Also known as the Denver steak, the zabuton is a rich and delicious steak with a buttery flavor and texture. A wonderful steak for the grill or skillet. We recommend a reverse sear for delicious results.
One look at the intense marbling of the American Wagyu zabuton, more popularly known as the Denver steak, gives you a hint at how it will taste. The abundant intramuscular fat translates to plentiful flavor and juiciness. This cut has a slightly subdued beefiness that is savory and buttery in both flavor and texture. In fact, meat scientists have found this is the 4th most tender of all beef cuts.
The name "zabuton" from the Japanese word for a flat and square pillow which is how the steak appears when served in Japanese cuisine. This cut is beautiful grilled as a whole steak and ideal for Japanese inspired dishes like shabu shabu (hot pot) or seared yakiniku style (similar to Korean BBQ).
The large section where we source the Denver steak has a shape that is not symmetrical, so this cut may have some variation in size and shape.
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) separates domestic beef into eight grades, based on intramuscular fat or marbling, and other qualities like tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. The two highest grades are Prime and Choice. Prime is the top grade on the USDA scale and features an abundant amount of marbling.
Snake River Farms produces beef that measures above the USDA scores. To grade these higher levels of marbling and quality, we utilize the 12-point BMS (Beef Marbling Score or Beef Marbling Standard) from the Japanese Meat Grading Association (JMGA). SRF Black Label ™ and SRF Gold Label ™ both score above USDA Prime.
SRF Black Label ™ is rated a BMS of 6 to 8 with significantly more marbling than USDA Prime graded beef.
SRF Gold Label ™ registers a BMS of 9 to 12 and contains the highest level of marbling we offer.
