Whether you're gathering at the table for Thanksgiving with family or ringing in the New Year with friends, delicious food is an essential part of the holiday season. And while turkey and ham are classic holiday meals, why not try something different?
We want to help you shake things up this year, so we created this list of mouthwatering Wagyu beef dishes. Take your holiday dinner to the next level with these luxury steak recipes.
Appetizers
When you're hungry, it's hard to wait for the main course. Whet your guests' appetites with these delicious bite-sized Wagyu dishes.
Wagyu Striploin Bites With Truffled Blue Cheese Dip
Rich, marbled Wagyu beef and umami-rich black truffle flavor add a touch of luxury to this classic appetizer.
Cut 2 pounds of A5 Wagyu striploin into thick slices. Pat dry with a paper towel, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Then, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral cooking oil in a saute pan over high heat.Â
Add the steak pieces, and cook until evenly seared, about 1-2 minutes per side. Finish cooking over medium heat until just before the meat reaches your desired temperature.
In a small bowl, mix together ÂĽ cup balsamic vinegar and honey. Pour this mixture over the steaks and stir to coat, reducing the heat to low. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow to melt, then stir again. Remove the coated steak from the pan and arrange on a large platter.
To make the dip, combine ½ cup blue cheese crumbles with 1 tablespoon of white truffle oil and 1 clove of garlic. Melt in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then stir in ½ cup mayonnaise and ÂĽ teaspoon salt until thoroughly combined. Pour the dip into a ramekin and refrigerate until it's time to serve.Â
The presentation is everything, especially if you plan to post your celebrations on social media. Garnish the dish with an extra drizzle of truffle oil and a sprinkling of chopped green onions to make it stand out.
Wagyu Crostini With Caviar and Horseradish Mayo
These bite-sized delights are perfect for finger food fanatics. Caramelized shallots add a hint of sweetness that beautifully complements the savory beef and tangy horseradish.Â
Generously season your steak with salt and black pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes on each side in olive oil and butter. Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let rest for at least 10 minutes. Slice into thin pieces and set aside.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add five thinly sliced shallots and cook until fragrant and brown. Set aside.
Next, make the horseradish mayo by stirring together equal parts horseradish and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Add a splash each of lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of sea salt. Mix until thoroughly combined.Â
Finally, it's time to assemble your appetizer. Spread your horseradish mayo and shallots onto each crostini, then top with arugula, beef, and a small spoonful of your favorite caviar.Â
Main CoursesÂ
Instead of sticking to the same old roast, try one of these gourmet steak recipes for an ultra-indulgent Christmas dinner.
Pan-Seared Steak With Black Truffle Butter
This dish pairs a classic Wagyu ribeye steak with the intensely savory taste of black truffles and creamy butter. It goes beautifully with earthy vegetables like roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts. We're swapping the black garlic butter in the original recipe for black truffle butter.Â
First, combine about 2 ounces of unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon of black truffle oil in a small bowl and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a larger bowl, and add 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and 6 more ounces of butter. Stir to combine, then season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Refrigerate until solid.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Pat your steaks dry with a paper towel, and season with pepper and black truffle salt.Â
Cook your seasoned steaks for about 3 minutes on each side to achieve an even sear, then transfer to a carving board and rest for at least 10 minutes. Slice against the grain, then plate up with a thick pat of truffle butter on top and a little sprinkling of chives or parsley.Â
Pair this dish with a tannin-rich red wine like a Bordeaux or Monastrell for the ultimate Christmas steak dinner.
Steak au Poivre With Caviar
The sharp, piney aroma of black peppercorns in this dish beautifully complements Wagyu beef's deep, meaty flavor and decadent texture. We recommend serving it with a light, fruity wine that will balance the steak's heavy seasoning, such as a Zinfandel or Sauvignon Blanc.
First, coarsely grind whole black peppercorns with a mortar and pestle, then transfer to a plate. Season two Wagyu ribeyes with salt and press them into the peppercorns.Â
Heat 1 tablespoon oil of your choice over medium heat in a large skillet, then add your steak and cook to your desired doneness. Transfer to a cutting board to let rest, and drain most of the fat from the skillet.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook the shallot for about 2 minutes, stirring often until soft and fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat, add ¼ cup cognac, and reduce over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add your garlic and thyme, then stir in ½ cup heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Finally, slice the steaks and ladle the sauce over them, then top with caviar and serve.
Wagyu Steak Diane
While this Wagyu beef recipe looks like it came straight from a five-star restaurant menu, it's actually quite simple to make at home.
Reduce 2 cups of high-quality beef stock over medium heat, then set aside. Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet on high, then add your seasoned steak and sear on each side for about 2-3 minutes until a light brown crust forms. Transfer to a cutting board or plate and allow to rest.
Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 large diced shallot and 2 minced cloves of garlic to the same skillet, and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Add 8 ounces of sliced Cremini mushrooms and saute until soft and brown. Pour in ¼ cup cognac and reduce by half, then stir in ½ cup heavy cream, your beef broth reduction, and 1 tablespoon each Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until slightly thickened.
Pour the sauce onto each plate, and place your steaks on top, adding an extra drizzle on top for presentation. Elevate the dish even more with a scoop of caviar pearls.
Make Special Holiday Steak Recipes With A5 Wagyu Beef From Imperia Caviar
If you need help planning your holiday menu, we at Imperia Caviar have you covered. We carry the highest-quality Wagyu steaks in ribeye and striploin cuts. Browse our collection today to get yours in time for the holidays, and be sure to check out our truffle products and sustainably farmed caviar to elevate your cooking even further.
Need a last-minute gift for your favorite gourmet? Shop our gift sets and bundles to find the perfect present.