Some steaks you chew. Wagyu? You let it melt in your mouth. Absurdly rich, picturesque marbling and impossibly smooth to the taste, it’s the benchmark for premium beef. It’s softer, butterier, and more delicate than just about any other breed. Wagyu beef meat is a class of its own, answering the question of ‘how fatty, flavourful and decadent can steak really be?’. But just what is Wagyu beef? If you’ve ever wondered, this is the guide to answer your questions
What is Wagyu Beef Cow?
The definition of Wagyu beef starts with the breed. Wagyu cows originate from Japan, and come in four main varieties, denoted by their bloodline: Kuroge (Black), Nihon Tankaku (Shorthorn), Akage (Red), and Mukaku (Polled/Hornless). The most popular is Kuroge, famous for its ability to produce intense marbling.
Contrary to most breeds of cattle, Wagyu are raised for quality instead of volume. The fat weaves throughout the muscle, instead of sitting as a fat cap on the border, and that’s the magic of Wagyu beef, and why it feels like butter in the mouth.
Where can you find Wagyu Cows?
Up until the late 20th century, Wagyu cows were only found in Japan. The first cows were imported by the US in the mid 70’s, and then Australia in the 90’s. This means that while Japan is still the Wagyu capital of the world, the beef from Australia has started to rival that of the original. Australian Wagyu beef is mainly raised in farms across New South Wales and Queensland, producing cuts just as rich and satisfying as Japan, but shaped by the environment and climate differences of Australia.
Characteristics of Wagyu Beef
Wagyu beef is regarded as special because of its ability to produce an amazing taste with so little effort. Often seasoned with just a sprinkle of salt, cooked dry on the grill for a few minutes per side, it delivers a clean, immensely umami flavour that is soft enough to basically dissolve in your mouth. The only element to incredible Wagyu is precision, and at 6HEAD, we’ve perfected it.
Wagyu Marble Scores
Wagyu has a marbling system known as Wagyu beef grades. These are based on the marbling, colour, and raising of the meat. In Australia, these scores range from 0 to 9+, with 9+ being the highest. The higher the score, the better the quality of the meat. A 2-3 may be more akin to a premium Angus steak, while a 6 or 7 gives a buttery, yet still meaty bite. A 9+? It’s basically gone as soon as you eat it, so silky and deep in umami flavour that some people actually prefer a few grades below this level.
Best Wagyu Beef Steak Cuts
Ribeye Steak
Good steak starts before the pan. Let it Surrounded by fat and full of flavour, the eye of the rib is one of the best cuts of Wagyu beef. It takes on a great sear and gives an even flavour through every bite.
Striploin Steak
While slightly less fatty than a ribeye, it can often be more expensive, as it caters towards a wider range of steak lovers, with a good balance of marbling and lean meat. It provides a more classic steak experience, making it more appealing to some.
Angus Beef vs Wagyu Beef
Angus beef is bolder, beefier, and more structured. It offers that classic steakhouse experience, able to take on the heat of an open flame with ease. It’s perfect for steak dinners, burgers, or even roasts.
Wagyu beef, on the other hand, is richer and more subtle. The marbling changes everything about the profile, from the cooking method to the mouth feel. While Angus thrives with bold seasonings, intense cooking methods and punchy sides, Wagyu needs little accompaniment to stand out.
Choosing between Angus beef and Wagyu beef isn’t about better or worse; it’s about your preferred cooking method, taste, and what you plan to serve it with.
Where to find the best Wagyu beef in Australia
At 6HEAD, we’ve worked hard to learn how to cook Wagyu steaks. We source our premium Wagyu beef from Australian purveyors, cooked with precision and care, providing an impeccable balance between flame-grilled char and juicy, ridiculously tender beef.
Whether you’re in Perth or Sydney, we bring the same attention to every venue, every customer, and every dish. It’s a steakhouse experience like never before.
Book Your Premium Steak Experience
Visit 6HEAD for premium cuts of steak, sommelier-curated wines, and a night of conversation, attentive service and a satiated appetite. Book your table now or explore our full menu, and partake in an experience that will stick with you for life.
