The More Affordable Wagyu That Still Delivers Big Flavor And Tender Results

Wagyu beef is something of a luxury in the culinary world, and it typically has the price tag to prove it. But you don't have to break the bank just to enjoy high-quality meat for dinner. American wagyu comes to the rescue for a tender, delicious dinner without the imported Japanese wagyu prices.

Japanese wagyu is widely considered top of the line when it comes to beef, but it will cost you anywhere from $50 to $150 per pound, with the price sometimes going significantly higher, depending on factors like the retailer and the wagyu beef quality grade. It takes a long time to take Japanese wagyu meat from farm to market (approximately 30 months), and that, along with variables such as cut, source, and raising conditions, can drastically drive up the price. For example if it's Kobe versus regular wagyu, it will cost much more due to the special designation. That type of pricing isn't exactly realistic for most Americans for anything short of a very special occasion. 

If you're leery about American wagyu being "fake wagyu," you can rest assured that there's nothing fake about it. It's just a little different — American wagyu cows come from breeding real Japanese wagyu cattle. They may be full-blooded (100% wagyu), purebred (93.75% wagyu or more), or crossbred (often with Angus), otherwise known as wagyu-influence or American wagyu certified. But it is still a type of wagyu that produces delicious, high-quality meat.

Simply mentioning wagyu is often enough to impress dinner guests. Its association with rich marbling, tenderness, and luxurious mouthfeel transcends the distinction between American-grown and imported Japanese A5-grade beef. In other words, while you're saving money on more affordable wagyu, you can still impress your friends and family with an equally delicious meal. American wagyu comes in all the forms you'd expect from beef, from ground beef and ribs to filet mignon and tomahawk steaks. You can find it at many grocery stores, specialty butcher shops, and online retailers. Just for a quick reference, at one online store, a single American wagyu tomahawk steak retails for $139 and up compared to a Japanese wagyu tomahawk that starts at $559.

With prices like that, it's still not worth it to spend the extra money on even wagyu off-cuts for a casserole, where all the additional ingredients will likely cover up the flavor and texture of the meat. But if you use wagyu ground from $59 steak cubes in a grilled hamburger with trimmings that really highlight the meat — think brioche buns, aged cheddar or smoked gouda, butter lettuce, beefsteak tomatoes, caramelized onions, and gourmet pickles — you can't go wrong. If you're willing to spend more, other cuts of beef are always good for a more elevated dining experience. Opt for filet mignon or a ribeye steak, and if you really want to get fancy, you can prepare an American wagyu bone marrow appetizer to show off your cooking skills and impress your guests.