What Is A Tomahawk Steak?
A tomahawk steak is a thick, bone-in ribeye steak known for its long bone (one of the beef ribs) resembling a tomahawk axe. This impressive cut offers a rich, flavorful taste due to its marbling and often cooks over high heat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here I explain the best ingredients for cooking tomahawk steak, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Tomahawk Steak – Look for a thick cut (ideally 1.5 to 2 inches thick) with good marbling for the best flavor. Ask your butcher to make it frenched, which means the rib bone is cleaned, similar to a rack of lamb. Let it come to room temperature before cooking, which will help it cook more evenly. Sea Salt & Black Pepper -Kosher salt also works instead of sea salt. Avocado Oil – You can also use olive oil, or any high-heat cooking oil you prefer. Compound Butter – Although optional, I highly recommend it for serving. I made my compound butter with rosemary and thyme to go with this tomahawk steak recipe, but you can use any combination of herbs you like.
How To Cook A Tomahawk Steak
This section shows how to cook tomahawk steak in the oven, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. You can cook tomahawk steak on the grill or in the oven, and both methods are similar (below). You could also use the reverse sear method if you have the time.
Tomahawk Steak Temperature Chart
For a perfect medium-rare tomahawk steak, cook over medium-high to high heat for 2-4 minutes per side, then over moderate heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125-130 degrees F. Here’s a time chart to get your desired level of doneness: Note: These are the temperatures when you’d remove the steak from heat. The temp will rise another 5-10 degrees while resting.
Storage Instructions
Store: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat: Wrap the steak in foil and place directly on the oven grates to reheat at 300 or 350 degrees F. (Don’t place in a baking dish, as this is more prone to overcooking.) You can place a sheet pan on a rack underneath to catch drips. Freeze: Wrap the cooked tomahawk steak tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Place in an airtight container or zip lock bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can also freeze raw steak for up to 12 months.
What To Serve With Tomahawk Steak
Now that you know the best ways to cook a tomahawk steak, complete your special meal with some of these pairings:
Pat dry before seasoning. This helps create a better sear and also leaves it more juicy inside. Adjust salt by weight. The amount of salt is 1 teaspoon per pound of meat, not including the bone. This is always the formula I use for steak and learned this from Julia Child. You can’t cut off the bone to weigh the meat, but you can subtract 3/4 to 1 pound from the total weight to get the meat weight. For a 2-pound tomahawk steak (weight with bone), 1 teaspoon of salt was perfect. Don’t overcook. The best way to ensure perfect doneness is to use a probe thermometer once you move the steak to the oven or over indirect heat on the grill. Just insert into the thickest part of the steak (away from the bone), set the internal temperature you want (see chart above), and it will beep when ready. A regular meat thermometer will also work, you’ll just have to keep an eye on it. Resting is important. This will ensure that it stays juicy. Slice against the grain. Make a horizontal cut along the side of the bone where it meets the meat. Continue slicing the meat away from the bone, working your way around the bone. With the meat separated from the bone, you can now slice against the grain to serve.
Classic Steak Sides – Although this is a fancier steak, you can still serve it with the classics like sauteed mushrooms, fork tender Instant Pot baked potatoes, or simple sauteed green beans. Veggies – Enhance your meal with a side of roasted root vegetables, gourmet balsamic brussels sprouts, or easy roasted cauliflower. If your using the grill, make grilled asparagus. Salads – Consider a crisp Caesar salad, a fall-inspired butternut squash salad, or a fresh cucumber tomato salad. You can also make a seven layer salad ahead of time. Wine – Complete your dinner with a well-chosen wine. Look for a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the robust flavors of tomahawk steaks.
More Steak Recipes For Special Occasions
If you mastered cooking tomahawk steak and want to keep wowing your guests, try one of these other easy steak recipes: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info does not include optional compound butter.
