A taste of heaven is the only description we can give you with the famous food called wagyu beef. You might have already seen it featured on social media platforms and the likes, but it is a very different experience when you try the real deal yourself. When you take your first bite of this heavenly creation, your taste buds will come to life as the wagyu beef melts in your mouth and spreads goodness all over your being. Wagyu beef is one of the premium foods you will ever taste in your life, so we have compiled the best types of wagyu beef you need to try to have the ultimate wagyu experience. Let’s begin.
Things You Need to Know About a Wagyu Beef
Starting your wagyu adventure won’t be easy because the choices are vast, and there are lots of things you need to know to further appreciate the true beauty of wagyu beef. Here is some helpful information to help you get started with the tasty world of wagyu beef.
Wagyu Beef Originates in Japan
Based on the name itself, you can already tell that it comes from Japan. Wagyu literally means Japanese Cow, “Wa” means “Japanese”, and “gyu” means “cow”. This type of meat is sourced from four kinds of Japanese cattle.
The Marbled Look
The wagyu beef does not just taste astounding; it also looks tasty and delectable because of the marbled texture that brings out the amazingness of the beef itself. It is also kind of different from other types of beef because of its intricate marbled look.
If you don’t know what marbling means, it is simply the intramuscular fat you can see on the surface. This type of fat can only be seen in the muscle of cattle. It also means that it has a higher number of fatty acids, assuring that the beef will be flavorful when cooked. You can also expect that the beef is juicy and tender that it will melt in your mouth as you eat it if it is cooked correctly.
High Level of Fat
Wagyu beef contains high levels of fats. Now, you may wonder if that is a good thing or not, and we are here to assure you that the increased fat in a wagyu beef is good. Wagyu beef contains a good amount of fat that works wonders for your health and diet.
Wagyu beef is richer in omega-3 essential fatty acids than some other meat. Such soft fat has a low melting temperature and is responsible for the fantastic appearance of Wagyu beef and retaining the majority of the flavor.
However, remember that you should take everything in moderation. So while it’s enjoyable, you have to stop when you’ve had too much.
Will Melt in Your Mouth
We all want to bite and eat our beef effortlessly as possible, but that’s not guaranteed with other types of beef. However, wagyu beef will give you that soft and juicy easy to bite texture that makes it one of its kind in the world. Only a few can compare to the buttery and rich taste of the wagyu beef, so if you want to eat one of the tastiest and softest beef, you know what to look for.
Top 5 Types of Wagyu Beef
Like we said earlier, the wagyu beef is one of the best in the world. However, the awesomeness of this food does not end there. Different types of wagyu beef will surely make your mouth water when you see them personally. We have listed only the best down below, so you better make sure you read about them.
1. The Shiraoi Wagyu
The Shiraoi Wagyu is on the top of the best wagyu beef because it is very easy to eat and very light on the stomach, unlike other types of wagyu. It also has a stellar rating in the world of beef menus and what is even more amazing is that it was presented and served during the 38th G8 summit. It’s not even that shocking given that it is the perfect menu to make, simple and tasty. It is only cooked with a combination of garlic, pepper, and salt, but as you eat it, you may think that it is made of some special ingredients because of how delicious it is. You can try the shiaroi wagyu in Amano Family Farm in Hokkaido.
2. The Kobe Beef
When speaking of Kobe beef, the Kobe Beef Steak Moriya Gion in Kyoto, Japan, comes first to mind because they serve one of the best types of Japanese wagyu beef in the world. The Kobe beef itself is a wonderful creation. It is another heavenly wagyu beef that packs tenderness, fattiness, and flavor all at the same time.
3. The Matsusaka Beef
The Matsusaka Beef is considered to be one of the top three Wagyu beef types in Japan. This type of beef comes from Tajima cows. The Tajima cows are born in the vast green fields of Fukano Valley. Being raised in stress-free environments makes the beef in the cows even more high in quality. It is even reported that their owners are treating the cows with beers and some massages. If you want to taste the Matsusaka beef, you might try the Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M, Hozenji Yokocho in Osaka, Japan.
4. The Ohmi Beef
Another part of the top three most well-known types of wagyu beef in Japan is the Ohmi beef. It originates from the Shiga prefecture in Kyoto and comes from an older black Japanese cattle, which is raised even longer than the Kobe beef. The Ohmi beef is hailed for its amazing marble texture that pars even that of the Kobe beef. It also features a buttery smooth sweetness which makes it even more outstanding. You can try the Ohmi beef in Restaurant Matsukiya, Kyoto Shijo, located in Kyoto, Japan.
5. The Hida Beef
Compared to the other types of Wagyu beef, the Hida Beef is the less-known, but it does not mean that it can’t compare to the other amazing Wagyu beef mentioned earlier. It comes from the Gifu Prefecture in Central Japan. To be precise, it comes from the premium cut of the Tajima beef. When it comes to tenderness and juiciness, it does not come short of the other types. Get a hold of this beef in Hida Beef Cuisine Takumi in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
Conclusion
Now that you have read the best types of Wagyu beef there is, it’s time for you to list them down and make your choice. Get a taste of every one of them personally and enjoy the flavors of Japanese beef. The list above is just an overview of what you can expect from a Japanese meal.
We recommend that you go to your chosen restaurant with not much in your stomach. Once you start eating, you may not control yourself and eat a whole bunch of the said beef. You have been warned. Learn more about Wagyu beef here!