What is Wagyu?
Wagyu beef is a breed of cattle that originated in Japan and is one of the world's most prized cuts of meat. With its rich marbling, delicate texture, tenderness and intense flavour, it's no wonder it's so sought after worldwide. Because of their high-fat content (more than 20%), these animals have been bred over thousands of years to produce some amazing cuts of wagyu meat and steak!
But, to enjoy its full potential, you must know how to store and keep it fresh in your kitchen. The storage and keeping of Wagyu beef is an integral part of preserving its quality and taste.
We're about to unravel the secret methods for storing your Wagyu beef like a pro! By doing so, not only will you relish it for longer, but you'll also be doing your part in being a sustainable superhero. So, buckle up and embark on this Wagyu beef storage mastery with Lux Wagyu House!
Tips to store the Wagyu beef in the fridge
1. Avoid pre-washing
A lot of people have the practice of giving a good wash to the beef right after their grocery shopping. So, is it necessary to wash meat before storing it? Most experts advise against it. A wash might not affect any bacteria on the beef; instead, it gets killed only when the meat is cooked correctly. Washing
beef may introduce new bacteria to it and could change the meat's flavour and shelf life. So, avoid cleaning the beef if you intend to freeze it.
2. Slice the beef into pieces before storing it Exposing beef and other meat to temperature variations is the most harmful aspect of preserving meat. Bacteria on the meat might multiply when it goes back and forth between being cold and warm. To avoid spoiling the meat, take the meat from the refrigerator only when you're planning to cook. Before placing the meat in the refrigerator, chop it into parts or chunks so that you can utilise only the quantity you need while keeping the other meat fresh and delectable.
To learn about the different types of meat slicing, Check out our blog on Sizzling Meat: Types of Wagyu Beef Cuts for Thin Slicing.
3. Wrap your beef correctly and include "use-by" dates. Packaging plays a role when it comes to storing meat in the fridge. Here are some quick guidelines to store your wagyu beef:
• If you purchased vacuum-packed meat, keep it in the packaging until you want to use it. There is no need to unwrap meat that has been vacuum packaged because this can highly increase the meat's storage life.
• The guidelines alter slightly for beef that isn't vacuum-packed. Put the beef on a dish and cover it loosely with plastic wrap when storing it in the refrigerator. To avoid the beef from "sweating," there should be some airflow around it.
• Wrap your beef tightly in plastic wrap before freezing it, being careful not to let too much air get too close to the meat. Doing this prevents freezer burn, which doesn't harm the meat but drastically impacts its flavour.
• Mark the date of purchase or the date it should be consumed, either directly on the plastic packaging or with a sticky note. It is essential as you'll be saved from the hassle of wondering whether the piece of meat you find in the freezer months later still appears fresh and is in good condition.
How to defrost frozen Wagyu Steak or Beef?
Owing to the preparation methods, different cuts of beef are stored in the refrigerator for varying lengths of time. For instance, ground beef can remain stable at or below -18°C in the freezer for up to three months.
Australian Wagyu beef may last up to a month when stored properly in the freezer. Check out a variety of Wagyu Meat and steak products from our Lux Wagyu House for fresh Australian Wagyu beef. Depending on how quickly you require it, there are three ways to defrost frozen beef: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or microwave. Note: The danger of infection may increase if frozen beef is allowed to defrost at room temperature.
Defrost in the Fridge
Most advise defrosting frozen beef in the fridge. It preserves the meat quality and lets you retain the beef after defrosting in the refrigerator for a few more days. However, because the defrosting procedure is complex, careful planning is required.
Defrost in cold water
While defrosting in cold water is quicker than in the refrigerator, it also requires extra care. Put in a sealed container or bag before being soaked in cold water. Leaving the meat in the water will affect the flavour and may result in contamination. Ensure the bag is closed and change the water every thirty minutes. This method can defrost a half-kilogram piece of beef in roughly one hour.
Defrost in the microwave oven
The quickest way to thaw meat is using a microwave. Use the proper defrosting technique, however, as described in the user manual for your microwave oven.
The beef must be cooked immediately after defrosting because the temperature shift could result in infection.
Conclusion
To enjoy a delicious and fresh piece of Wagyu beef, ensure to keep the meat in an airtight container and in the freezer for the best storage results. By storing properly, you’ll be able to preserve the beef's freshness and retain its taste, juiciness, and tenderness.
Looking for the best Australian Wagyu Beef, steak or any variety of meat, check out Lux Wagyu House, as we are known for our premium quality meat, with marbling and rich flavour. We provide the best Wagyu throughout Western Australia.
With our expert tips, ensure your premium beef lasts longer and do your part in promoting sustainability.
1. How long can Wagyu sit out?
Raw Meat or Steak shouldn't be out for more than two hours. Within 20 minutes of room temperature, bacteria in raw meat will begin to proliferate.
2. How to defrost Wagyu quickly?
The quickest way to defrost wagyu beef is using a microwave, with the proper defrosting technique as shown in the microwave oven manual. Once defrosted, it should be cooked immediately, as the temperature shift might affect bacterial growth.
3. How to cook A5 Wagyu?
• Cook each slice individually after slicing it into thin slices. With A5 Wagyu, a little bit is often plenty.
• Slice the meat into 1-inch by 4-inch pieces and immediately sear it on the hot pan surface for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
• The A5 Wagyu's melted fat will be more than sufficient for cooking.
• Lightly season the meat so you can enjoy and savour the flavour of the meat itself. Alternatively, you can also season the meat after it has cooked.