How to cook an Australian Wagyu Ribeye on the B.B. Prime

Let's cook some Wagyu Beef on the B.B. Prime!

What is Wagyu Beef?

Wagyu beef comes from cattle raised in Japan. The word "Wagyu" literally means "Japanese cow". Wagyu is known for extremely high levels of marbling, and this gives the beef a distinct flavor and texture. Just like anything else, there are many types of Wagyu beef.  Factors such as the type of cow, how it's raised, and what it eats contribute to its quality.

Grading Wagyu Beef

A5 Wagyu beef is a specific grade of beef in the Japanese meat grading system (see chart above). The grading system is based on the yield grade, which measures the amount of usable meat from the carcass, and the quality grade, which measures the marbling, color, texture, and firmness of the meat. The highest quality grade for beef in the Japanese system is A5, which is the top grade that can be awarded.

To be considered A5 Wagyu beef, the meat must meet strict criteria. The beef must come from a specific breed of cattle, such as Japanese Black, and the cattle must be raised in Japan under strict conditions. The meat must also have a high level of marbling, with a Beef Marbling Score (BMS) of at least 8 out of 12. A5 Wagyu beef is known for its exceptional tenderness, flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, which comes from the high levels of intramuscular fat that is characteristic of the breed.

A5 Wagyu is widely known as one of the best types of beef in the world and is often served at high-end restaurants. However, due to its scarcity, A5 Wagyu beef is considered a luxury item that can cost up to $100-$300 per serving.

Types of Wagyu Beef

Kobe Beef

One of the most well known types of Wagyu is Kobe beef.  It is highly sought after for its flavor and tenderness. The meat comes from Tajima-gyu cattle that are raised in the Hyogo prefecture of Japan. To be considered true Kobe beef, the cattle must meet strict criteria, including being born and raised in Hyogo prefecture, and being fed a specific diet that includes beer and massaged with sake (sign me up!). Kobe beef is known for unreal levels of marbling, which gives it a buttery texture and rich flavor.

Miyazaki Beef

Another highly regarded type of Wagyu is Miyazaki beef. Miyazaki comes from cattle raised in the Miyazaki prefecture of Japan.  These cows are fed a specific diet that includes rice straw and wheat bran. Miyazaki beef is best known for its tender texture and rich, umami flavor.

Australian Wagyu Beef

If you cross Japanese Black and Australian cattle, you get...  Australian Wagyu beef! Which comes in at a much better price point than its Japanese counterparts.  It is known for its high levels of marbling, which gives it a tender texture and rich, buttery flavor. The cattle are typically fed a grain-based diet that includes wheat, corn, and barley, and are often raised in a free-range environment. Lately, Australian Wagyu beef has gained steam in popularity and is considered some of the best Wagyu outside of Japan. It may not have the same level of prestige as Japanese Wagyu beef, but it is still a high-quality option that is well worth trying.

American Wagyu Beef

Raised in the United States, this crossbreed of Japanese Wagyu and American cattle typically comes in at the best price point. American Wagyu still provides high levels of marbling. However, the quality of American Wagyu beef can vary depending on the breeder and how the cattle are raised.

Now let's cook some Wagyu on the B.B. Prime!

Today we are going to cook a 1.5 pound Australian Ribeye from "The Butcher", our local butcher shop in Cullman, AL.

Ingredients: Wagyu Ribeye, 1 tbsp butter, salt & pepper

Step 1.  Set your steak out a couple of hours before you cook it and let it come to room temperature.

Step 2.  Fire up your B.B. Prime and give it abut 3 minutes to reach cooking temp of 1500º F.

Step 3.  Pat dry with paper towel and lightly season ribeye with salt & pepper patting into meat so that the remaining moisture absorbs into the salt & pepper.  Slide drip pan into one of the lower slots and toss in your butter to melt.  

Step 4.  Sear Ribeye for about 90 seconds per side.  Use the eyeball test while you are searing to make sure that you get the perfect sear.  Sometimes its a little longer or shorter than 90 secs.  Pro tip: Keep the top of your steak close to, but not in the blue flame coming from the burner.

Step 5. Give your Wagyu Ribeye a quick butter baste or bath in the drip pan and return steak to one of the lower levels... I usually go about 6 or 7 rows down from the top.  Keep it here and flip every 2 to 3 minutes until the internal temperature of your steak has reached your desired doneness.  I always shoot for 125ºF and check the temp with an instant thermometer

Step 6.  Let your Wagyu Ribeye rest for 5 mins to let the juices redistribute throughout your steak and dig in!

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In conclusion, cooking Wagyu beef on the B.B. Prime is a truly indulgent experience for any meat lover. Wagyu beef is known for its high levels of marbling, which give it an unparalleled flavor and texture, and A5 Wagyu beef is the crème de la crème. While this luxury item comes at a high price, splurging on it and cooking it up on the B.B. Prime is worth every penny. By following the recommended steps above, you'll end up with a perfectly cooked and deliciously juicy steak. So go ahead, treat yourself to this ultimate meat experience and impress your taste buds with one of the finest cuts of beef in the world.

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- Team JJGeorge

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