Wagyu steak is known for its marbling and tenderness, making it a luxurious choice for meat lovers. If you’re looking to cook a delectable Wagyu steak in the comfort of your own home, using your oven is a great option. While grilling or pan-searing are popular cooking methods, the oven can provide an even heat distribution that ensures a perfectly cooked steak.
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to choose the right cut of Wagyu steak. Whether you prefer a ribeye, striploin, or tenderloin, make sure to select a steak that is well-marbled and has a nice amount of fat. This will contribute to the rich flavor and juicy texture that Wagyu steaks are known for.
When it comes to cooking Wagyu steak in the oven, the key is to achieve a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly juicy. To do this, preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 450°F (230°C). Additionally, make sure to season the steak generously with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning blend. This will enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
Once the oven is preheated and the steak is seasoned, it’s time to cook. Place the steak on a baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness and desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare finish, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (55-57°C).
Preparation
Before you start cooking your wagyu steak in the oven, it’s important to properly prepare it to ensure a delicious and tender result. Follow these steps to prepare your wagyu steak:
1. Take the steak out of the refrigerator
Remove the wagyu steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the steak to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
2. Season the steak
Season the wagyu steak generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. You can also add any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder or dried herbs, to enhance the flavor.
3. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 450°F (230°C). This high heat will help sear the outside of the steak and lock in the juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful steak.
4. Prepare a baking dish
Place a wire rack on top of a baking dish to elevate the steak and allow the excess fat to drip away. This will help prevent the steak from becoming greasy and will promote even cooking.
5. Massage the steak with oil
Drizzle a small amount of high smoke point oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, over the wagyu steak. Use your hands to massage the oil into the steak, ensuring that it is evenly coated. This will help enhance the caramelization and browning of the steak.
6. Place the steak on the wire rack
Transfer the seasoned and oiled wagyu steak onto the wire rack in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the steak is placed in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Now that your wagyu steak is properly prepared, it’s ready to go in the oven for cooking. Follow the remaining instructions in our guide to learn how to cook wagyu steak in the oven to perfection.
Choose the right cut
When it comes to cooking wagyu steak in the oven, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. Wagyu beef is known for its rich marbling and tenderness, so selecting the right cut will ensure the best results.
There are several popular cuts of wagyu steak, including ribeye, striploin, tenderloin, and sirloin. Each cut has its own unique flavor profile and texture, so it’s worth considering your personal preferences before making a selection.
The ribeye is a highly marbled cut, known for its juicy and flavorful characteristics. It has a good amount of fat running through the meat, which helps to keep it moist and tender during cooking.
The striploin, also known as New York strip or sirloin strip, is a leaner cut compared to the ribeye. It still offers a good amount of marbling, however, and has a slightly firmer texture. This cut is popular among steak lovers who prefer a leaner but still flavorful option.
The tenderloin, often referred to as filet mignon, is the most tender and least fatty cut of wagyu steak. It has a buttery texture and a milder flavor compared to other cuts. If you prefer a melt-in-your-mouth texture, the tenderloin is an excellent choice.
The sirloin is a versatile cut that offers a good compromise between tenderness and flavor. It has a slightly firmer texture compared to the ribeye and striploin, but still maintains a good level of marbling and juiciness. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a well-rounded steak experience.
Ultimately, the choice of cut depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking to experience when cooking wagyu steak. Whichever cut you choose, be sure to source it from a reputable supplier to ensure the best quality.
Seasoning
Seasoning is an important step in enhancing the flavor of your wagyu steak. While wagyu beef is already known for its rich and intense flavor, adding some seasonings can take it to the next level.
Here are some recommended seasonings to use:
Salt and Pepper
The simplest and most classic way to season a wagyu steak is with a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This combination helps to bring out the natural flavors of the meat without overpowering it.
Garlic and Herb Rub
If you want to add some extra flavor, you can create a garlic and herb rub for your wagyu steak. Mix together some minced garlic, dried herbs like rosemary and thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the steak to infuse it with aromatic flavors.
Other seasonings you can consider using include:
- Steak seasoning blends
- Soy sauce and ginger marinade
- Teriyaki sauce
- Balsamic glaze
- Truffle oil
Remember to season your wagyu steak just before cooking to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat.
Marinate the steak
Marinating the wagyu steak enhances its flavor and helps to tenderize the meat. Here’s a simple marinade recipe you can use:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and black pepper.
2. Place the wagyu steak in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is evenly coated. Massage the marinade into the meat to ensure it penetrates the steak.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
5. If you are using a dish, flip the steak halfway through marinating to ensure both sides are evenly coated.
Remember to discard the marinade after use and do not reuse it to prevent cross-contamination.
This simple marinade adds a nice savory, sweet, and tangy flavor to the wagyu steak. It also helps to tenderize the meat, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cooking
Cooking wagyu steak in the oven requires a careful approach to ensure you get the perfect texture and flavor. Here are the steps to cook wagyu steak in the oven:
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature.
2. Season the wagyu steak
Remove the wagyu steak from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings.
3. Sear the steak
Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke. Place the wagyu steak in the skillet and sear it for 1-2 minutes on each side. This will help develop a flavorful crust and seal in the juices.
4. Transfer to the oven
Once the steak is seared, transfer it to a preheated oven-safe dish or baking sheet. Place it in the preheated oven and cook for about 8-10 minutes for medium-rare or adjust the cooking time according to your preference. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak; it should read 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
5. Rest the steak
Remove the wagyu steak from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.
Now, your perfectly cooked wagyu steak is ready to be served. Slice it against the grain and enjoy!
Remember, cooking wagyu steak in the oven requires attention to detail, so make sure to monitor the cooking process and adjust the cooking time if needed. This will ensure you achieve the desired level of doneness and flavor.
Pro tip: For an extra indulgent touch, you can finish the steak with a knob of butter while it’s resting, allowing it to melt and further enhance the rich flavor.
Enjoy your homemade wagyu steak cooked to perfection!
Preheat the oven
Before cooking your wagyu steak in the oven, it is important to preheat it to the correct temperature. This will ensure that your steak cooks evenly and is perfectly cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Here are the steps to preheat your oven:
- Check the oven’s temperature dial or digital display and set it to the appropriate cooking temperature. For a medium-rare wagyu steak, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Allow the oven to preheat for at least 15 minutes. This will ensure that the oven reaches the desired temperature and that it remains stable throughout the cooking process.
- While the oven is preheating, remove the wagyu steak from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the steak cook more evenly.
- Once the oven has reached the desired temperature and the steak has come to room temperature, you are ready to start cooking your wagyu steak in the oven.
Remember to always exercise caution when working with a hot oven. Use oven mitts or gloves when handling hot cookware or opening and closing the oven door.
Q&A
Can I cook wagyu steak in the oven?
Yes, you can cook wagyu steak in the oven. It is a popular method for cooking this type of steak.
What temperature should I set the oven to cook wagyu steak?
For cooking wagyu steak in the oven, preheat it to a high temperature, around 450°F (230°C). This will help achieve a crispy sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
How long should I cook wagyu steak in the oven?
The cooking time for wagyu steak in the oven will depend on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, cook a 1-inch thick steak for about 8-10 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks, or if you prefer your steak cooked to a different level of doneness.
Should I marinate the wagyu steak before cooking it in the oven?
Wagyu steak is known for its rich and intense flavor, so marinating is not necessary. However, you can season it with salt and pepper or your favorite steak rub before cooking to enhance the natural taste of the meat.
Do I need to rest the wagyu steak after cooking it in the oven?
Yes, it is recommended to let the wagyu steak rest for a few minutes after cooking it in the oven. This allows the juices to settle and redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak when you slice into it.
What is wagyu steak?
Wagyu steak is a type of beef that comes from Japanese cattle. It is known for its high marbling and tender texture, which makes it highly prized among steak lovers.
Can I cook wagyu steak in the oven?
Yes, you can cook wagyu steak in the oven. It is important to cook it at a low temperature to preserve its tenderness and marbling. Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C) and cook the steak for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.