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    The Heirloom Pantry » Recipes » Main Course

    Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger

    Published: Jul 1, 2022 · Modified: Feb 17, 2024 by Kathleen Higashiyama · The following content may contain paid links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.

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    Wagyu beef cheeseburger Pinterest Pin.

    Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger is a rich and juicy burger packed full of flavor and requires minimal effort. The marbled wagyu patties are served on toasted brioche buns with homemade wasabi mayo spread. Top the burgers with melted gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and arugula for a gourmet restaurant-style burger.

    Wagyu beef cheeseburger with arugula, gruyere, grilled onions, and wasabi mayo on parchment paper with a Mexican coke.

    If you're in the mood for a delectable meal, make yourself a wagyu burger. This recipe results in perfectly charred tender patties cooked in their own juices. The marbled wagyu is naturally flavorful, tender, and juicy, and only calls for a few ingredients to make it the perfect burger.

    For this recipe, you can use Japanese, American, or Australian ground wagyu beef. Make this decadent dinner complete with a side of Fries with Truffle Aioli and Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers.

    Jump to:
    • About Wagyu Beef Burgers
    • What is Wagyu?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • What to Serve with This Wagyu Burger
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Cooking tips
    • Related Dinner Recipes
    • Did You Like This Recipe?
    • 📖 Recipe

    About Wagyu Beef Burgers

    • Taste - Wagyu beef burgers are packed with flavor. The combination of wagyu, caramelized onions, and cheese is rich and satisfying. Add wasabi aioli for a spicy and uniquely pungent kick.
    • Texture - The wagyu beef falls apart in your mouth while the caramelized onions and arugula add a light crunch.
    • Effort - For this burger, you will need to make wasabi mayo, caramelized onions, and the burger. If you want to simplify this recipe, omit the wasabi mayo or caramelized onions.
    • Time - It takes just a couple minutes to make the wasabi mayo then you can let it chill while you cook the onions and burger. The onions and burger can be cooked together in about 20 minutes.

    What is Wagyu?

    In Japan, wagyu refers to a specific purebred cattle. The 4 breeds are Japanese Black (the predominant Wagyu exported to the U.S), Japanese Brown, Japanese Polled and Japanese Shorthorn. These cows have more intramuscular fat cells so their fat is more evenly distributed throughout their muscles. As a result, the beef is more marbled and tender then other beef.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients to make wagyu beef cheeseburger in a skillet or on the grill.

    Wasabi Aioli

    • Mayonnaise - Mayo is the creamy base for the wasabi aioli.
    • Wasabi - Wasabi poweder adds a pungent and unique spice.
    • Soy sauce - Soy sauce, or shoyu, adds a deeply umami-rich component.
    • Garlic - Fresh garlic adds the quintessential aroma to the mayo.

    Grilled Onions

    • Onion - Onion is a pungent and sweet aromatic. We like to use yellow onions because they have a mild flavor and taste delicious when browned.
      Butter - Butter is a delicious fat to cook the onions in.
    • Water - Water rehydrates the onions while cooking to keep them from drying out.

    Wagyu Burger

    • Wagyu beef - Wagyu ground beef is more buttery, tender, and tasty than other beef.
    • Brioche bun - Brioche is a fluffy and buttery bun. Its rich yet light flavor balances the other ingredients. See our post to learn How to Toast Burger Buns 3 different ways.
    • Gruyere Cheese - Gruyere is a rich and creamy cheese that pairs deliciously with wagyu.
    • Arugula - Arugula adds a sharp and peppery flavor.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Steps to season and mix the ground wagyu beef for patties.

    Burger

    • Mix meat and form patties while onions cook - In a mixing bowl, combine beef, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined, careful to not overmix. Form the meat into 4 equal-sized patties and use your thumb to make an indentation in the middle of each patty. This prevents the meat from puffing up in the center when cooked. (Photo 1, 2, and 3)
    • Heat skillet - Heat a skillet or griddle on medium heat and add oil. (Photo 4)
    Steps to sear wagyu patties, melt cheese, and toast buns.
    • Cook patties - Once the skillet heats for about 2 minutes, add the patties to the pan. For medium rare (internal temperature 130°-140°F), cook for 4 minutes on each side; for medium (internal temperature 140°-150°F), cook 5 minutes on each side. If the pan is small, cook 2 patties at a time. (Photo 5)
    • Add cheese and toast buns - In the last minute of cooking wagyu, add cheese on top of each patty if desired and place a lid on the skillet to allow the cheese to melt. Remove the lid from the skillet and remove the skillet from the heat. Toast buns. (Photo 6 and 7)
    • Assemble burger - Assemble on toasted buns with wasabi spread, grilled onions, and arugula.

    Wasabi Aioli

    • Whisk ingredients - Add mayonnaise, wasabi, soy sauce, and garlic to a small bowl and whisk until combined.
    • Chill - Chill for at least 30 minutes.

    Caramelized onions

    • Melt butter - While the wasabi mayo chills, cook the onions. First, place a medium skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter.
    • Caramelize onions - Add chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and stir. Continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes, until the onions are caramelized and browned.
    • Add water, stir, repeat - Add about a tablespoon of water every few minutes and give the onions a stir. This rehydrates the onions and deglazes the pan, incorporating all of the browned flavorful bits that get stuck on the pan. Repeat this until the onions are deep brown and caramelized.

    Pro tip: Let the beef patties temper for 10 to 15 minutes before you cook them so the meat cooks more evenly.

    What to Serve with This Wagyu Burger

    This wagyu burger recipe is a rich and flavorful dinner that is delicious with burger sides. We love it with Parmesan Truffle Fries, Cajun Fries, or Classic Seasoned Fries. We also love to make veggies on the side like Elotes Style Corn, Broccoletti, or Furikake Shishito Peppers for a complete and filling meal.

    Substitutions

    • Beef - If you want a cheaper beef, you can make a cast iron skillet burgers with ground chuck, round, or brisket.
    • Cheese - While we love gruyere, this burger will also be delicious with other classic cheese like a sharp cheddar, white cheddar, gouda, or muenster.
    • Regular onions - Instead of caramelized onions, use regular onions if you want the onions to have a sharper bite
    • BBQ Sauce - Use BBQ sauce instead of wasabi mayo.
    • In N Out Sauce - Substitute wasabi with In N Out sauce if you prefer a milder sauce similar to thousand island dressing.
    • Spicy Sriracha Aioli - Use Spicy Aioli instead of wasabi aioli if you prefer the spice of sriracha to wasabi.
    • Ketchup or mustard - Enjoy this burger with classic toppings like ketchup or mustard.
    • Lettuce - Instead of arugula, you can use regular romaine lettuce or spinach.
    • Bun - Instead of brioche, use a classic white bun, potato bun, or pretzel bun.
    • Gluten free - Use gluten free buns to make this recipe gluten free.
    • Wagyu steak - Enjoy a wagyu steak instead of a wagyu burger for a special occasion

    Variations

    • Hamburger - Omit cheese to focus on the rich taste of the wagyu and other ingredients.
    • Fried Egg Burger - Add a sunny side up egg or an over easy egg for extra protein and a delicious runny yolk.
    • Jalapeño - Add sliced jalapeño to the burger to make spicy. You can use pickled jalapeño for a milder spice or fresh jalapeño if you want it extra spicy.
    • Truffle salt - Sprinkle truffle salt on the burger to add a hint of umami flavor.
    • Pickles - Add pickles for a delicious briny accent.
    • Pesto - Spread basil pestol or kale pesto on the burger for nutty zest.

    Recipe FAQs

    Why is wagyu expensive?

    Besides being tastier than normal steak, wagyu cattle are fed much more than the average cattle and as a result, cost a lot more to raise.

    Do wagyu cows drink beer?

    No, most wagyu farmers just follow the standard regulations for raising wagyu which do not include giving beer to their cows. However, some farmers have been known to provide beer to cows and even massage them to make the meat more tender.

    Where can I buy wagyu beef?

    Wagyu is available in most grocery stores, including Safeway. If you are looking for a reliable brand wagyu brand, Snake River Farms American wagyu beef is consistent and high quality.

    Are burgers better on the grill or on a cast iron skillet?

    Skillet burgers tend to be more flavorful because they are juicier. Grilled burgers allow burger juices to drop into the grill while skillet burgers trap the juices in the pan, keeping the patties moist.

    Juicy burgers on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with toothpicks.

    Equipment

    This burger recipe calls for a few kitchen essentials that can be used for countless other recipes. For this recipe, you will need a mixing bowl, tongs, knife, cutting board; cast iron skillet, non-stick pan, or standard skillet; and a silicone baking spatula.

    Storage

    Store leftover wagyu burgers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Store the wet ingredients (burger, lettuce, tomato, onion) and dry ingredients (buns) in separate air-tight containers and recombine when ready. In order to reheat the patty and grilled onions, let them temper to room temperature for about 15 minutes then reheat them in a skillet over low heat until warm.

    Cooking tips

    • Wagyu beef cooks much faster than typical beef. Keep a close eye on your burger patties to ensure they don't overcook.
    • Be careful to not over mix patties or the burgers will be tough.
    • Drizzle any leftover juice in the pan onto the meat when you make the burger.

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    Did You Like This Recipe?

    Love these wagyu cheeseburgers? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below & consider leaving a comment below. Thanks in advance!

    Sign up for THP's newsletter and keep in touch on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube. If you make this recipe, tag #theheirloompantry so we can see your homemade wagyu burger!

    📖 Recipe

    Wagyu beef cheeseburger with arugula, gruyere, grilled onions, and wasabi mayo on parchment paper with a Mexican coke.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger

    Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger is a rich and juicy burger packed full of flavor and requires minimal effort. The marbled wagyu patties are served on toasted brioche buns with homemade wasabi mayo spread. Top the burgers with melted gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and arugula for a gourmet restaurant-style burger.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time20 minutes mins
    Chill Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time35 minutes mins
    Course: Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 620kcal
    Author: Kathleen Higashiyama

    Equipment

    • 1 mixing bowl
    • spatula
    • 1 knife
    • 1 cutting board
    • 1 cast iron skillet

    Ingredients 

    Wasabi Aioli

    • ½ cup mayonnaise kewpie mayo
    • 1 teaspoon wasabi
    • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
    • 1 clove garlic grated

    Caramelized Onions

    • 1 medium onion finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • kosher or sea salt
    • freshly ground black pepper
    • 4 tablespoon water

    Burger

    • 1 lb ground Wagyu beef 85% lean, 15% fat
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • neutral cooking oil vegetable, avocado, or grapeseed oil
    • 4 sliced gruyere cheese optional
    • 4 burger buns
    • arugula
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Wasabi Aioli

    • Whisk ingredients - Add mayonnaise, wasabi, soy sauce, and garlic to a small bowl and whisk until combined. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the burgers.
      ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon wasabi, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 clove garlic

    Caramelized onions

    • Melt butter - First, place a medium skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter.
      1 tablespoon butter
    • Caramelize onions - Add chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and stir. Continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes, until the onions are caramelized and browned.
      1 medium onion, kosher or sea salt, freshly ground black pepper
    • Add water, stir, repeat - Add about a tablespoon of water every few minutes and give the onions a stir. This rehydrates the onions and deglazes the pan, incorporating all of the browned flavorful bits that get stuck on the pan. Repeat this until the onions are deep brown and caramelized.
      4 tablespoon water

    Burger

    • Mix meat and form patties while onions cook - In a mixing bowl, combine beef, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined, careful to not overmix. Form the meat into 4 equal-sized patties and use your thumb to make an indentation in the middle of each patty. This prevents the meat from puffing up in the center when cooked.
      1 lb ground Wagyu beef, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • Cook patties - Heat a skillet or griddle on medium heat and add oil. Once the skillet heats for about 2 minutes, add the patties to the pan. For medium rare, cook for 4 minutes on each side; for medium, cook 5 minutes on each side. If the pan is small, cook 2 patties at a time.
      neutral cooking oil
    • Add cheese - In the last minute of cooking, add cheese on top of each patty if desired and place a lid on the skillet to allow the cheese to melt. Remove the lid from the skillet and remove the skillet from the heat.
      4 sliced gruyere cheese
    • Toast buns - Toast the burger buns in a skillet or in the broiler for 20-30 seconds.
      4 burger buns
    • Assemble burger - Assemble on toasted buns with wasabi spread, grilled onions, and arugula.
      4 burger buns, arugula

    Notes

    Storage
    Refrigerate leftover burgers for 2-3 days. Store wet ingredients (burger, lettuce, tomato, onion) and dry ingredients (buns) in separate air-tight containers and recombine when ready. In order to reheat the patty and grilled onions, let them temper  for 15 minutes then reheat them in a skillet over low heat until warm.
    Cooking Tips
    • Wagyu beef cooks much faster than typical beef. Keep a close eye on your burger patties to ensure they don't overcook.
    • Be careful not to over mix patties or the burgers will be tough.
    • Drizzle any leftover juice in the pan onto the meat when you make the burger.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 620kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1145mg | Potassium: 426mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @theheirloompantry or tag #theheirloompantry!

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    About the Author

    Kat Higashiyama and Alec Totto are recipe developers, food photographers, and the authors behind The Heirloom Pantry. Since 2017, they have shared recipes inspired by their Japanese and Italian heritage and California and Hawaii roots. They reside in San Jose with their two dogs, Peeps and Paisley. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chris Ann

      May 08, 2024 at 10:28 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent! My burgers were 1/3 lb. each, with a little avocado oil to fry them in. I used two medium onions w/ two tablespoons butter. Wasabi sauce to recipe, I might have heaped a little. I had to use baby swiss cheese this time, and it was good! As was the gruyere when I made this recipe before. They've all been top notch gourmet burgers. Thank you for sharing!! 🍔

      Reply
      • Kathleen Higashiyama

        May 09, 2024 at 4:29 pm

        Hi Chris Ann, thank you for your thoughtful review and for trying our recipe! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the burgers -- we'll have to try baby Swiss next time we make the recipe. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our Fried Egg Burger as well. Have a wonderful day!

        Reply
    5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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