
06 Jun Preparing the Perfect Wagyu Burger
The modern culinary environment is ever-evolving. Bio-engineered foods are created in laboratories to improve the size, quality and texture to suit our ever-changing palates. However, while mad scientists and Chefs are busy collaborating on some tasty concoction, more traditional methods of food delicacies are here to stay. Enter the Kobe – or Wagyu beef as we have come to know it. This is a sacred Japanese cow, yielding the holiest and tastiest beef on the planet. This Wagyu beef Burger just so happens to be the best of its kind.
So you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. These cows produce a slice of meat that’s tenderer and much more flavourful in comparison to its competitors. Wagyu beef is extremely rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and contains all of the essential amino acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids such as these are believed to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and other conditions. The fats not only add immense flavour to the already mouth-watering meat but plenty of health benefits! In short, this glorious piece of meat is not only tasty but incredibly nutritious.
Now, seeing as all the facts are out of the way – how does one go about preparing a magnificent Wagyu burger? Preparing and cooking the Wagyu patties should be approached with maximum attention, love and care.
Here are some handy instructions for preparing and cooking the ultimate Wagyu Beef Burger:
- Ensure that the Wagyu beef is thawed to room temperature. They can also be slightly frozen, as this too will preserve the precious fats contained within the patty.
- Stove grilling and Braaing over warm coals or gas are the two best ways of cooking your Wagyu Burger. If you decide to go the flame grill route, ensure that you use a grill mat to preserve the precious fats. Wrapping the grid with heavy-duty tin foil is a great way to preserve the fat and avoid any flames searing your patties.
- Set your stovetop to “medium-high” while pre-heating your non-stick pan for a maximum of two minutes. Refrain from using any butter or olive oil, as the natural fat of the patties will render off, thereby coating the pan. Maldon salt may be generously sprinkled – exponentially enhancing the flavour, while a dash of pepper can be used to top it off. Don’t overdo it on the pepper!
- Now you can add your patties to the grill pan. Ensure to space them out and avoid overcrowding, as the fat will become excessive which can lead to drowning the patties in oil which will take away from the grilled effect. Use a spatula to carefully flip your patties after two to three minutes.
- Lower the heat to “medium” and slow grill your patties for another five to six minutes, flipping them every so often. Your total grilling time will equate to around 7-9 minutes to achieve medium-rare status. Once the patties appear to start shrinking – it’s nearly time to enjoy them!
- Allow the patties to rest for a minute, then proceed to pour the tantalising Wagyu oil left in the pan over the patties and finish it with a dash of salt. Compliment the patty with buns of your choice and top it all off with some incredible toppings.
- Voila! You have now tasted the greatest burger in the world.
Before we wrap everything up, here are a few things to consider before preparing and cooking your tasty Wagyu beef burgers:
- Try and serve your burgers with simple toppings. Aioli, fresh rocket, a tomato slice, mozzarella for its mild cheese flavour, caramelised onion and gherkins. These ingredients will complement the flavour of the burger and not detract from the overall experience. Trust me; the last thing you want is to lose that fatty Wagyu goodness.
- Avoid cooking your patties over high heat. Charring your Wagyu burger renders the entire experience pointless, as all unique flavourings will be lost once the burger is charred. AVOID CHARRING THE PATTY AT ALL COSTS!
- It is best to prepare your burgers on a flat top. This ensures that none of the juicy fats goes to waste.
Now that we are done talking about the preparation of these world-class burgers, here are a few places you can try these incredible burgers:
Winelands Area
Cape Town and Atlantic Seaboard
Northern Suburbs
Closing Words
Now, go out there and have yourself an incredible Wagyu beef burger. Best served with a cold beer or glass of red wine of your choice!
Blakes Fine Foods provide only the tastiest of exquisite meats and seafood. We source our products from local producers, in addition to; internationally accredited suppliers. We do Wagyu beef the right way!