Wagyu beef has developed a legendary reputation for its extensive marbling succulent texture and rich umami flavor. For beef aficionados, sampling this highly prized Japanese delicacy is a bucket list experience. Luckily for those in Portland, this city offers plenty of stellar options when it comes to procuring sublime wagyu beef. From top steakhouse indulgences to butcher shops with premium cuts, read on for the inside scoop on where to source the best wagyu beef in Portland.
What Exactly is Wagyu Beef?
Wagyu refers to four specific breeds of cattle that originated in Japan – Japanese Black Japanese Brown Japanese Polled, and Japanese Shorthorn. While originally used as beasts of burden, farmers soon discovered these cattle produced remarkably flavorful beef due to the unique genetics influencing the marbling pattern.
The high percentage of unsaturated fats in wagyu beef gives it a tender, velvety texture. When cooked, the fat melts at a lower temperature keeping the beef succulent and resulting in an unparalleled buttery, rich taste.
True wagyu adheres to strict Japanese beef grading rules. The highest grade, A5, features extensive marbling and the most satisfying flavor payoff. Outside of Japan, wagyu is rare and production is tightly regulated. That makes it a luxury product around the globe.
Where to Find Wagyu Beef in Portland
From high-end restaurants to local butchers, here are the best sources for reveling in remarkable wagyu beef when in Portland:
Top Steakhouses for Wagyu Beef
Portland has some incredible steakhouses that offer wagyu beef options on their menus:
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Ringside Steakhouse – Their extensive menu features Snake River Farms wagyu filet mignon and ribeye along with American and Japanese wagyu tasting plates.
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El Gaucho – This upscale steakhouse offers wagyu New York strip and filet mignon cuts as well as a wagyu beef carpaccio starter.
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Urban Farmer – Downtown restaurant with wagyu strip loin and ribeye steaks along with wagyu beef tartare.
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Ox Restaurant – Argentinian-inspired steakhouse with Snake River Farms wagyu hanger steak and ribeye cap offered.
Japanese Restaurants Serving Wagyu
Portland has stellar Japanese restaurants preparing wagyu in traditional dishes:
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Momoyama – Downtown spot offering wagyu nigiri, complex rolls featuring wagyu, and wagyu tartare.
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Tokio Table – Teppanyaki restaurant with Kobe-style Snake River Farms wagyu filet and ribeye options.
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Ken’s Artisan Yakiniku – Japanese BBQ joint serving up wagyu brisket and Snake River Farms wagyu skirt steak.
Butchers and Specialty Shops
Local butchers and specialty grocers provide access to fresh wagyu beef cuts:
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Laurelhurst Market – Butcher shop offering house cut wagyu New Yorks, ribeye steaks, and ground wagyu beef.
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Phil’s Uptown Meat Market – Longstanding Portland butcher carrying Snake River Farms wagyu steaks, ground beef, and frankfurters.
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New Seasons Market – Local specialty grocer with fresh wagyu New York steaks from Painted Hills Ranch.
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Zupan’s Markets – Upscale food stores featuring Snake River Farms wagyu cuts like ribeye, sirloin, and tenderloin.
Online Wagyu Shops
For prime quality shipped to your door, these online sources ship authentic Japanese wagyu nationwide:
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Holy Grail Steak Co. – Carries coveted A5 grade ribeyes, strip loin, tenderloin and wagyu ground beef.
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Snake River Farms – Leading U.S. wagyu producer offering steak cuts, ground beef, and hot dogs.
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Crowd Cow – Online butcher with Australian and American wagyu cuts available for home delivery.
Tips for Purchasing the Best Wagyu in Portland
Follow these tips when sourcing the top wagyu beef cuts in Portland:
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Check grades – For authentic Japanese wagyu look for A5 grade to ensure richest flavor.
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Confirm origin – Australian and American wagyu differ from pure Japanese. Verify country source when buying.
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See the marbling – Only buy wagyu cuts exhibiting ample fine marbling throughout for tenderness.
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Inspect color – Quality wagyu beef should have a bright red hue indicating proper aging.
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Buy thick steaks – Splurge on at least 1-1.5 inch thick wagyu steaks to get the full succulent texture when cooked.
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Learn your cuts – Ribeye, tenderloin, strip loin are top cuts. Brisket and flank steak offer affordability.
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Watch pricing – Expect to pay $90 per pound and up for true Japanese wagyu like A5. Domestic wagyu runs $40-60 per pound.
How to Cook Wagyu Beef
When you bring home those beautiful wagyu beef cuts, proper cooking is key to experiencing wagyu at its best. Here are chef tips for success:
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Let meat come to room temperature before cooking so it cooks evenly. Take out of fridge 30-45 minutes prior.
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Blot steaks thoroughly with paper towels to remove surface moisture right before cooking.
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Use a thick, heavy pan like cast iron to achieve an excellent sear. Get it very hot before adding beef.
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Flip only once during cooking. Cook 2-4 minutes per side depending on thickness for medium rare doneness.
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Add butter, garlic, thyme to pan during cooking for added richness. Baste meat as it cooks.
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Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness. Pull between 125-135°F for medium rare to rare wagyu.
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Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
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Slice across the grain in thin slices so the tender texture shines.
Top Portland Restaurants for a Wagyu Beef Experience
If you want a world-class restaurant experience focused on incredible wagyu beef, two stellar choices stand out in Portland.
For the complete high-end steakhouse treatment, Ringside Steakhouse can’t be beat. Their elegant atmosphere, impeccable service, and extensive wagyu offerings including tasting flights make Ringside the perfect spot for a luxe wagyu dinner.
For a contemporary vibe paired with wagyu beef cooked to perfection over a robata grill, Chef Kenichi’s sleek Ken’s Artisan Yakiniku is a must-try spot. The setting is hip and casual yet the wagyu options like strip steak and brisket achieve tender, rich wagyu flavor beautifully.
When seeking out the best wagyu beef Portland offers, turn to these restaurants and local purveyors. From butcher shops with fresh cuts to delivery straight to your door, sourcing sublime wagyu in Portland is delightfully doable. Snag those Japanese A5 beauties or premium domestic ribeyes and experience beef nirvana without ever leaving this wagyu-loving Pacific Northwest city!