As the coldest days of winter are upon us and snow is beginning to build across the country, you may be yearning for some cozy nights indoors with your family. After a long day of winter hiking or playing board games by the fire, you will want to make sure to satisfy your hunger and replenish your energy by diving into a hot and savory bowl of delicious Wagyu stew.
Stew has long been a favorite dish during the winter. The hearty ingredients and thick broth can be comforting for both children and adults alike. While a traditional beef stew may have some off-cuts of any old meat you have lying around, Wagyu stew takes the classic comforter and gives it a gourmet twist. If you want to get the ball rolling, you will need to head to Maries River Wagyu’s online store first.
Choose The Right Wagyu Cut
When creating a delicious bowl of Wagyu stew, choosing the right cut is critical to the overall taste. One of the best things about adding Wagyu to a stew is that the meat’s high-fat content will dissolve and thicken the stock. Using a K.C. strip or even a Wagyu brisket from Maries River Wagyu will both prove to be excellent options.
Sear Meat First
Once you have selected your meat and cut it into 2-inch chunks, heat a pan with olive oil. You can then sear the meat until it is a deep golden brown, which could take anywhere from 5-6 minutes. By searing the meat first, you can seal in the flavor and prime the meat before adding other veggies and spices. After the meat has seared, let it sit on a plate while you start cooking veggies in the same pan. You can choose onions, parsnips, and carrots, as too many veggies will take away from the Wagyu’s flavor.
Use Aromatics
In culinary terms, aromatics refer to herbs and vegetables that add depth and flavor to your dish. When it comes to Wagyu stew, you can use aromatics after the beef has seared and you start creating your stock. The aromatics to choose for Wagyu stew are white onion, coarsely ground black peppercorns, rosemary, and sage. Begin by cooking the white onion in the leftover fat from the Wagyu with a bit of added olive oil. After adding and browning the rest of the veggies, place in the Wagyu and the rest of your herbs.
Cook Slowly
Slow cooking will bring out the flavor without firming up the meat. While you can customize veggies and aromatics and add personal touches, slow-cooking should remain a constant for all Wagyu stew recipes. With your veggies, aromatics, and Wagyu sitting in a deep casserole dish, cover with water just enough to submerge the meat. Add a bit of salt, then put in the oven for around 3-4 hours at 240F. Some people will increase this temperature to 400F for the last 15 minutes to further brown the stock.
While the above steps are a sure way to create a delicious batch of Wagyu stew, the best way to add personal flair is to experiment with different veggies, herbs, and spices. As you are probably cooking and eating at home more than ever before, it is a great time to sharpen your cooking skills.
Contact Maries River Wagyu to guarantee you always have a fresh supply of farm-raised Wagyu on hand.
