Is Wagyu good for meatballs?

Yes, wagyu beef is excellent for meatballs due to its high fat content and superior marbling, which creates incredibly tender.

What kind of meat is Wagyu beef?

Wagyu beef comes from specific Japanese cattle breeds (Kuroge Washu being the most prized) that produce meat with extraordinary marbling patterns.

What goes with wagyu meatballs?

Wagyu meatballs pair beautifully with simple, high-quality accompaniments like fresh pasta, creamy risotto, roasted vegetables, or crusty artisan bread.

Does Wagyu taste like hamburger?

While wagyu is technically beef like hamburger meat, it tastes significantly different due to its superior marbling and fat distribution.

How to Make a Wagyu Meatballs Amazing: Tips & Tricks

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Every Sunday, my grandmother’s kitchen would fill with the aroma of her legendary meatballs, but nothing compares to the first time I surprised my family with my own Wagyu Meatballs. Seeing their faces light up at the first tender, buttery bite, and especially seeing my grandmother’s smile of satisfaction, created a moment that perfectly blended tradition and luxury, proving that the most expensive ingredients mean nothing without the love and memories we share around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbelievable tenderness and flavor in every bite.
Elevates your weeknight dinner or party appetizer into something gourmet.
Simple steps with pro results even for beginners.

To Make Wagyu Meatballs You’ll Need

Main Components:

ingredients for Wagyu meatballs gathered, including ground Wagyu beef, grated cheese Parmesan, fresh breadcrumbs, an egg, milk, seasonings salt and pepper, and a sprig of parsley.

ground wagyu beef It is more expensive, but can be found at many grocery. You can also use a combination of beef and pork.
fresh breadcrumbs I use Italian breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, both of which work well.
whole milk
large egg, beaten
freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
garlic, minced
fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
olive oil
your favorite low-pasta sauce.

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

fresh basil, chopped
dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes
tomato paste for deeper flavor

What is Wagyu Meatballs

Wagyu Meatball are a luxurious twist on a comfort classic tender, juicy, and bursting with rich flavor. Made from premium Wagyu beef, they melt in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for pasta, sliders, or on their own, these meatballs turn any meal into something truly special indulgent, hearty, and unforgettable.

Timing

Complete Timing Breakdown

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Make Wagyu Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Panade

Combine breadcrumbs with milk in a small bowl, allowing the mixture to absorb for 5 minutes. This creates a panade that keeps your meatballs incredibly moist and tender.

Step 2: Mix the Base

ingredients for Wagyu meatballs gathered in a glass bowl, including ground Wagyu beef, grated cheese Parmesan, fresh breadcrumbs, an egg, milk, seasonings salt and pepper, and a sprig of parsley.

The ground wagyu beef, soaked breadcrumb mixture, beaten egg, grated cheese, chopped garlic, and fresh herbs should all be gently combined in a large bowl.

Pro Tip: Use your hands to mix, but work quickly and gently to prevent overworking the premium meat.

Step 3: Season Thoughtfully

Add salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings to the wagyu mixture. Taste-test by cooking a small portion in a skillet before forming all the meatballs.

Step 4: Form Uniform Portions

A round plate holds about fifteen raw Wagyu meatballs, perfectly formed and ready for cooking. The pale pink and white marbling of the high-quality beef and binding ingredients is visible.

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch diameter meatballs. This recipe should yield about 12–14 meatballs.

Step 5: Sear to Perfection

A close-up view of Wagyu meatballs being browned in a black nonstick skillet with a small amount of oil. The meatballs have developed a rich golden-brown crust and look perfectly seared.

In a cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium doneness.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

nine large Wagyu meatballs simmering in a rich, bright red tomato sauce speckled with herbs, parsley. A wooden spoon is visible on the right side of the pan.

Add the tomato sauce to the pan and stir until the sauce covers the meatballs. Leave on low heat for five to ten minutes.

Add Parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of parsley to taste.

Pro Cooking Tips

Always bring Wagyu beef to room temperature before cooking for even doneness.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect results overcooking dries them out.
Chill shaped meatballs for 10 minutes before searing to hold shape better.
For spaghetti, simmer them longer in sauce after baking to soak up flavors.

What to Serve Wagyu Meatballs

What Goes With Meatballs?

Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or in a rich marinara sauce with spaghetti.
For something lighter, try them on a bed of roasted vegetables or fresh salad.
Sliders with garlic aioli on toasted brioche
With zoodles and pesto for a keto-friendly version

How to Store and Reheat

To store Wagyu Meatballs, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container with a bit of sauce to keep them moist. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the oven at low heat until hot. Avoid microwaving too long it can dry out their rich, buttery texture.

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Nutritional Information

Per Serving (3 meatballs):

Calories: 285
Protein: 24g
Total Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 420mg
Carbohydrates: 4g

Wagyu Meatballs for Beginners: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

By Nancy

Looking for a crowd-pleaser? Wagyu Meatballs are perfect for parties, weeknights, or cozy dinners. Discover the step-by-step recipe.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4

Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients

ground wagyu beef
fresh breadcrumbs
whole milk
large egg
freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
garlic
fresh Italian parsley
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
high-quality olive oil for cooking
pasta sauce