Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Steak
Finishing & service
Optional accompaniments
Method
Steak
Bring to temperature
Remove the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu from refrigeration and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any surface moisture; this ensures proper browning.
Trim and portion (if needed)
If your piece is thicker than desired, cut into a 6 oz or 8 oz portion and trim only excess silver skin—not the fat—with a sharp knife. Maintain the exterior fat cap where present; this fat renders and flavors the steak.
Score fat cap
If there is a noticeable fat cap, lightly score it in a shallow crosshatch (do not cut into the meat) about 1/4 inch apart. This helps the fat render evenly.
Season
Season both sides just before cooking: sprinkle kosher salt evenly (about 1 tsp for a 6 oz; adjust slightly for 8 oz) and a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper. Because A5 Wagyu is intensely flavored, keep seasoning restrained.
Sear
Place the steak in the pan away from you. For a 6 oz (roughly 1–1.25-inch thick) cook 45–60 seconds per side for a rare interior; for 8 oz (if thicker), sear 60–75 seconds per side. Because A5 Wagyu has a high fat content, the goal is a deeply browned crust while keeping the center rare to medium-rare. Resist flipping repeatedly—one flip is enough.
Finishing & service
Baste
Reduce heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter, crushed garlic clove, and herb sprig to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter and pan juices over the steak repeatedly for 20–30 seconds to build flavor and glossy finish. Be careful not to overcook; this step is brief.
Rest
Transfer the steak to a warm plate or cutting board and rest for 5 minutes. Resting lets juices redistribute; do not cover tightly—loose tenting with foil is OK for 1–2 minutes if desired.
Slice (recommended) & finish
For best presentation and to appreciate the marbling, slice the steak against the grain into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch slices. Arrange on a warm plate. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to finish and garnish with microgreens or thinly sliced scallion if using.
Serve
Serve immediately with optional steamed rice and a small dish of light soy sauce or ponzu for dipping. Because A5 Wagyu is richly flavored, keep accompaniments simple and minimal.