Why Wagyu A5 Is the Absolute Best Steak Your Money Can Buy
If you're looking for a steak that is truly out of this world, you need to try Wagyu A5. This is the absolute best steak money can buy, and it's no wonder why it's so popular among chefs all over the world. With its amazing marbling and buttery texture, Wagyu A5 is sure to make your taste buds tingle and your mouth water. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it's also incredibly healthy, as it's packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Read on to find out why Wagyu A5 is the absolute best steak you can buy.
Q: What is Wagyu?
Wagyu is a type of beef that comes from a few unique breeds of Japanese cattle raised in a special therapeutic way. It is known for its intense marbling, which is the fat that appears as streaks throughout the meat. The intense flavor and tenderness of Wagyu beef make it a highly sought-after delicacy among chefs. The special marbling of Wagyu beef also gives it a unique, buttery texture. Wagyu is often the star of the show in dishes like teppanyaki, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu.
What is Japanese A5 Wagyu steak?
Japanese A5 Wagyu Steak is the crème de la crème of steaks! The A5 grade is the highest quality grade for wagyu beef, and it's known for its intense marbling, buttery texture, and rich flavor. It's a favorite among chefs, and it's sure to be a hit when served at the dinner table.
How does the Japanese Wagyu rating system work?
The rating system for Japanese Wagyu beef is based on a 1-12 scale, with 1 being the lowest and 12 being the highest. In addition to the numerical scale, it also has a letter component which includes A, B, and C. The A-level is the highest and C-level is the lowest.
The BMS (Beef Marbling Standard) is the most important part of the system and it measures the amount of fat that is marbled throughout the steak. A higher BMS means a higher-grade steak, and the BMS range is from 1-12. So, when you're shopping for the best wagyu steak, the absolute best cut you could ever buy is A5 with a score of 12.
This is how it looks like in practice:
Grade A: 72% and above
Grade B: 69% and above
Grade C: under 69%
The quality grade is a bit more complex. This is classified into 5 grades based on a ranking from 1–12 in marbling, meat firmness, texture, brightness, and fat brightness and quality.
The end user doesn’t see the second layer above, but rather just a score from 1 to 5, based on the following:
5-Excellent: score of 8–12
4-Good: Score of 5–7
3-Average: Score of 3–4
2-Below Average: Score of 2
1-Poor: Score of 1
So, combining the two highest categories gives you an end result of an A5 rating for the very best wagyu you can buy!
How is Wagyu A5 produced?
Wagyu A5 is produced with special attention to detail. It's made from uniquely special breeds of cows such as Japanese Black, Japanese Polled, and Japanese Shorthorn. These cows are raised in highly controlled environments and fed a specialized diet to ensure the highest quality of marbled beef. In addition, the Japanese government has a strict quality assurance system that certifies the grade of Wagyu A5. It's quite the process, but the result is an incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful steak that's sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Does WagyuMan really source A5 Wagyu directly from Japan?
Yes! While other distributors only purchase from select ranches, WagyuMan has teamed up with the largest network of Japanese Wagyu Beef importers in the U.S. Our diverse sourcing farms are spread across Hokkaido, Iwate, Gunma, Shiga, Hyogo, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Miyazaki. We procure our Wagyu cattle directly from top-quality ranches all over Japan.
How does Wagyu A5 beef compare to authentic Kobe Beef from Japan?
Wagyu A5 beef is a type of Japanese beef, but it's not quite the same as authentic Kobe Beef. Wagyu A5 beef comes from several breeds of Japanese cattle and is graded based on its marbling, color, and texture. It's known for its intense flavor and tenderness, but it's not quite as buttery or flavorful as authentic Kobe Beef. Authentic Kobe Beef from Japan is incredibly rare and expensive, and is highly sought after for its intense marbling and rich, buttery flavor. It's worth noting that not all Kobe Beef is authentic, so if you're looking for the real thing, make sure you do your research!
What is the price of Wagyu A5?
The price of Wagyu A5 can vary widely, depending on your location and the specific cut of beef. Generally, you can expect to pay between $100 and $400 per pound, depending on the cut, quality, and source. While it may seem expensive, once you sink your teeth into a juicy Wagyu A5 steak, you'll understand why it is so highly prized! If you’d like to see our own competitive prices, please check out WagyuMan’s awesome Japanese A5 Wagyu selection!
How do I cook Wagyu A5?
Cooking Wagyu A5 is all about understanding the unique qualities of this beef and ensuring that you don’t overcook it. It’s important to remember that the marbling of the beef means that it cooks much quicker than other cuts of beef. To get the most out of your Wagyu A5, try searing it in a pan, grilling it, or even sous vide. With any method, the key is to make sure it’s cooked to medium-rare, so you can experience the full flavor of this exquisite beef. Bon appétit!
Is Kobe beef in the US real?
No, US Kobe beef is not real! Kobe beef, which comes from the Japanese breed of Wagyu cattle, is only available in Japan. While some restaurants in the US may claim to serve Kobe beef, it is not authentic. The closest thing you can get in the US is American Wagyu beef, which is a high-quality beef from Wagyu-influenced cattle, but it does not have the same flavor and texture as the real thing from Japan. So, if you want a truly one-of-a-kind culinary experience, you'll have to order beef directly from the Kobe prefecture in Japan...or go there yourself!
Have any more questions about authentic Japanese Wagyu A5 beef?
We'd love to help answer any and all queries! Please reach out to us through our contact form. Thanks!