It seems that I have been on a bit of a quest for the ultimate burger lately and I think that I may have found it. Last time I tried getting a nice high quality fatty ground beef and paying attention to the details when preparing and cooking the burgers. Although the burgers turned out great I had another idea to try; wagyu beef. Wagyu is a breed of cattle whose meat is predisposed to fatty marbling. The fat is important for burgers as it adds flavour and it helps to keep the burgers nice and moist and juicy when they are cooked. The wagyu beef promised to make a juicy and tasty burger indeed!
When making burgers I often spice them up a bit and one of my favorite ways to do that is with Montreal steak spice. This time however, I wanted to get the full wagyu beef experience so I seasoned them simply with just salt and pepper. Despite the simple seasoning the wagyu burgers turned out great! I enjoyed the first one topped simply with lettuce and tomato so that I could really taste the wagyu beef. (Of course if you prefer you can top the burger any way you like and certainly the bacon and cheese version makes for a much better photo.) The wagyu burger was nice and juicy and tender and it was easily the best burger that I have ever had! Because the wagyu beef is a bit more expensive I don’t think that I will be using it all the time but it will certainly be making appearances for special occasions.
Wagyu Burgers
ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground wagyu beef
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 buns
- lettuce (optional)
- tomatoes (sliced, optional)
directions
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper.
- Form into 4 patties 3/4 inches thick and press your thumb into the middle to form a depression on top prevent bulging.
- Brush the patties with oil, place on grill and cook until golden brown and slightly charred, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Set aside, cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Assemble burgers to taste.
Something new to look for in wagyu beef. It sounds delicous Kevin:D
It's crazy that different breeds of cattle have such different flavors! I will have to look out for this in supermarkets.
I absolutely LOVE wagyu but I've never had it in burger form. I'll have to see if I can find some around here and make burgers (I've had in a few times, but only in restaurants). Looks like a perfect burger!
such an interesting idea…. i love wagyu but never had it this way before. will definitely try this out soon. thanks ALOT for sharing!
I love MOntreal Steak Spice – it makes a tasty broth for hot turkey sandwiches! There's nothing like a burger you make yourself – have not seen wagyu beef in the stores… yet. Will check it out.
I've never had wagyu but your post is definitely making me want to. I too have been on a quest for the best burger lately and yours looks mouthwatering.
Kevin, what luxury!! I can only imagine how scrumptious this burger was.
Kevin, your burgers always feel me hungry!! Gloria
I've never had Wagyu beef, but I'm sure it taste fantastic! What gourmet burgers!
Cheers,
Rosa
I've never heard of Wgyu beef, but it sounds amazing!
I know what you mean about letting the true taste of the meat shine on its own, I think these fancy cuts deserve that treatment!
I'm glad you've found your ultimate burger and that you've shared it with us 🙂
"It's the massaging of the cows that make his burgers taste so good."
Gourmet burger kitchen watch out!
Never heard of wagyu – sure looks good though, especially w. all that melted cheese on top!
Is that bacon I see under there sir?!?! I love it!
One might even argue that to season them with more than S and P would be to ruin them! 🙂
I made burgers on the 4th of July and instead of a prepared seasoning, tossed in generous amount of my dried porcini mushroom rub that I like to use on whole tenderloins. Then I mixed in about 1 tablespoon of shredded jack cheese for each burger. The result was fabulous – you couldn't really tell there was cheese in the burger, but they were really moist and flavorful.
Here's my rub recipe – use about 1 teaspoon for two burgers if mixing it:
http://cookingwithmichele.blogspot.com/2009/06/snow-creek-ranch-strip-steaks-with.html
That looks like one decadently delicious burger.
This makes the burgers I had this weekend look pretty boring. I will have to try this sometime!
Never had a wagyu in a burger very luxurious indeed for a brurger!, why not! I suppose I love my meat rather blue (beyond rare) so I tend to have it unprocessed (or uncooked if minced-tartare..)
Beats a normal burger anyday 😉
wow, this looks delicious!
where do you get wagyu?
Are those sweet potato fries in the background also? Man that looks delicious!
That sounds so good, I have never seen that beef here locally 🙁
That's a nice slab of meat, that wagyu. Talk about the way to get grillin'!
beautiful job. I was craving a big burger like this one last night!
waygu are soo rich..how decadent! a small portion in this burger is a perfect serving.
You have hit upon my favorite burger format: salt, pepper and cheese!
Oooh! I've never cooked with wagyu, but it's definitely high on my list. That looks amazing and I"m sure it tasted even better!
Sues
Your wagyu burger looks so good that I want to take a bite off my monitor screen!!!!
Another mouthwatering burger but I'm sure its extra delicious because its made with Wagyu beef..
Never had wagyu beef but I know I would love it. You're right the cheese and bacon does it justice for a photo.
I've never had that kind of meat before, but sounds like something new to try. The picture is making me hungry.
wa- what? I never knew such a type of meat existed! i think the cheese/bacon version is better than plain 😉
I actually saw something about Wagyu ranchers in I think Australia. They are fed great food, they have lots of land to roam around in and are right on the water.
I wonder if most stores sell that type of beef or not, I've never looked for it, but now I will!
Thanks for another great post Kevin!
This is a new one for me. I think I need an education in beef.
Wagyu burgers sounds a really good right about now. Ironically I was working on a movie set today and they served burgers, but they don't compare to these beauties.
You make this sound so tantalizing. I will have to keep a look out for wagyu beef.
What a decadent burger! I've had wagyu beef but made by an iron chef Morimoto at a special dinner in Vancouver. It was amazing.
Stop teasing me Kevin!
Wagyu beef sounds totally decadant. I'm sure these were amazing, and if I find any wagyu I'll think of this.
I have never tried wagyu before and not a beef eater. It is a nice looking burger to me. 😉
The idea of wagyu burgers is fantastic. Must have to confess though, that it's the sight of that bacon and cheese topping that really has me salivating 😀
burger heaven 🙂
ooh so decadent – but seems like the perfect burger!
Incredibly enticing photo…! Where were you able to buy the wagyu?
I've been in a burger mood lately too…this looks perfect!
I don't know anything about wagyu beef? Where do you get it…because we're always up for a great burger.
I have never seen the wagyu beef at a regular grocery store so you will probably have to check you local butchers shops. I found the wagyu beef at a local butchers shop Cumbrae here in Toronto.
I've never tried wagyu – I've only seen it on food network! But that picture has my mouth watering!
Are they breeding cows now just for better burgers!! Sounds good to me!!LOL!! Your buger looks fantastic!
Wagyu beef must take the burger to new heights…delish!
Love wagyu! The burger looks amazing!
I learn all sorts of stuff from you. First scapes and now Wagyu beef. I love a good burger and these sound delicious.
It looks awesome Kevin. Way to get my glands salivating this early!
I've never seen wagyu beef around here. It would be interesting to try.
I have never heard of Wagyu before, I can not wait to try it. Thanks!