Ingredients

For the sesame salt:

• 1/2 cup coarse salt (sea or kosher)
• 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons cracked black peppercorns

For the steaks:

• 1 Japanese A5 wagyu New York strip steak, 5- to 6-ounces
• 2 Japanese A5 wagyu loin steaks, each 4- to 5-ounces
• Coarse salt (kosher or sea)

For the rice cakes (onigiri):

• 3 cups cooked sticky white or brown rice, or sushi rice

You’ll also need:

• A plancha, flat griddle, or cast iron skillet; a dry skillet or wok for preparing the sesame salt

Advanced prep: Time for the rice to cook and cool, about 30 minutes

Serves 3-4

Method: Grilling on a plancha

Instructions

1: Make the sesame salt: Combine the salt, white and black sesame seeds, and the peppercorns. Heat a dry skillet or wok over a medium-hot fire and roast until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Do not let the mixture burn. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature. You won’t need all the sesame salt for this recipe: store the excess in a sealed jar away from heat or light. It will keep for several weeks.

2: Prepare the onigiri: Using 1/2 cup of rice for each rice cake, form into patties and place on a plate lined with plastic wrap. Cover with more plastic wrap and set aside or refrigerate until ready to grill.

3: Grill the steaks: Set up a grill for direct grilling and heat a plancha over a hot fire. Season the steaks on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the steaks on the plancha and grill until crusty and browned on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side. The Japanese generally serve A5 wagyu more on the medium side than rare. Transfer the steaks to a platter and keep warm. Leave the plancha on the grill.

4: Grill the onigiri in the residual wagyu fat on the plancha. They should be crusty and brown on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

5: To serve, transfer the steaks and onigiri to plates and serve the sesame salt on the side for sprinkling.