjoy wagyu steak with a variety of accompaniments. Some popular choices include pairing it with wine, which complements the rich flavors of the steak. Additionally, roasted vegetables can be served alongside to enhance the dish’s nutritional value and add a contrasting texture. Another delicious option is to serve wagyu steak with fried rice, providing a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Baked potatoes are also a popular choice, offering a hearty side dish that pairs well with the steak. Lastly, sauteed mushrooms can be served as a flavorful and earthy accompaniment to complete the wagyu steak dining experience.

What vegetables go with Wagyu?

The vegetables that go well with Wagyu include broccoli, asparagus, green beans, Brussels sprouts, and sauteed spinach.

Should you use butter with wagyu?

Adding butter to wagyu is not advisable as it can easily burn at high temperatures, compromising the beef’s flavor. Moreover, wagyu already possesses sufficient juiciness and tenderness due to its exquisite marbling, making the use of butter unnecessary.

Should you have sauce with wagyu?

You should have sauce with wagyu. It is unnecessary to use sauce for Wagyu steaks on the grill since the Wagyu fat provides sufficient flavor. However, if desired, you can opt for a basic butter sauce, bourbon peppercorn sauce, bleu cheese sauce, or horseradish sauce.

What do you dip wagyu in?

You dip wagyu in Yakiniku Sauce, which perfectly complements the elegant Japanese A5 Wagyu. Achieving steak perfection is as simple as giving it a quick sear in a cast iron pan or on a traditional yakitori grill.

What do Japanese people eat with steak?

Japanese people often eat steak with cooked vegetables, soup, bread, and rice. In high-end restaurants, there is a wider selection of meat cuts available. However, in more affordable establishments like family restaurants, they offer various sauce toppings such as grated daikon and ponzu, as well as soy-garlic butter.

What to cook with Wagyu steak sides?

The answer to the question “What to cook with Wagyu steak sides?” can be a combination of Roasted Broccolini, Garlic Butter Mushrooms, Garlic and Lemon Roasted Potatoes, Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon, Sauteed Kale with Garlic and Lemon, Chile-Garlic Spinach, and Arugula Salad.

What is A5 Wagyu served with?

A5 Wagyu is commonly served with light, crisp, chilled salad greens that complement its flavors. Additionally, sauteed root vegetables are a suitable accompaniment. When it comes to beverages, there are no strict guidelines. Feel free to pair A5 Wagyu with your personal favorites, such as sake, wine, beer, or any other drink of your choice.

What do Japanese eat with Wagyu?

Japanese typically eat shabu-shabu with Wagyu. Shabu-shabu is a more elegant and healthier version of hotpot, where thin slices of Wagyu beef are quickly swished in a simmering broth. Afterward, the beef is dipped into a side sauce, with the most popular choices being ground sesame and citrus soy ponzu, before being consumed.

What sauce goes well with A5 Wagyu?

A5 Wagyu pairs well with various sauces, but one option that complements its richness is a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce. This sauce helps to balance out the flavors of the steak, although Wagyu is already so special that it doesn’t require much additional dressing up or accompaniments.

Does A5 Wagyu need butter?

A5 Wagyu does not require butter. It already contains sufficient fat on its own. Flip the steak and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes. After removing it from the griddle, allow it to rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing.