I still remember the first time I saw a tomahawk steak. Its big size and bone-in cut caught my eye. I decided then to learn how to make it. Now, I’m excited to teach you how to make a great tomahawk steak at home.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the unique characteristics of a tomahawk steak and how it differs from a standard ribeye
• Learn how to select the perfect tomahawk steak based on quality, size, and thickness
• Discover the essential equipment needed for cooking a tomahawk steak, including the right grill or oven
• Explore various seasoning and marinating techniques to elevate the flavor of your steak
• Master the art of grilling or oven-roasting a tomahawk steak to achieve the perfect doneness

How to Prepare a Tomahawk Steak: Step-by-Step Guide

What Is a Tomahawk Steak?

A tomahawk steak is a special cut of beef that will impress anyone. It’s a thick, bone-in ribeye steak with a long bone that looks like a tomahawk ax. This makes the steak look amazing.

Understanding the Cut

The tomahawk steak is bigger than a regular ribeye steak. It has more marbling, which is fat inside the meat. This fat makes the steak taste great and feel soft. The bone also makes the steak look impressive, perfect for special meals.

Tomahawk Steak vs. Ribeye

Feature	Tomahawk Steak	Ribeye Steak
Bone	Bone-in with long, protruding bone	Boneless
Size	Larger, typically 2-3 inches thick	Smaller, typically 1-2 inches thick
Marbling	Heavily marbled throughout	Moderately marbled
Presentation	Dramatic, eye-catching	Simple, classic

Both the tomahawk steak and the ribeye are high-quality beef. But, the tomahawk steak is more impressive. Its unique look and great taste make it a favorite for steak lovers and those wanting to make their meals special.

How to Choose the Perfect Tomahawk Steak

Choosing the right tomahawk steak involves two main things: quality and size. Understanding these aspects ensures you get a steak that’s both delicious and impressive.

Quality and Grading

The quality of your tomahawk steak is crucial. Look for USDA Choice or Prime grades for the best flavor and tenderness. Lower grades might be tougher and less tasty.

Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of your steak matter too. Choose a steak that’s 1.5 to 2 inches thick. This thickness helps keep the meat juicy inside and crispy outside. A longer bone adds to the steak’s visual appeal.

Steak Characteristic	Ideal for Tomahawk	Explanation
USDA Grade	Choice or Prime	Higher-quality grades will be more tender and flavorful.
Thickness	1.5 to 2 inches	Allows for a juicy interior and a nice crust on the exterior.
Bone Length	Longer is better	A longer bone makes for a more impressive visual presentation.

Remember these tips when choosing a tomahawk steak. They’ll help you pick a steak that wows your guests and makes your meal unforgettable.

Preparing Your Tomahawk Steak

Before you can enjoy a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak, you need to prepare it. This involves a few simple steps. These steps will make sure your steak is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

First, trim any excess fat from the steak. This helps it cook evenly and prevents it from getting too greasy. Then, use paper towels to pat the steak dry. This step is crucial to get a nice, crispy sear.

After trimming and drying, let the steak come to room temperature. This takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the steak’s size. Letting it warm up before cooking ensures it cooks evenly. This makes the steak tender and flavorful.

With your tomahawk steak ready, you’re set to season and cook it. Stay tuned for our tips on how to make the perfect tomahawk steak every time!

Essential Equipment for Cooking a Tomahawk Steak

To cook a delicious tomahawk steak, you need more than just good meat. You’ll also need the right tools to get it just right. Let’s look at the key equipment for cooking a perfect tomahawk steak.

Grill or Oven

For a great sear, you need high heat. You can use a hot grill or a strong oven. Both will help lock in the flavor and create a tasty crust on the steak.

Thermometer and Tongs

Getting the steak just right is important. A good meat thermometer is essential. It lets you check the steak’s internal temperature. You’ll also need strong tongs to handle the meat without losing juices.

With the right tools like a hot grill or oven, a meat thermometer, and strong tongs, you’re ready to cook a tomahawk steak. It will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Seasoning and Marinating Your Tomahawk Steak

Preparing your tomahawk steak is more than just cooking. Seasoning and marinating can make it taste amazing. You can choose simple salt and pepper or a complex marinade to enhance your steak.

Simple Salt and Pepper

The simplest seasoning can be the best. A sprinkle of how to season a tomahawk steak with kosher salt and black pepper brings out the beefy flavor. This lets the meat’s quality shine, perfect for those who love the real taste of steak.

Flavorful Marinades

For a richer flavor, how to marinate a tomahawk steak is key. Marinades mix herbs, spices, and acids to tenderize and flavor the steak. Ingredients like garlic, rosemary, thyme, balsamic vinegar, and red wine are popular.

When marinating, let it sit in the fridge for 2-8 hours. This ensures the steak is full of flavor in every bite.

Seasoning	Marinade
Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper	Garlic Rosemary Thyme Balsamic vinegar Red wine

Learning to season and marinate your tomahawk steak will make your meals unforgettable. Try different flavors to find what you like best and take your steak to the next level.

How to Prepare a Tomahawk Steak

To make a delicious tomahawk steak, start by removing it from its packaging. Then, dry it with paper towels. This step is key for a crispy sear.

Next, trim off any extra fat or silver skin. The fat cap adds flavor, but you want a clean look. Use a sharp knife to trim the steak neatly.

1. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Trim any excess fat or silver skin from the steak using a sharp knife.
3. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred spice blend.
4. Allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking, about 30 minutes.
5. Preheat your cooking surface, whether it’s a hot grill or a blazing-hot oven.

After trimming, season the tomahawk steak with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices. This step enhances the meat’s flavor. Let the steak warm up to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking.

Now, your steak is ready. Heat up your grill or oven to high. This will give you a great sear, locking in the juices and flavor.

Cooking Methods for a Tomahawk Steak

Preparing a delicious tomahawk steak can be done in two main ways: grilling or oven roasting. Each method has its own benefits and steps to get the perfect sear and doneness.

Grilling

Grilling a tomahawk steak is loved for its charred crust and juicy inside. To grill it the best way, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your grill to high heat, making sure it’s hot before adding the steak.
2. Pat the tomahawk steak dry and season it with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices.
3. Place the steak on the grill grates and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a crust forms.
4. Lower the grill heat to medium-low and cook the steak, flipping it now and then, until it’s done.
5. Check the steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 125°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium.

Oven Roasting

How to cook a tomahawk steak in the oven is a great option if you like a hands-off method. Here’s how to make a tasty oven-roasted tomahawk steak:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Pat the steak dry and season it with salt, pepper, and spices.
3. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat on the stovetop.
4. Sear the steak in the hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side, until a crust forms.
5. Put the pan in the preheated oven and roast the steak for 12-18 minutes, flipping it halfway, until it’s done.
6. Check the steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 125°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium.

Whether you grill or oven roast your tomahawk steak, always let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices spread, making the steak juicy and flavorful.

Achieving the Perfect Doneness

Cooking a tomahawk steak to the perfect doneness is key for enjoying its best texture and flavor. Whether you like it rare, medium-rare, or well-done, a reliable meat thermometer is essential. It helps you get the doneness you want.

To cook a tomahawk steak to the perfect doneness, follow these tips:

1. Use a high-quality meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature as it cooks. Put the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding the bone.
2. For rare doneness, take the steak off the heat when it hits 120-125°F (49-52°C).
3. For medium-rare doneness, take it off when it reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C).
4. For medium doneness, take it off when it hits 140-145°F (60-63°C).
5. For well-done doneness, take it off when it reaches 160°F (71°C) or higher.

Remember, the steak’s temperature will rise a bit as it rests. So, take it off the heat a few degrees before your desired doneness. By following these guidelines, you can cook a tomahawk steak to the perfect doneness every time.

Doneness	Internal Temperature
Rare	120-125°F (49-52°C)
Medium-Rare	130-135°F (54-57°C)
Medium	140-145°F (60-63°C)
Well-Done	160°F (71°C) or higher

Remember, the perfect doneness is a matter of personal preference. So, feel free to experiment and find the level that suits your taste buds best when cooking a tomahawk steak.

Resting and Slicing Your Tomahawk Steak

After cooking your tomahawk steak to perfection, it’s key to let it rest before slicing. This step helps the juices spread evenly, making the steak tender and full of flavor. Here’s how to get your tomahawk steak ready for serving.

Resting the Tomahawk Steak

After your tomahawk steak is cooked just right, move it to a cutting board or platter. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, depending on its size. This time is crucial for the juices to soak back into the meat, keeping it juicy when you slice it.

Slicing the Tomahawk Steak

Once it’s rested, it’s time to slice the tomahawk steak. Use a sharp, long knife to cut the steak across the bone, slicing against the grain. This makes each slice tender and easy to chew.

1. Place the steak with the bone parallel to your body.
2. Cut the steak into even, thick slices, slicing across the grain.
3. Don’t saw back and forth; use a smooth, single slice for each piece.
4. Immediately serve the sliced tomahawk steak with your favorite sides.

By following these steps for resting and slicing your tomahawk steak, you’ll make your meal even more special. Your guests will love every bite of this impressive steak.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

To fully enjoy your tomahawk steak, try pairing it with some tasty sides. Flavored butters and side dishes can make your meal even better. They bring out the steak’s rich flavor.

Flavorful Compound Butters

Top your tomahawk steak with a rich compound butter. These butters melt over the steak, adding a new taste to each bite. Here are some great choices:

• Garlic and Herb Butter
• Blue Cheese Butter
• Horseradish Butter
• Roasted Shallot Butter

Complementary Side Dishes

Choosing the right sides for your tomahawk steak is key. Here are some side dishes for tomahawk steak that pair well:

1. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
2. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan
3. Crispy Rosemary and Parmesan Fries
4. Sautéed Mushrooms with Thyme
5. Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Gratin

By picking the right sides, you can make a meal that looks and tastes great. It will highlight your tomahawk steak’s flavor.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of preparing a delicious tomahawk steak is easy. You just need to know its unique features, pick the right quality and size, and use the best techniques for seasoning, cooking, and serving. This way, you can make your meals special and impress your friends.

Whether you like the smoky taste of grilling or the tender feel of oven roasting, this guide has got you covered. It shows you how to prepare a tomahawk steak and the best way to cook a tomahawk steak. With the right tools, attention to detail, and patience, you’ll make juicy, tasty tomahawk steaks every time.

The secret to success is knowing the special qualities of this cut and adjusting cooking methods to fit your taste and the event. So, feel free to try new things, mix different seasonings, and find the best sides to go with your steak. Enjoy your meal!

FAQ

What is a tomahawk steak?

A tomahawk steak is a thick, bone-in ribeye cut. It has a long, protruding bone. This cut is also called a “Frenched” ribeye, with the bone left intact and the meat trimmed around it.

How is a tomahawk steak different from a regular ribeye?

A tomahawk steak is bigger and has a more dramatic look than a regular ribeye. The long bone makes the steak look unique.

What should I look for when choosing a tomahawk steak?

When picking a tomahawk steak, look at the meat’s quality and grade. Choose USDA Choice or Prime for tenderness and flavor. Also, consider the steak’s size and thickness for cooking and presentation.

What equipment do I need to cook a tomahawk steak?

To cook a tomahawk steak well, you need a high-heat grill or oven. A reliable meat thermometer and sturdy tongs are also important.

How should I season and marinate a tomahawk steak?

You can season with just salt and pepper or try a flavorful marinade. Use herbs, spices, and acidic ingredients like wine or vinegar. Seasoning and marinating enhance the steak’s flavor.

What are the best cooking methods for a tomahawk steak?

You can grill or oven roast a tomahawk steak. Each method has its own benefits and techniques for a perfect sear and doneness.

How do I achieve the perfect doneness for my tomahawk steak?

It’s key to cook your tomahawk steak to the right doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This ensures the best texture and flavor, whether you like it rare, medium-rare, or well-done.

How should I rest and slice my tomahawk steak?

After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing. This lets the juices spread evenly, making the steak more tender and flavorful.

What are some good serving suggestions and side dishes for a tomahawk steak?

Pair your tomahawk steak with flavorful compound butters or side dishes that complement it. Options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.