Wagyu Beef Cubes with Black Garlic how to cook

Want to recreate restaurant-level luxury at home? Wagyu Beef Cubes with Black Garlic is the perfect dish. It combines the unparalleled richness of Wagyu with the deep, sweet complexity of black garlic, creating not only a taste sensation but also a healthy dining option.

Detailed Recipe: How to Make Wagyu Beef Cubes with Black Garlic

This dish looks sophisticated but is actually quite simple to make at home. The key is controlling the heat.

Ingredients:

  • Main: Wagyu beef (sirloin or ribeye recommended) 200-300g, Black garlic 2-3 bulbs
  • Seasonings: Sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, a little olive oil or cooking oil, butter (optional, for added flavor) 10g, fresh rosemary or thyme (optional) 1 sprig
  • Optional sides: Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, to cut richness and for plating.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preparation (Crucial):
    • Prepare the beef: Cut the Wagyu into 2-3cm cubes. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels – this is key for Maillard reaction (creating a crust).
    • Season: Generously season all sides of the beef cubes with sea salt and black pepper. Let rest for 15 minutes.
    • Prepare black garlic: Peel the black garlic. If cloves are large, cut in half for easier cooking.
  2. Searing the Wagyu Cubes:
    • Hot pan, hot oil: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is best) over high heat until lightly smoking. Add a small amount of high-heat oil.
    • Sear: Place beef cubes in the pan, ensuring each piece touches the surface. Cook over medium-high heat for 60-90 seconds per side until a nice brown crust forms.
    • Sear the edges: Use tongs to briefly sear the edges of each cube to lock in juices.
    • Add flavor (optional): Reduce heat to low, add butter and herbs. Once melted, spoon the butter continuously over the beef for about 30 seconds.
  3. Adding Black Garlic & Finishing:
    • Add peeled black garlic to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds over low heat until slightly caramelized and fragrant.
    • Resting (Key step): Immediately remove beef cubes to a rack or warmed plate. Rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  4. Plating:
    • Arrange rested beef cubes and black garlic on a plate. Serve with sautéed asparagus or tomatoes. Finish with extra black pepper if desired.

Chef’s Tips:

  • Doneness: Adjust cooking time to preference. A brown crust with a pink, springy interior (medium-rare) is ideal.
  • Black garlic: Very soft already, so don’t overcook or it may turn bitter.
  • Substitutions: High-quality Angus ribeye or tenderloin can substitute for Wagyu with excellent results.

Health Benefits of Wagyu Beef Cubes with Black Garlic

This dish is not only a flavor explosion but also a nutritional powerhouse, achieving perfect balance between taste and health.

Benefits of Wagyu Beef:

  • High-Quality Protein: Provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.
  • Rich in B Vitamins: Especially B12, crucial for nervous system health and red blood cell formation.
  • Highly Bioavailable Iron and Zinc: Heme iron is easily absorbed, preventing anemia; zinc boosts immunity and wound healing.
  • Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Wagyu is rich in this fatty acid with potential antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.

Benefits of Black Garlic (The Power of Fermentation):

  • Powerful Antioxidants: Fermentation increases S-allyl cysteine (SAC) and polyphenol content significantly, fighting free radicals and aging.
  • Boosts Immunity: Retains garlic’s antimicrobial properties without the harshness, being gentler on the stomach.
  • May Regulate Blood Markers: Studies suggest black garlic may help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
  • Liver Protection: Antioxidants may help reduce liver stress.

Synergistic Effects of This Combination:

  • Nutritional Synergy: Fats in Wagyu aid absorption of fat-soluble antioxidants from black garlic.
  • Reduced Oxidative Stress: Black garlic’s antioxidants may counter some oxidative effects of red meat fats.
  • Guilt-Free Indulgence: Makes enjoying premium red meat healthier, satisfying cravings while nourishing the body.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use other beef if I don’t have Wagyu?

A: Absolutely. Choose well-marbled Angus ribeye or tenderloin, cut into cubes, and follow the same method for excellent results.

Q: Where can I buy black garlic?

A: Available in the imported food section of large supermarkets, high-end fresh food e-commerce platforms, or online on Taobao, JD.com by searching “black garlic”.

Q: Does black garlic need to be cooked for a long time?

A: No. Black garlic is already soft and fully fermented. Just warm it briefly at the end using residual pan heat. Overcooking can impair its flavor.

Q: Who is this dish suitable for?

A: Ideal for adults seeking high-quality dining and healthy eating. Due to its fat content, those with health conditions or on diets should consume in moderation.