The Top Spots for Sourcing Delicious Wagyu Beef in New Jersey

As a diehard foodie and carnivore living in New Jersey, I’m constantly searching for the highest quality ingredients to cook with at home. And when it comes to spectacular beef, nothing satisfies quite like rich marbled Wagyu. This famously tender and flavorful Japanese beef is decadently delicious, but can be hard to source locally.

Luckily, it’s getting easier to find authentic Wagyu right here in the Garden State. Specialty grocers, online butchers and restaurants now offer this epicurean treat. Keep reading for my guide to tracking down incredible Wagyu beef cuts in New Jersey.

What Exactly is Wagyu Beef?

For those unfamiliar, “Wagyu” refers to four breeds of cattle native to Japan – Japanese Black Japanese Brown Japanese Polled and Japanese Shorthorn. The name combines the Japanese words for “Japanese” (wa) and “cow” (gyu).

True Wagyu cattle are coveted for their unique genetics that yield exceptionally tender beef with extensive marbling. This fine fat marbling achieves the ideal ratio of meat to fat that gives Wagyu its signature succulence, rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

The most prized variety is Kobe beef from the Hyogo prefecture in Japan. To qualify as genuine Kobe, the cattle must be certified purebred Wagyu raised only in Hyogo. Authentic Kobe Wagyu represents the pinnacle of beef quality and commands prices over $200 per pound.

Why Buy Wagyu Beef in New Jersey?

For beef connoisseurs like me, New Jersey presents the ideal opportunity to enjoy this luxury ingredient without flying overseas. The state’s countless specialty food stores and world-class restaurants make it possible to sample top-notch Wagyu close to home.

When prepared properly, Wagyu’s extensive marbling literally melts during cooking, basting the beef in its own fat. This yields extraordinarily juicy, buttery texture and rich umami depth of flavor. You’ve likely never experienced beef this decadent and delicious. It’s an absolute treat for hardcore carnivores.

Where to Buy Wagyu Beef in New Jersey

Here are the best places in New Jersey to get your hands on high-quality Wagyu beef:

Bob’s Little BBQ Joint

This local butcher shop in Rahway sources authentic Wagyu beef raised by Ohio farmers using traditional Japanese methods. They regularly stock A5 Miyazaki Wagyu strip loin and ribeye along with more affordable American Wagyu brisket, ribeyes and NY strips.

The Butcher’s Block

With locations in Long Branch and Sea Girt, this whole animal butcher offers Wagyu beef from Snake River Farms and Australia. Their online shop has skirt steak, ribeyes and other cuts of richly marbled American and Australian-raised Wagyu.

Stella’s Market

The specialty butcher counter inside this boutique grocery in Rutherford periodically stocks premium Japanese Wagyu imported from Hyogo prefecture. Call ahead for availability of A5 strip loin, ribeye and tenderloin.

Di Paola Turkey Farm

This beloved NJ turkey purveyor now carries Wagyu beef cuts like NY strip, ribeye and ground beef from Imperial Wagyu Ranch. Their online shop makes it easy to order these deeply marbled, beautifully flavored American Wagyu steaks.

Kensington Quarters

The butcher shop at this upscale specialty grocer in Ridgewood regularly stocks Wagyu beef from Snake River Farms, including NY strip, ribeye, tenderloin and ground beef. Their premium meat selection is second-to-none.

Joseph’s Classic Market

The extensive butcher case at Joseph’s in Somerville contains Certified Kobe Beef (CKB) ribeyes sourced from the Kagoshima prefecture in Japan. This is some of the only authentic regional Japanese Wagyu available in NJ. Call to check availability.

Fossil Farms

This online butcher partners with small farms to deliver gourmet meats like dry-aged steak nationwide. Their offerings include Wagyu from Oregon’s Imperial Ranch and other premier producers. Order their boxes to sample different premium Wagyu cuts like ribeye, NY and tenderloin.

Restaurant Menu Specials

Upscale NJ restaurants like Elements in Princeton and Red Horse in Rumson periodically offer A5 Wagyu steak specials on their menus. Follow chefs on Instagram to discover when they source this ultra-luxe ingredient.

What to Look for When Buying Wagyu

With so many types of Wagyu beef now available, keep these tips in mind to select the finest quality:

• Seek out A5 grade – The highest Japanese grade reserved for the most extensivel marbled Wagyu

• Confirm certifications – Real Japanese Wagyu will have a 10-11 digit code verifying authenticity

• Look for Kobe specifically from Hyogo prefecture or Tajima bloodline – Considered the absolute finest Wagyu genetics

• Check the marbling – More white webbing indicates higher ratios of fat for richer flavor

• Opt for ribeye, tenderloin or strip loin – These naturally tender cuts shine best with Wagyu’s fatty marbling

• Choose fullblood or 100% fullblood – Guarantees pure Wagyu genetics without crossbreeding

How to Cook Wagyu Beef to Perfection

To fully appreciate Wagyu’s exquisite marbling and delicate beefy flavors, adhere to these simple rules:

• Use dry-heat cooking only – grilling, broiling, searing. Moist heat washes away fat.

• Cook over medium-low heat – High heat toughens the fat rather than rendering it.

• Cook to medium rare at most – Any more done dries out the meat.

• Let rest 5-10 minutes – Allows juices to redistribute so they don’t escape when cutting.

• Season simply with just salt and pepper – You want the lavish Wagyu flavors front and center.

• For burgers, blend in 80% ground beef to 20% Wagyu trimmings – Helps prevent a greasy texture.

Experience the Luxury of Wagyu Right in New Jersey