Wagyu beef is renowned worldwide for its exquisite marbling tender texture and incredibly rich, buttery flavor. When you have a cut of true wagyu beef, you want side dishes that will enhance the beef’s magnificent qualities rather than overpower them.
The right sides should provide complementary flavors, textures, colors and aromas to create a multi-dimensional culinary experience. So what are the best side dishes to serve with wagyu beef? Here are 15 winning recipes:
1. Blooming Onion
A crispy, fried blooming onion with tangy dipping sauce provides a crunchy texture that contrasts the tender wagyu beautifully. The onion’s mild sweetness also helps balance the rich flavor of the beef.
2. Truffle Potatoes
Creamy potatoes infused with earthy truffles are a luxurious side for indulgent wagyu beef. The potatoes allow the glorious flavor of the wagyu to remain the star of the show.
3. Sautéed Mushrooms
Meaty, umami-rich mushrooms like shiitakes, sautéed with butter, garlic and fresh herbs offer a soft, supple texture that complements the wagyu. The mushrooms’ earthiness adds depth without overpowering the beef.
4. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
The sweet creaminess of mashed sweet potatoes offsets the richness of wagyu for a balanced bite. Sweet potatoes provide a comforting, indulgent side that pairs beautifully with wagyu’s decadence.
5. Jasmine Rice
Fluffy, aromatic jasmine rice provides a neutral yet satisfying background that allows the wagyu’s magnificent flavor to take center stage. Its soft, soothing texture completes the luxurious experience.
6. Caprese Salad
A classic caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil offers a vibrant complement to rich wagyu. The salad’s bright flavors and acidity from balsamic vinegar cut through the beef’s richness.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts roasted until crispy and caramelized provide a sweet, nutty flavor and crunchy texture that contrasts supple, buttery wagyu. Their slight bitterness also balances the beef.
8. Grilled Asparagus
Fresh, bright grilled asparagus with a touch of char adds a smoky element and pleasant crunch to contrast the tenderness of wagyu. The asparagus’ slight charred flavor accents the beef beautifully.
9. Glazed Carrots
Vibrant glazed carrots with a sweet but light profile provide the perfect balance to hearty wagyu. Their sweetness contrasts the savory beef while adding a pop of color to the plate.
10. Pommes Frites
Crispy, golden pommes frites offer an indulgent crunchy potato accent for rich wagyu, especially when showered with fresh parsley. Cut thick-style, they hold up well to the luxurious beef.
11. Creamed Spinach
Earthy creamed spinach enriched with cream, garlic and nutmeg provides a silky accompaniment to wagyu’s opulent tenderness. The spinach’s bold flavor holds its own with the beef.
12. Wild Rice Pilaf
Nutty wild rice pilaf with cranberries and toasted pecans provides texture and subtle sweetness to balance wagyu’s richness. The pilaf’s crunch and festive look elevates the meal.
13. Roasted Cauliflower
When roasted, cauliflower develops a sweet, nutty flavor and soft, creamy texture that perfectly accents the buttery richness of wagyu beef. Roasted cauliflower makes an elegant, hearty side.
14. Pear & Blue Cheese Salad
A salad with sweet sliced pears, bold blue cheese crumbles and crunchy toasted nuts provides an array of contrasting flavors and textures to complement wagyu. It cleanses the palate between bites.
15. Truffle Mac and Cheese
Luxurious truffle mac and cheese, with its creamy pasta and earthy truffle flavors, matches the opulence of high-quality wagyu beef. The rich decadence of both makes a gourmet pairing.
As you can see, sides with contrasting or complementary textures, flavors, colors and aromas make excellent pairings for wagyu beef. With options like crispy onion, fresh salad, fluffy rice or decadent mac and cheese, you can create a meal that perfectly showcases magnificent wagyu beef.
When choosing side dishes, opt for simpler preparations to allow the natural flavor of the wagyu to take center stage. Prioritize fresh ingredients and well-balanced flavors that won’t compete with the beef.
How to Cook Wagyu Beef for Best Results
To get the most out of your precious wagyu beef, proper cooking technique is key. Here are some tips:
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Bring the beef to room temperature before cooking to warm the fat and promote even cooking.
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Generously season with high quality sea salt before cooking. For thick steaks, a seasoned salt can help form a flavorful crust.
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Choose a cooking method like grilling, pan searing or broiling that imparts a nice sear while keeping the interior tender and pink. Avoid stewing or braising this delicate meat.
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Cook over very high heat to get a good sear while minimizing time the beef sits over the heat.
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For pan searing, use a heavy cast iron or stainless steel skillet. Nonstick doesn’t brown as well.
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Flip the beef frequently while cooking – about every 30 seconds – for even cooking.
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Use a meat thermometer to gauge doneness. Cook 5°F below your desired final temperature, as the meat will continue cooking after removed from the heat.
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Allow the beef to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to settle for a tender, juicy result.
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Slice the beef across the grain for maximum tenderness.
Enjoy your magnificent wagyu beef paired with complementary sides and cooked to perfection! Tasting genuine wagyu beef is a singular culinary experience every beef lover should savor. With the right pairings and cooking techniques, you can indulge in one of the world’s most exquisite treats.
Grilled corn salad recipe
- 3 cups of corn (about 3 large ears of corn)
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 chili lime seasoning
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime
- Grill the ears of corn over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, then cut the kernels off the cobs.
- Add the corn, scallions and cotija to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then toss.
- Add the cilantro and chili lime seasoning, then toss again. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Before serving, add another sprinkle of chili lime seasoning and a squeeze of lime juice.
A vegetable side is another way to balance a rich Wagyu steak dish with some freshness. That doesn’t mean your veggies can’t feature a wonderful depth of flavor, however. There are plenty of delicious vegetable side dishes that can hold their own next to the delectable flavors of Wagyu beef. In fact, Wagyu beef is usually seasoned with simple salt and pepper to preserve its luxurious natural taste, so vegetable sides give you a chance to create an extra kick of flavor in your dish. Some of these Wagyu steak side options include:
- Grilled asparagus with lemon and garlic
- Sauteed mushrooms with fresh herbs
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and almonds
- Creamed spinach with garlic and parmesan
- Braised carrots with thyme or rosemary
- Roasted artichokes with lemon aioli
- Sauteed green beans with garlic
- Roasted leeks with parmesan
- Roasted okra with smoked paprika
- Southern succotash with miso butter
Roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and almonds recipe
- 3 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Trim the Brussels sprouts, then slice each one in half.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a bowl and add olive oil, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts out on a greased baking sheet.
- Put the baking sheet in the oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine vinegar and sugar in a saucepan. Stir while bringing the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue to simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Brussels sprouts and the glaze to a large bowl and toss to coat.
- Mix in cranberries and almonds before serving.
Starches will make your Wagyu steak meal feel more filling while adding to the indulgent dining experience. After all, sides like mashed potatoes and soft, fluffy rolls are considered an essential part of the meal at most classic steakhouses. Though some items on this list – like potatoes, for example – are technically vegetables, they fall into the starch category since they’re higher in carbohydrates compared to other types of veggies. Here are some of the best starch sides to serve with Wagyu steak:
- Crispy roasted potatoes with rosemary
- Creamy mashed potatoes with chives
- Roasted honey sweet potatoes
- Mushroom risotto with rosemary and asiago
- Garlic rosemary cauliflower puree
- Hasselback potatoes with herbs and garlic
- Parsnip puree with thyme and black pepper
- Classic pommes frites with parsley
- Wild rice pilaf with apples and pecans
- Creamy polenta with spinach and garlic
Iron Chef Dad Cooks A5 Japanese Wagyu.
FAQ
What sides go well with Wagyu beef?
- Roasted Vegetables. …
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes. …
- Sautéed Spinach or Kale. …
- Red Wine Reduction. …
- Béarnaise Sauce. …
- Mushroom Sauce. …
- Horseradish Cream Sauce. …
- Cabernet Sauvignon.
What pairs best with wagyu steak?
- Garlic rosemary cauliflower puree.
- Hasselback potatoes with herbs and garlic.
- Parsnip puree with thyme and black pepper.
- Classic pommes frites with parsley.
- Wild rice pilaf with apples and pecans.
- Creamy polenta with spinach and garlic.
What do Japanese eat with Wagyu beef?
Wagyu beef is simmered in a sweet and savory soy-based broth along with vegetables, tofu, and noodles. The combination of premium Wagyu and sukiyaki sauce creates a rich, umami-filled experience.
How is Wagyu beef best served?
Wagyu is usually served mostly by itself, with some salt and pepper seasoning. The flavor is very rich and tasty without any additions. My favorite preparations have usually been accompanied by a more neutral vegetable like a leek or potato purée/gratin that balances the meat.