Roast Wagyu beef is one of the most impressive centerpieces you can serve at family dinners or any occasion. We all remember when someone overcooked or under-seasoned the roast, and the entire family had to chew through it. Perfecting this dish is not easy, and it will take a few tries to get it right. Whether preparing for a family dinner or trying new recipes, here are six tricks to keep your roast wagyu beef tender and juicy.

What Is Wagyu Beef?

Wagyu beef is a Japanese beef cattle derived from Native Asian cattle. “Wa” means Japanese, and “gyu” means cow. People initially used Wagyu for their physical endurance. It’s a popular selection because of its marbling, which is a fantastic energy source.

Wagyu’s history in the United States began in 1975 when Morris Whitney shipped two red and two black Wagyu cattle to Colorado University for research. Wagyu Breeders Inc later purchased these four cattle.

Today, Wagyu is a popular choice for those who want a taste of luxurious, savory, and rich meat. Wagyu beef is healthy for you since it contains essential amino acids and may even lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other health conditions.

Six Tricks To Keep Your Roast Wagyu Beef Tender and Juicy

Wagyu roast beef is perfect for hosting with your loved ones or if you want to treat yourself to a hearty meal. Plus, roasted Wagyu doesn’t take as long as a regular roast. While the tender and juicy Wagyu beef slices will taste like it took a lot of work, it’s easy to make it once you get it! Here are six tricks to keep your roast wagyu beef tender and juicy.

Season Your Meat a Day Before

Don’t wait until the last minute to season your wagyu roast beef! Although wagyu beef doesn’t require much seasoning, it’s still best practice to allow your roast to marinate. Add salt and pepper to your roast, wrap it tightly, and let the salt work its magic. When you’re ready to cook, take out your roast for about an hour or two to allow the roast to get acclimated to room temperature.

Cook Your Meat a Day Before

For bigger roast cuts, it’s best to cook your meat the day before. The easiest way to achieve the most tender and juicy roast is reverse searing. Cook on high heat in a pan to give the outside a nice brown exterior and crisp. Then, transfer it to the oven the next day to finish cooking.

Let Your Roast Wagyu Rest

If you have a large roast cut, you’ll want to allow your roast to rest after cooking for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving. If you use the reverse sear method, allow your meat to rest for an extra 10 minutes. While resting, wrap your meat in foil to keep the surface fresh! Allowing your roast to rest will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of on the cutting board.

Try Not To Overcrowd the Pan

When cooking your roast, you want plenty of room. The more space in your pan, the better the roast will taste and smell. We recommend cooking your roast on a wire rack on a baking sheet and only turning it around once or twice during the cooking process.

Don’t Throw Out Your Pan Drippings

Keep your pan dripping! Pan drippings have leftover seasoning and juices from your meat. You can make the perfect homemade gravy with the leftover drippings. Get rid of the excess fat but make sure to scrape the drippings into a pot and add a cup of red wine, a little beef stock, and allow it to simmer. This is the best gravy for your roast wagyu beef!

Don’t Under-Season Your Roast

Have you ever had an under-seasoned roast, and did you enjoy it?

Don’t forget the salt when creating a rub for your wagyu roast since salt helps enhance the flavors of your roast. When seasoning your roast, you want to use a nice handful of salt and sprinkle it about eight inches above the roast to spread it throughout evenly.

Best Sides for Roast Wagyu Beef

You can eat roast wagyu beef on its own, but there’s nothing wrong with pairing your meal with a small side dish. Wagyu has a powerful and rich flavor on its own. When pairing your roast Wagyu, you want to choose dishes that complement its flavor and don’t overpower it. Here are four side dishes that will work perfectly with your roast.

Roasted Vegetables

If you have a bunch of lingering veggies in your fridge, this side dish is perfect for you. When preparing this side dish, remember to keep it simple so that you don’t overwhelm the taste of the roast Wagyu beef. Use fresh garlic, thyme, and balsamic vinegar when seasoning your vegetables.

Some vegetables we recommend are:

• Brussel sprouts
• Broccoli
• Red onion
• Carrots
• Squash

Fresh Arugula Salad

Arugula salad is a quick and easy side dish that can go with everything. It’s easily customizable, and you can add any dressing you like. We recommend adding cherry tomatoes, carrot ribbons, and parmesan with balsamic dressing for a vibrant and refreshing flavor.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes pair best with beef dinners. Make them from scratch or buy microwavable mashed potatoes, the world’s your oyster! If you decide to make your mashed potatoes from scratch, season them with fine sea salt throughout the process to avoid having a bland side dish.

If you’re looking to try something new, you should also try mashed sweet potatoes and add cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar for a sweeter taste.

Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted Hasselback potatoes are a great side dish for a roast dinner because they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The slices should be about the same size (and as thick) as potato chips. Make sure your cuts are still attached to the base of the potato. You can add cheese, garlic, bacon, and herbs for a “loaded” Hasselback potato.