How to Cook Wagyu Steak on a Gas Grill: From Fridge to Flame
Cooking the perfect Wagyu steak on a gas grill requires good prep and grilling skills. It might seem tough, but following these steps gives a tasty and juicy steak, making your mouth water and your taste buds *sing*.
We’ll explore the tips and tricks for grilling Wagyu steak to perfection, from marinating and seasoning to grilling and serving.
So, get ready to learn the secrets of cooking Wagyu steak like a pro.
Understanding Wagyu: What Makes It Special
Wagyu beef stands in a league of its own thanks to its incredible marbling—the fine web of fat woven through the meat. That fat doesn’t just make it rich; it melts during cooking, creating a buttery texture that coats your mouth in flavor. It’s the kind of steak that doesn’t just sit on a plate—it makes a statement.
Not all Wagyu is created equal. Japanese Wagyu, often graded from A1 to A5, represents the highest level of marbling and tenderness. American and Australian Wagyu blends tend to have less marbling but still pack a flavorful punch. The grade you choose affects your cooking method—higher-grade cuts need less cooking time and more careful handling.
Wagyu also carries cultural weight. Originating in Japan, it was traditionally reserved for special occasions. Today, it’s a luxurious global delicacy that invites both respect and a bit of culinary reverence at the grill.
7 Steps to Cook Wagyu Beef on a Gas Grill
1. Prepare Your Gas Grill
Check the gas connection for damage or leaks. Brush the grate, preheat the grill for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to the desired setting and grill!
2. Get Your Wagyu Steak Ready
Take the wagyu steak from the refrigerator for an hour or so to bring it to room temperature. Start wiping down the steak with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and pepper. [1]
3. Place it Diagonally on Your Grill Slats
Place the steaks diagonally on the grill slats to get those beautiful crosshatch grill marks. It is a simple trick that makes an enormous impact both in flavor and presentation.
“Grilling wagyu beef on a gas grill is a delicate art that requires the right tools and technique. The key is to keep it simple and let the quality of the meat speak for itself.”
– Wolfgang Puck, World Renowned Chef
Hold the steak at a 45-degree angle and place it on the grill.
4. Close the Lid and Wait
This step is crucial because you trap the heat and smoke inside the cooking chamber. It helps to cook the steak evenly and infuse it with a delicious smoky flavor.
Closing the lid creates a miniature oven, surrounding the steak with heat from all sides.
| Check out: What Is The Most Expensive Beef Cut? |
5. Flip It Over
Flipping your wagyu steak over on the grill ensures that it cooks evenly and develops a juicy, perfectly charred exterior. Once the steak develops a crust on one side, it’s time to flip!
6. Let It Cook Depending on Desired Doneness
Grilling wagyu steak on a gas grill requires letting it cook at 425-450°F for a few minutes on each side to caramelize and form a flavorful crust.
Letting it sit also ensures even cooking. Next, check the internal temperature using a thermometer to achieve the desired level of doneness.
7. Remove From the Grill & Let It Rest
Once your Wagyu steak has reached the desired temperature (125–135°F for medium-rare to medium), it’s time to remove it from the grill and let it rest [2].
By letting the steak rest, the juices that have been released while cooking can be redistributed, making the steak juicier and tender. Allow the steak to rest for 8–10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks When Cooking Wagyu Steak on a Gas Grill
- Choose high-quality, marbled Wagyu beef for the best flavor and tenderness
- Season generously with salt and pepper for a simple but delicious taste
- Sealing the meat at a high temperature (around 500 degrees Fahrenheit) is best to seal in the juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, or 150°F for well-done.
- Place the beef on the grill, being careful not to overcrowd the grates, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare
- Do not press down on the meat with a spatula; this will release the juices and dry out the meat.
- To redistribute the juices throughout the beef, you should let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
FAQs on Using Wagyu Steak
How long does it take to grill Wagyu strip steak?
It takes about 3–4 minutes to grill a Wagyu strip steak on each side for medium rare. For medium doneness, it takes about 4-5 minutes per side.
At what temperature do you grill Wagyu steak?
Wagyu steak should be grilled at a medium-high temperature between 375-450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you overcook wagyu?
No, you cannot overcook wagyu. It is a very tender cut of beef that can quickly become dry and tough if cooked for too long or at too high a temperature.
To get the perfect texture and flavor, it’s important to cook Wagyu at the right temperature for the right amount of time.
Do you cook Wagyu on high heat?
No, wagyu should not be cooked at high temperatures. Instead, it should be cooked low and slow, or it can dry out and lose its tenderness.
Final Thoughts
According to Chef Thomas Keller, a renowned American chef and restaurateur, the secret to cooking a perfect Wagyu steak requires patience, attention to detail, and a good understanding of the unique characteristics of this delicious beef.
Wagyu steak can be intimidating to cook on a gas grill, but with proper preparation and grilling techniques, it can be done with ease.
We have also provided tips and tricks to ensure that you grill the perfect steak every time.
References:
- https://www.napoleon.com/en/ca/barbecues/recipes/recipe-grilled-canadian-wagyu-ribeye-steaks
- https://www.gearpatrol.com/food/a33459683/how-to-cook-japanese-a5-wagyu-steak/
