How to Select the Best Wagyu Steak Online

The shift to online purchasing is undeniable, especially for premium items like fine steaks. If you are in the market for an exceptional steak, embrace the convenience and high quality selection offered at Booth Creek Wagyu.

Can you order wagyu steak online?

Yes. Ordering Wagyu steak online is easier than ever. By choosing a reputable online provider, you can access a world of premium Wagyu steak options with detailed information and convenient delivery, often exceeding what you might find in a local store. 

What Kind of Steak Cuts Can I Expect?

1. Wagyu Ribeye: A highly popular cut known for its rich marbling and flavor.

2. Wagyu Filet Mignon: Exceptionally tender and lean, with the Wagyu marbling adding significant richness.

3. Wagyu KC Strip: Offers a great balance of tenderness and a more pronounced beefy flavor, enhanced by Wagyu fat.

4. Wagyu Cowboy Steak: These combine the tenderness of the filet mignon with the flavor of the strip steak, with varying bone sizes.

5. Wagyu Top Sirloin: Leaner cuts that still benefit from Wagyu's marbling for added flavor and tenderness.

6. Wagyu Skirt Steak: Flavorful and best cooked with high heat and sliced thinly. Wagyu versions will be more tender and richer.

7. Ground Wagyu: Excellent for burgers, meatballs, and other ground beef dishes, offering a richer flavor.

How is it Shipped?

Shipping Wagyu steak prioritizes maintaining the quality and freshness of the product during shipping.You can typically expect the following:

• Frozen: Steaks are usually flash-frozen to preserve their quality and flavor at their peak.

• Vacuum-Sealed: Individual steaks are often vacuum-sealed to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.

• Insulated Packaging: The frozen, vacuum-sealed steaks are then packed in insulated containers or coolers.

• Dry Ice or Gel Packs: To keep the steaks frozen or very cold during transit, dry ice or specialized gel packs are included in the packaging.

• Temperature-Controlled Shipping: Many vendors use reliable shipping services with temperature-controlled options or ensure delivery within a specific timeframe (e.g., overnight or 1-3 day shipping) to minimize thawing.

• Tracking Information: You will usually receive tracking information to monitor your shipment's progress.

Why Should You Prefer an Online Order?

There are several compelling reasons to order Wagyu steak online:

• Wider Selection: Online retailers typically offer a much larger variety of Wagyu grades and cuts compared to local stores.

• Access to Premium and Rare Options: Finding genuine, high-grade Wagyu can be difficult locally. Online specialists often have direct sourcing.

• Detailed Information: Reputable online sellers provide comprehensive details about the Wagyu's origin, breed, grading (including BMS), and often even images showcasing the marbling, allowing for a more informed decision.

• Convenience: You can shop for premium Wagyu from the comfort of your home, at any time, without the need to travel to specialty stores.

• Potential for Better Prices: Online retailers can sometimes offer more competitive pricing due to lower overhead costs and direct-to-consumer models.

• Direct Delivery: The steaks are conveniently shipped directly to your doorstep, saving you time and effort.

• Access to Specialty Butchers and Expertise: Online platforms connect you with butchers who specialize in high-quality meats, offering curated selections and knowledge you might not find elsewhere.

How much does a wagyu steak cost?

The cost of American Wagyu steak is justified by a combination of factors that differentiate it from standard cuts of beef and can run between $20-$150 for a premium cut of Wagyu beef.

1. Genetics and Breeding: American Wagyu cattle are crossbreeds of traditional Japanese Wagyu breeds (prized for their marbling) and American cattle breeds (often Angus, known for their robust flavor). This careful crossbreeding aims to combine the best traits of both, requiring selective breeding programs and genetic tracking, which adds to the cost.

2. Marbling: The defining characteristic of Wagyu is its intense intramuscular fat, or marbling. Achieving a high degree of marbling requires specific genetics, a longer feeding period, and a carefully managed, high-energy diet.This results in a more flavorful, tender, and juicy steak, justifying a higher price. American Wagyu typically has a marbling score of 6 or higher on the Beef Marbling Standard (BMS) scale, which is still significantly higher than USDA Prime.

3. Raising Practices: Raising Wagyu cattle often involves more individualized care, a stress-free environment, and a longer time to maturity compared to conventional beef cattle. Some farms focus on natural and sustainable practices, which can also influence cost.

4. Quality and Flavor Profile: American Wagyu offers a unique flavor profile that balances the rich, buttery notes of Wagyu with a more traditional beefy taste preferred by many American consumers. This sought-after combination contributes to its premium status.

5. Limited Availability: High-quality American Wagyu represents a smaller segment of the overall beef market, contributing to its higher price due to supply and demand.

6. Processing and Handling: Premium cuts of American Wagyu are often handled with extra care during processing to maintain their quality, which can add to the final cost.

7. Market Demand: The increasing popularity and demand for high-quality beef, including American Wagyu, also play a role in its pricing. Consumers are often willing to pay more for a superior eating experience.

Understand Wagyu Grades:

Understanding Wagyu beef grades doesn't have to be complex. The grading system focuses on two key elements: marbling and quality. Marbling refers to the fine webbing of fat within the meat; more marbling means a more luxurious, impeccable taste.

At Booth Creek Wagyu, we’ve developed a unique grading system—BC40, BC30, BC20, and BC10—based on Wagyu genetics and digital marbling percentage (DMP). 

Each grade offers a distinct flavor and tenderness, giving you the opportunity to discover the Wagyu profile that best suits your personal taste and meal, much like choosing a favorite chocolate or whiskey.

• BC40: An elusive class of truly extraordinary beef, consistent with the quality found in Japan and rarely found in America. Intramuscular fat percentage of 40%+.

• BC30: Maximum richness, tenderness, and buttery flavor create a world-class steak experience. Intramuscular fat percentage of 30-39%.

• BC20: Hints of buttery flavor to go with exceptional tenderness. Intramuscular fat percentage of 20-29%.

• BC10: Offers a traditional beefy flavor. Intramuscular fat percentage of 10-19%.

Is A4 or A5 Wagyu better?

When comparing A4 and A5 Wagyu, and how they stack up against a BC40 rated Wagyu steak from Booth Creek, here's a breakdown:

A4 vs. A5 Wagyu:

• Grading System: Both A4 and A5 refer to grades within the Japanese Meat Grading Association (JMGA) system, which evaluates yield (A-C) and quality (1-5). The "A" indicates a superior yield. The number refers to the quality grade, with 5 being the highest.

• Marbling (BMS): The key difference lies in the Beef Marbling Score (BMS), which is a significant component of the quality grade:

• A5 Wagyu: To achieve an A5 rating, the Wagyu must have a BMS between 8 and 12. This indicates exceptional and abundant marbling. A5 is the highest grade possible, representing the most intense marbling, tenderness, and richness.

• A4 Wagyu: A4 Wagyu still represents very high quality but with slightly less marbling. The BMS for A4 typically ranges from 6 to 8. It offers excellent tenderness and flavor but might not have the same melt-in-your-mouth richness as A5.

Booth Creek Wagyu BC40:

• Booth Creek Grading: Booth Creek Wagyu uses its own grading system (BC), which focuses on the intramuscular fat percentage.

• BC40: This rating signifies that the Wagyu steak has an intramuscular fat percentage of 40% or more.

• Comparison to BMS: While Booth Creek uses fat percentage, it directly correlates with marbling. A BC40 rating indicates an exceptionally high level of marbling, consistent with the quality found in top-tier Japanese Wagyu and rarely found in American Wagyu.

Check for Authenticity:

When shopping for Wagyu steak, whether online or in the store, ensuring authenticity is essential. After all, true Wagyu is a premium investment, and you deserve nothing less than the genuine experience. Here are a few key steps to help you confidently identify and select authentic Wagyu beef:

1. Labeling: We always recommend customers examine the labeling carefully, as it should clearly list its origin. Look for designations such as "Japanese Wagyu" , which confirms the beef you're selecting lives up to its name and heritage.

2. Marbling: When you're in the market for Wagyu, one of the first things to assess is the marbling. Those fine, intricate streaks of fat woven in the meat play a vital role. Marbling is what delivers the luxurious texture and rich, umami flavor that defines true Wagyu. A well-marbled cut is often your clearest indicator that you're looking at the real thing.

3. Grade: Double-check the grading (like BC30 or BC40) Every single Wagyu beef you come across should have a grade, and remember, the higher the grade, the more incredible the quality will be.

4. Reviews: One of the distinct advantages of shopping online is the immediate access to customer feedback. Take a moment to explore what other customers are saying about their experience.

5. Buy from the right sites: Businesses that offer high-quality and reputable beef take pride in their reputation. Stick with well-known specialists like Booth Creek Wagyu!

Conclusion

Navigating the world of Wagyu steak online offers a convenient gateway to exceptional quality. By understanding the nuances of grading systems, like the Japanese A4/A5 and Booth Creek's BC scale, and by scrutinizing labeling and marbling, you can confidently select a steak that meets your expectations for flavor and tenderness. 

While options like Costco's A5 Wagyu provide a genuine introduction to premium Japanese beef, exploring the curated selections and transparent grading of specialized vendors like Booth Creek Wagyu can further refine your experience, ensuring a truly remarkable and authentic Wagyu indulgence delivered right to your door.