This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
Juicy, tender, and flavorful, my wagyu burgers transform our family’s burger nights into something spectacular. The wagyu beef patties are pan-seared or grilled, then loaded into buns with all the fixings.
If you’ve been curious whether wagyu beef makes good hamburgers, it’s a big YES. One bite into my homemade Wagyu burgers, and you’ll never settle for a regular hamburger again. They’re so flavorful that they melt in your mouth.
Because wagyu is a rich, fatty cut of beef, I purposely season the patty mixture with just salt and pepper to let the wagyu’s natural flavor shine. My family loves the burgers between brioche buns with a creamy sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, but they are great over a salad or a wholesome burger bowl.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Ridiculously easy. Like any good burger, you shape them and grill them.
- Crowd-pleasing. Wagyu burgers aren’t reserved for just steak houses!
- Less is more. Just salt, pepper, and the ground wagyu beef.
- Grill or stovetop. You can use either method.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I had some ground wagyu beef to use up and tried these burgers. They’ve now become a burger night staple in our home. So delicious.” – Andie
Key Ingredients
- Ground wagyu beef. You can buy ground wagyu beef from local butcher shops or online. Because it’s quite an expensive cut, I try to source the best quality possible.
- Kosher salt and black pepper. To taste.
- To assemble. Brioche burger buns, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sautéed mushrooms.
- The best sauce for wagyu burgers. Because of the rich flavor of the beef, a creamy sauce is a must in all burgers. We usually add mayonnaise (or spicy mayo) and either Big Mac sauce or another burger sauce.
How to make Wagyu beef burgers
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1– Divide and form the ground wagyu beef into four patties. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.
Step 2– Preheat a charcoal grill to medium heat or place a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the wagyu beef patties and cook for 3 minutes on each side.
Step 3- Toast the brioche buns in the same skillet for around 30 seconds.
Step 4- Assemble the wagyu burgers in the buns with sauce, cheese, and other desired fixings.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Pressing your thumb into the burger patties will prevent them from puffing up too much during grilling and help them cook more evenly. Try not to skip this part!
- Aim for 1-inch patties. I found this to be the sweet spot for thick and juicy burgers (the only way to enjoy wagyu beef in all its glory).
- Bring your meat to room temperature before cooking. This allows the wagyu beef patties to cook evenly and completely (aka no overcooked exterior and uncooked interior).
- Wagyu burgers are best when cooked to medium rare or have an internal temperature of 130F to 135F (55C to 57C). Of course, if you prefer them well done, aim for 165F.
- Let the burgers rest. After about 5 minutes, the juices will soak back into the meat, giving you more flavorful burgers.
Storage instructions
To store: Place the leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
To freeze: Wrap the cooked and cooled burger patties in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Microwave the burger patties for 30 to 40 seconds or reheat them in a skillet until warmed through (about 1 or 2 minutes).
Frequently asked questions
Through recipe testing, I found a charcoal grill or a cast iron skillet to be the best way to cook wagyu burgers. These two methods cook the outsides quickly and evenly while keeping the center super juicy.
Pressing down onto each patty before grilling or pan-searing them ensures they keep their shape throughout the cooking process. Also, I recommend flipping the burgers very gently using a spatula.
More homemade burgers
If you’ve enjoyed my Wagyu Burger recipe, please give it a star rating. It really helps others who might want to make it.
Wagyu Burger Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground wagyu beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 brioche buns
Instructions
- Divide the ground wagyu into four patties and season both sides with salt and pepper. Make an indentation in the center of each patty to cook more evenly.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat and grease the grates. Alternatively, place a large, cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, place the burger patties on the preheated grill or skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side or until desired doneness (130-135F for medium rare, or up to 165F for well done).
- Remove the wagyu beef patties from the heat and let them rest. While they rest, toast the brioche buns for 30 seconds in a skillet or on the grill.
- Assemble the beef patties into burgers. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Notes
- Cooking time. Wagyu burgers are best enjoyed medium-rare (130- 135°F). Use a meat thermometer to double check, and if you prefer them medium, aim for 145°F anf 160°F for well done.
- Even thickness. Ensure each patty has an even thickness. I recommend 1-inch for the perfect balance of thick and juicy.
- Storage. Place the leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
Originally published June 2023, updated and republished June 2025
I never heard of Wagu before. I really hope I can buy it and find in shop.
Mmm, don’t you think 23g net carbs is a bit of a stretch for keto?
This is including the buns. Just leave it out and it is zero carbs.
You are totally amazing. I want to make one of these burgers, one. but I do not know which one.
When I do I will report back.
You are amazing is all I know.