How to Cook Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wagyu beef is a high-quality, marbled beef with an intense, succulent flavor that has made it one of the most sought after proteins in the world. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef has a delicate texture and flavor, making it perfect for pan frying. Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to cook Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef in a skillet.

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Why Use Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef?

Wagyu is known for its intense marbling, which gives it its super-rich and flavorful taste. To keep this remarkable marbling intact, it’s best to cook Wagyu beef over high heat and relatively quickly. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef not only cooks quickly, but also allows more surface area to be exposed to the heat, resulting in an all-over sear that enhances the flavor, texture, and visual appeal of the beef.

When slicing Wagyu beef, it’s important to use a sharp knife and cut against the grain. This will help to ensure that the beef remains tender and juicy. Additionally, slicing the beef thinly will help to reduce the cooking time, allowing you to enjoy the full flavor of the Wagyu beef without having to wait too long.

Preparing the Wagyu Beef for Cooking

Before cooking Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef, make sure to pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This ensures that the heat penetrates through the entire slice and helps achieve an even sear.

It is also important to season the beef with salt and pepper before cooking. This will help to bring out the flavor of the beef and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Step 1: Preheat the Pan

To get that all-over sear, it’s important to preheat the pan before adding the Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef. Heat the pan over medium-high heat for about 1 minute, or until it’s hot enough to make a drop of water instantly evaporate upon contact.

Be sure to use a pan that is large enough to fit all of the Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef without overcrowding. If the pan is too small, the beef will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful dish.

Step 2: Add Oil to the Pan

Add an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or canola oil, to the pan. Swirl the oil around to coat the pan evenly, and wait until it reaches a shimmery temperature. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s ready to add the Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef.

Step 3: Place Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef in the Pan

Lay the Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef in the hot oil in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. If all of the slices don’t fit easily in one layer, cook them in batches.

Cook the Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 4: Sear the Meat on Both Sides

Let the Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef cook for 2 minutes without moving it. Then, flip each slice and let it cook for 2 minutes on the other side. Resist the urge to move or squish the meat while it’s cooking — this will prevent it from developing that beautiful, golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Add Seasonings or Sauce to the Pan

If desired, season the Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef with salt and pepper. You can also add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or low-sodium soy sauce for extra flavor. Once you’ve added your seasonings or sauce, let the Wagyu beef cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Cook to Desired Doneness

Depending on your preference and thickness of the Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef slices, you can cook it for one minute more for rare, two minutes for medium-rare, three minutes for medium, four minutes for medium-well, or five minutes for well-done. When finished cooking, transfer the Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef slices onto plate and serve.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef

Make sure the skillet and oil are preheated before adding the beef.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet — this will encourge even cooking.
Flip and turn the beef only once to prevent losing its juiciness.
Don’t move or squish the beef in the skillet — this will help it develop a beautiful crust.
Cook until desired doneness is reached and then remove from heat immediately.

Serving Suggestions for Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef

Thinly sliced wagyu beef tastes delicious served on its own or combined with a variety of side dishes. Some classic sides include roasted fingerling potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a garlic-butter roasted mushrooms. For a complete meal, serve Thin Sliced Wagyu Beef with a side salad or your favorite grain such as quinoa or bulgur wheat. There are so many possibilities – get creative with your pairings!