Discover the Delicious Flavor of Wagyu Chuck Roll Steaks and Sashimi

The Delicious Wagyu Chuck Roll

Wagyu beef originating from Japan is renowned worldwide for its tremendous marbling, rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. While prime cuts like ribeye and tenderloin may steal the spotlight, the wagyu chuck roll is a flavorful and versatile cut that is often overlooked. Though underappreciated, the chuck roll has a lot to offer when handled properly.

What is Wagyu Chuck Roll?

The chuck roll sits above the shoulder blade of the cow. It's a hard-working muscle so the meat has robust beefy flavor while remaining tender. Though not as tender as loin cuts, the chuck roll contains a higher ratio of fat marbling to meat. This keeps each bite of wagyu chuck roll juicy and packed with its signature buttery flavor.

Compared to other chuck cuts like the shoulder and chuck arm roast, the chuck roll is more tender since it contains less connective tissue. When sliced across the grain, wagyu chuck roll transforms into mouthwatering steaks perfect for quick grilling or pan searing.

Benefits of Wagyu Chuck Roll

Here are some of the benefits that make wagyu chuck roll stand out:

• Rich, beefy flavor from abundant marbling
• Tender yet still has some pleasant chew
• Excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals
• Versatile for many cooking methods like grilling, broiling, braising
• More affordable than popular wagyu cuts like ribeye
• Fatty marbling keeps the meat succulent and juicy

How to Cook Wagyu Chuck Roll

Wagyu chuck roll is hearty enough to stand up to intense heat on the grill or in a hot pan. Quick cooking over high heat maximizes the flavor of the fat marbling. Go low and slow by braising chuck roll for ultra tender, fall-apart meat. Here are some excellent ways to prepare wagyu chuck roll:

Grilled/Pan Seared

Cut the chuck roll into 1-inch steaks across the grain. Season generously with salt and pepper. Grill over hot coals or pan sear in a cast iron skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. The fat will render beautifully while the exterior develops a delicious crust.

Stroganoff

Simmer chunks of chuck roll in a stroganoff sauce loaded with mushrooms, onions and sour cream. The tender beef soaks up the rich flavors. Serve over buttered noodles.

Stew

Brown the chuck roll then simmer for hours in red wine, stock and aromatics. The prolonged cooking tenderizes the meat. Pull apart the succulent, fall-off-the-bone chunks to mix into your stew.

Grind

With its perfect meat-to-fat ratio, wagyu chuck roll makes phenomenal ground beef. The ground meat renders beautifully when cooked, keeping burgers and tacos incredibly moist.

Slicing Chuck Roll for Sushi

In Japan, finely sliced raw wagyu chuck roll called shimofuri is rising in popularity. The cut is tailored for serving thinly sliced sashimi style due to its brilliant fat marbling. Here's how it's done:

1. Rest the chilled chuck roll for easier slicing
2. Using a long slicing knife, cut paper-thin slices across the grain
3. Each slice will feature a mosaic of fat marbling
4. Arrange the slices elegantly on a plate
5. Season with ponzu, serrano and green onions

The velvety slices simply melt on your tongue, releasing glorious beef fat and umami flavors. Shimofuri highlights the full potential of the humble chuck roll.

Where to Buy Wagyu Chuck Roll

Due to its surge in popularity, wagyu chuck roll is now available globally from online specialty meat purveyors and some high-end butcher shops. When buying wagyu chuck roll, look for highly marbled, bright red meat and white fat. The best chuck roll will have an A5 rating, the top wagyu grade meaning it contains extensive marbling. For the ultimate experience, try getting fresh chuck roll imported directly from Japan.

While wagyu ribeyes and striploins get all the attention, the flavorful and fatty chuck roll can stand right along side the most prized steaks. With proper care bringing out its succulent texture, wagyu chuck roll is a world-class cut in its own right. Sliced paper-thin or grilled over fiery coals, this underrated gem simply melts in your mouth, releasing glorious wagyu flavor.

FAQs

What part of the cow does chuck roll come from?

The chuck roll sits above the shoulder of the cow. It's part of the chuck primal cut.

Is wagyu chuck roll tender?

Yes, the chuck roll is one of the more tender cuts from the chuck primal. It has less connective tissue than other chuck cuts.

How should I cook wagyu chuck roll?

Chuck roll is very versatile. You can grill or pan sear it, braise or stew it for tenderness, or slice it thin for wagyu sashimi.

Is chuck roll expensive?

Wagyu chuck roll is more affordable than popular cuts like ribeye. However, it's still considered a premium cut.

What's the best way to slice wagyu chuck roll?

Always slice the chuck roll paper-thin against the grain. This shows off the beautiful marbling.