Exquisite Kurazono Beef from Kobayashi City

Natural Beauty and History in Miyazaki Prefecture

Miyazaki Prefecture was once the destination of choice for honeymooners. With its sub-tropical climate, palm trees, famed hyuganatsu citrus fruit, and both mountainous and ocean landscapes, it’s a great place to enjoy a relaxing vacation.

It’s also a great way to connect with culture, as it is home to Takachiho Night Kagura performance, an intangible folk culture property, the antique town of Obihan, known as the “Kyoto of Kyushu”, and mystical Udo-Jingu Shrine. You can learn more on the Japan National Tourist Organization’s Miyazaki page. 

Kobayashi City’s Natural Charm

Kobayashi City, located about 90 minutes west of Miyazaki City, is in the Kirishima Mountains, a range of volcanoes with spectacular scenery. Places to stay in Kobayashi City range from onsen resorts to campsites to hotels. There is even a restored village of antique farmhouses visitors can stay at. 

There is a lot to do here. For adventurers, Kobayashi offers farm stay experiences, stand up paddle boarding, and paragliding. What entices me to go is the choice of elegant onsen hotels with luxurious baths and beautifully appointed rooms. It looks like a great getaway with activities followed by soaking cares away.

Decadent and Delicious Miyazaki Beef

Thanks to City-Cost, I received a pair of beef sirloin steaks sent from Kurazono Farm. This family-run farm in the Kirishima Mountains has been raising beef cattle for over 70 years. Their specialty is Miyazaki beef, a leading brand in Japan. Their cattle are grazed free range, and fed fortified grain. The family’s mission is to provide a low-stress and organic production method – without antibiotics - that results in premium beef, tender and with a high fat content.

Kurazono Farm’s stylish box intimidated me a little. The beef cattle are rigorously reared and reverently tended and prepared, and the product is packed with care. I was expecting something out of the ordinary. When I opened the box, I took a breath. Two intricately marbled steaks, weighing in at 300 grams. This is not your ordinary steak.

So, how do you correctly prepare a premium steak? It’s surprisingly easy with a little know-how.

I wanted to do justice to this extraordinary steak, so I researched how to prepare it. First, it's essential to make sure it’s room temperature so, let it rest for an hour on the counter. You don’t need any fat on the grill. Simply slice an edge and use this small portion to grease the cooking surface. Sear the steak one minute. As it sears, the steak releases juices. Spoon it over the steak. Turn it over, sear for one more minute, and then let it sit for three to five minutes.

I was rewarded for my efforts with a reddish-brown crust on the outside of the steak, and rare interior. Under my admittedly second-rate kitchen knife, it sliced with ease, and I plated it with matcha-salt grilled eggplant and green peppers. The meat needs no seasoning. It has a melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture, full of flavor. You can put a little salt and pepper to bring out the richness, but I enjoyed it as it is, with the vegetables providing a counterpoint.

This is no ordinary steak. It's a luxurious treat for special occasions. You can enjoy such treats at steak houses in Miyazaki Prefecture and throughout Japan, but it is surprisingly easy to prepare at home for a special meal.

This post is supported by Kobayashi City Promotion Company Inc., one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.