When it comes to cooking the perfect Wagyu steak, the step that is most often overlooked is the resting period. After you’ve seasoned, seared, and cooked your steak to perfection, having the patience to let it rest is essential for achieving the best flavor and texture.
But how long should Wagyu steak rest after cooking? Texas Beefhouse puts the debate to rest.
Why Resting is Important
Resting your Wagyu steak is crucial for allowing the juices that have been pushed to the center of the meat during cooking redistribute evenly throughout the steak. Without this resting period, the juices will puddle on your plate when you cut into the steak, leading to a dry and less flavorful overall experience.
How Long Should Wagyu Steak Rest?
The general recommendation for resting most steaks, including Wagyu, is about 5-10 minutes. There are a few factors to consider when determining the amount of time your steaks should rest, based on the thickness of the steak, the cooking method, and the desired doneness.
Thinner Cuts (e.g., Ribeye, New York Strip)
For thinner cuts of Wagyu, 5 minutes of resting should be sufficient. These cuts don’t retain as much heat as thicker cuts, so they don’t need a long resting period to allow the juices to fully redistribute.
Thicker Cuts (e.g., Filet Mignon, Tomahawk)
Thicker cuts, such as filet mignon or Tomahawk steak, may need a bit longer to rest, up to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute fully, keeping the steak tender and juicy.
How to Rest Your Wagyu Steak
Remove from Heat
Once your Wagyu steak (almost) reaches the desired doneness, take it off the heat. Use tongs to transfer it to a plate or cutting board so as not to pierce the meat.
Cover Loosely with Foil
You don’t want to trap too much moisture, so cover the steak loosely with aluminum foil. This will keep the steak warm while it rests. Wrapping it too tightly could cause the steak to steam and lose the crispy crust you’ve worked so hard to create.
Let it Rest in a Warm Spot
For best results, keep it warm while it rests. Place the steak on a warm plate (heated in a hot-water bath) or keep it in an oven set to a low temperature, around 150°F or 65°C. This is especially helpful for thicker cuts that need to rest longer.
What Happens if You Don’t Rest the Steak?
It’s hard to wait to taste your perfectly prepared Wagyu steak. But if you skip the resting step, your steak may not be as juicy or flavorful as it could be. Cutting into the steak immediately after cooking will cause the internal juices to escape, leaving you with a drier steak. Resting ensures those juices remain inside, making every bite tender and packed with robust flavor.
Patience Pays Off
Wagyu beef is a delicacy. Get the most out of its exceptional marbling and complex flavor profile by taking the time to let it rest. Whether your steak is a thinner cut or a thick, hearty slab, 5-10 minutes of resting will ensure your Wagyu steak is as juicy, tender, and flavorful as it should be. So, after cooking your Wagyu steak to perfection, remember that patience is the key to bringing out its best.
Experience the ultimate in umami. Order ultra-premium Wagyu steaks from Texa Beefhouse.