tomahawk steak

The Ultimate Guide to Cooking the Perfect Tomahawk Steak

Introduction to Cooking the Perfect Steak

The tomahawk steak is one of the most visually impressive cuts of meat. Its large rib bone, often referred to as a “bone handle,” is what gives this steak its distinctive name. Tomahawk steak, a cut from the rib section of the cow, is not only famous for its size but also for the intense flavor packed into each bite. As you venture into the culinary world of steaks, understanding how to cook this thick-cut bone-in ribeye to perfection will elevate your dining experience.

But first, what exactly makes the tomahawk steak so special? Let’s explore everything you need to know about this stunning cut of meat, from buying and seasoning to grilling and serving. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to impress your guests with a beautifully seared and flavorful tomahawk steak.

What Makes This Cut of Steak Unique?

To fully appreciate the magnificence of a tomahawk steak, you must first understand what makes it different from other steak cuts. The tomahawk is essentially a bone-in ribeye, but with the extra length of the rib bone still attached. This bone not only makes the steak aesthetically impressive but also contributes to its flavor and tenderness.

Here’s what sets it apart:

Bone-in nature: The tomahawk ribeye is left with a long bone, which enhances the flavor while cooking.
Thick cut: The tomahawk is typically 2 inches thick, ensuring a juicy, tender center even after high-heat cooking.
Marbling: The steak comes from the rib primal, which has more intramuscular fat (marbling) than many other cuts. This marbling renders while cooking, giving the steak its buttery flavor.

How to Buy High-Quality Steaks

When you’re shopping for tomahawk steaks, not all cuts are created equal. The quality of the meat and where you purchase it from can drastically affect the final result. Here are some tips on selecting the best tomahawk steak for your next meal:

Local Butcher vs. Online Sources: Local butchers often provide fresher cuts, but many high-quality online stores specialize in grass-fed and pasture-raised tomahawk steaks. Online sources such as US Wellness Meats and White Oak Pastures offer some of the best sustainable and pasture-raised beef available. Additionally, you might find some inspiration on pairing tomahawk steaks with side dishes by checking out De Cecco Pasta from Italy.
Look for Marbling: The key to a juicy steak lies in the marbling. Look for tomahawk steaks with visible white streaks of fat interspersed throughout the meat.
Choose the Right Size: A tomahawk steak can weigh between 30 ounces to over 40 ounces. Consider the size depending on the number of people you’re feeding and your cooking method.

By choosing a high-quality cut, you ensure a great base to work with, but the preparation and cooking process is equally essential.

Preparing Your Steak for the Grill

Proper preparation is crucial to ensure your tomahawk steak cooks evenly and retains all its juicy goodness. Here’s how to get it ready for the grill or oven:

Defrosting and Bringing to Room Temperature

To achieve even cooking, it’s vital that your steak is at room temperature before you start. If your steak has been frozen, let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Then, take it out an hour before cooking to let it warm up to room temperature.

Seasoning the Tomahawk Steak

When it comes to seasoning, simple is often best. A generous coating of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper is enough to enhance the natural flavor of the steak. However, for those who want to add a bit more flair, you can also incorporate garlic powder or a blend of herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Here’s how to prepare:

Pat Dry: Use a paper towel to pat the steak dry, ensuring the seasoning sticks to the surface.
Season Generously: Cover the steak with a blend of kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The bone and thickness of the cut require heavy seasoning to fully penetrate the meat.
Add Olive Oil or Beef Tallow: Lightly coat the steak with olive oil or beef tallow for an extra layer of flavor and to help it sear properly.

The Best Cooking Methods for Tomahawk Steak

Now that your steak is prepped, it’s time to choose the cooking method that will best showcase its flavors. Below are three popular ways to cook a tomahawk steak to perfection.

Grilling Tomahawk Steak

Grilling is by far the most popular way to cook a tomahawk steak. The high heat from the grill sears the outside, creating a flavorful crust, while the interior remains tender and juicy. Follow these steps for the perfect grilled tomahawk steak:

Preheat the Grill: Aim for a grill temperature of around 400°F. Use both direct and indirect heat zones.
Sear the Steak: Place the steak over direct heat to sear for about 5 minutes on each side.
Move to Indirect Heat: Once seared, move the steak to indirect heat, close the grill lid, and cook until the internal temperature reaches about 125°F for medium-rare.
Let it Rest: After removing the steak from the grill, let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Reverse Searing Tomahawk Steak

Reverse searing has become a go-to method for cooking thick steaks like the tomahawk. It involves slowly cooking the steak at a low temperature first and then finishing it off with a high-heat sear. This method ensures even cooking throughout the steak.

Here’s how to reverse sear:

Preheat Oven to 250°F: Place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Cook Slowly: Cook the steak in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 110°F.
Sear on High Heat: Remove the steak from the oven and immediately sear it in a hot cast iron skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes on each side.
Rest Before Serving: Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

The reverse searing technique gives you a perfectly cooked interior with a nice, crispy exterior.

**Cooking Tomahawk Steak in the Oven**

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can still cook a tomahawk steak in the oven. This method is especially useful during colder months or when you want a more controlled cooking environment.

Steps to follow:

Preheat Oven to 500°F: Place the seasoned steak in a cast iron skillet.
Sear in the Skillet: Sear the steak on the stovetop for 3-4 minutes per side to develop a crust.
Roast in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness.
Finish with Butter: After roasting, add a knob of herb butter to the steak for extra flavor.

Resting and Slicing Your Tomahawk Steak

One of the most overlooked steps in cooking a tomahawk steak is letting it rest. Once your steak reaches the desired internal temperature, it’s crucial to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy bite with every cut.

When slicing your steak, always cut against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender.

Perfect Side Dishes for Tomahawk Steak

A steak as magnificent as the tomahawk deserves equally impressive sides. Here are some steakhouse-style sides that pair perfectly with a tomahawk steak:

Creamed Spinach: The richness of the spinach complements the hearty flavors of the steak.
Mashed Potatoes: A classic side that brings out the buttery notes of the steak.
Grilled Asparagus: The char from the asparagus adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the grilled steak.
Wedge Salad: Crisp, refreshing, and topped with a tangy blue cheese dressing.

You can also experiment with condiments like chimichurri, Béarnaise sauce, or blue cheese sauce to elevate the flavors even more.

Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring alternative sides, such as pasta dishes that pair well with steak, check out De Cecco Pasta Recipes, which offers excellent choices for a perfect steak meal. Moreover, for ideas on what to serve alongside sandwiches or lighter dishes, the article on Best Sides for Chicken Sandwiches is a great read.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tomahawk Steak

Can I Use This Cooking Method for Other Steak Cuts?

Yes! While the tomahawk steak is impressive in size and flavor, these cooking methods can easily be applied to other cuts like ribeye, porterhouse, or T-bone steaks. Just adjust the cooking times based on the thickness of the cut.

How Do I Know When My Tomahawk Steak Is Done?

The best way to ensure your steak is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. For a rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of