Learn to cook a delicious tomahawk steak at home with this guide. Tomahawk steaks, also known as bone-in ribeye or cowboy steaks, are a top-notch cut of beef. They offer amazing flavor and tenderness. This guide is perfect for seasoned grillers and new cooks, showing you how to pick, prepare, and cook a great tomahawk steak.
Defining the Tomahawk Steak
A tomahawk steak is a thick, bone-in ribeye cut. It has a long, frenched rib bone that looks like a tomahawk. This cut is also known as a “cowboy steak” and is a favorite among butchers.
The bone adds to the steak’s dramatic look. It also helps keep the meat tender and juicy while it cooks.
The Bone-In Ribeye Cut
The tomahawk steak comes from the rib section of the cow. This area is famous for its flavorful and tender beef. The cuts include the ribeye and prime rib.
The bone-in nature of the Steak Tomahawk keeps it moist. It also adds extra flavor compared to a boneless ribeye steak.
A tomahawk steak is a thick ribeye steak with a long rib bone. The bone can be 12 inches or more. This makes the steak look impressive. In contrast, a cowboy steak’s bone is much shorter.
To cook a Steak Tomahawk, you can grill, broil, smoke, or reverse sear it. For a medium-rare, cook it to 129°F to 134°F. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Steak Tomahawk is popular on TikTok and in restaurants like Morton’s The Steakhouse. When buying them, look for plenty of meat and good marbling. This ensures the steak tastes great. You can find them at trusted grocers or meat markets.
Selecting the Perfect Tomahawk Steak
Choosing the right Steak Tomahawk is key. Look for a cut that’s at least 1.5 inches thick. This ensures a juicy and substantial bite. Also, choose a steak with plenty of fat for better flavor and tenderness.
For the best taste and texture, go for a dry-aged Steak Tomahawk. The aging process makes the beef taste even more beefy. But, dry-aged steaks might be harder to find. You might need to order them from a local butcher or a fancy grocery store.
When selecting Steak Tomahawk or purchasing Steak Tomahawk, focus on high-quality beef and dry-aged beef. These qualities will make your steak cooking a success.
“Tomahawk steaks are often associated with high-end dining and gourmet cooking due to their impressive presentation and rich flavor.”
The tomahawk steak is a special and indulgent choice. So, be ready to spend a bit more for the best quality. With the right pick, you’ll create a memorable dining experience.
Preparing the Tomahawk Steak
Before you can enjoy a perfectly cooked Steak Tomahawk, you need to prepare it right. Let the steak rest at room temperature and season it well. This creates a delicious crust.
Letting the Steak Rest
Let your Steak Tomahawk sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This makes it cook evenly and prevents it from getting tough. Also, pat the steak dry with paper towels for a crisp sear.
Seasoning the Tomahawk Steak
Season the steak with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of steak. This seasoning will make a tasty crust on the steak.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomahawk Ribeye Steak | 2 steaks, approximately 2 inches thick |
| Kosher Salt | 4 teaspoons |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon, freshly ground |
| Garlic Powder | As needed |
Remember, preparing the tomahawk steak by letting it rest and seasoning it well is key. It’s the first step to a delicious, restaurant-quality steak.
Searing the Tomahawk Steak
Cooking the perfect searing Steak Tomahawk means getting a delicious, caramelized crust. To do this, sear the steak in a large, hot cast-iron skillet or heavy-duty pan. Use high-heat searing for the best results.
Start by heating your pan or skillet over high heat until it’s extremely hot. Make sure the pan is scorching before adding the steak. This will give you that amazing searing tomahawk steak finish. Once it’s hot, place the Steak Tomahawk in the center and let it sear for about 3 minutes without moving it.
- Sear the steak for 3 minutes per side without moving it
- Sear the short sides of the steak for about 1 minute each
- Use a cast-iron skillet or other heavy-duty pan to achieve the perfect sear
This high-heat searing creates a tasty, caramelized crust on the searing Steak Tomahawk. It seals in all the juicy flavor. Don’t move the steak while searing to get that perfect crust.
After searing the sides, your searing tomahawk steak is ready for the oven. With a perfectly seared exterior, you’re on your way to steak perfection.
Roasting the Tomahawk Steak
After searing your Steak Tomahawk, move it to the oven for roasting. This step ensures your steak is cooked just right, from rare to medium-well. The secret to a perfectly roasted tomahawk steak is keeping an eye on the internal temperature and adjusting the oven time.
Oven Temperature and Time
Heat your oven to 425°F. After searing, put the steak on a baking sheet and bake. It usually takes 9-10 minutes to get to medium-rare, the best doneness for a top cut like the tomahawk.
To get your steak just right, use an instant-read thermometer. Take the steak out when it hits:
- 125°F for rare
- 135°F for medium-rare
- 145°F for medium
Remember, the steak will keep cooking as it rests. So, take it out a bit before you want it done.
With your roasting Steak Tomahawk done, you’re almost there. You’ll have a delicious, high-quality oven-finishing steak that will wow your guests. Let the steak rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This lets the internal temperature even out and the juices spread through the meat.
Basting the Tomahawk Steak with Butter
As the tomahawk steak roasts in the oven, you can make a garlic-herb butter sauce. This simple method adds richness and flavor. It also keeps the steak moist and tender.
Creating a Garlic-Herb Butter Sauce
In the skillet used for searing, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic cloves and fresh thyme sprigs. Let the flavors mix and the garlic soften. Season with salt and black pepper.
When the steak is cooked to your liking, take it out of the oven. Put it back in the skillet with the garlic-herb butter. Tilt the skillet and spoon the butter over the basting tomahawk steak. This makes a flavorful crust on the steak.
The butter-basting steak method boosts the steak’s natural flavor. It also makes the steak cook evenly and stay juicy. The garlic and herbs in the butter add to the beef’s rich taste, making for a luxurious meal.
“The secret to a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak lies in the basting process. The butter-basting technique takes this steak to new heights of flavor and tenderness.”
Resting and Slicing the Tomahawk Steak
After the final basting, it’s time to let your magnificent Steak Tomahawk rest. This step is crucial. It lets the juices spread evenly, making the meat tender and flavorful. Move the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Don’t slice into it right away. The wait will be worth it.
When the resting time is over, it’s time to slice and serve. Slice the steak against the grain. This means cutting across the muscle fibers. You’ll get soft, juicy slices that are a delight to eat.
The steak will continue to cook a bit during this time. For the best doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, or 145°F for medium before removing it from the oven.
With the Steak Tomahawk beautifully sliced, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Pair it with your favorite steakhouse-style sides for a memorable meal. Savor every bite, knowing your patience and detail have made a perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy Steak Tomahawk.
Serving the Tomahawk Steak
When serving the impressive Steak Tomahawk, pair it with classic steakhouse sides. These sides enhance the steak’s rich, beefy flavor. Offer creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed or creamed spinach, and a refreshing wedge salad to elevate your meal.
Steakhouse-Style Sides
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a quintessential steakhouse side. They perfectly balance the bold taste of the Steak Tomahawk.
- Creamed Spinach – This rich and velvety side dish adds elegance to the steakhouse sides. It provides a perfect contrast to the hearty Steak Tomahawk.
- Wedge Salad – A classic wedge salad, with crisp lettuce, tangy blue cheese dressing, and crunchy bacon, offers a refreshing accompaniment. It pairs well with the indulgent Steak Tomahawk.
| Side Dish | Preparation Time | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | 30 minutes | 4 servings |
| Creamed Spinach | 20 minutes | 4 servings |
| Wedge Salad | 15 minutes | 4 servings |
Serving the tomahawk steak with these classic steakhouse sides creates a memorable dining experience. It makes your guests feel like they’re in a high-end steakhouse. The impressive presentation of the tomahawk steak with these indulgent sides is sure to impress and delight.
Nutrition Information for Tomahawk Steak
The nutritional profile of a tomahawk steak is truly impressive. A single 1-steak serving has 1,006 calories, 93 grams of protein, and 67 grams of fat. This includes 27 grams of saturated fat. It also has 254 milligrams of cholesterol and 244 milligrams of sodium.
Despite its high calorie and fat content, Steak Tomahawk is very nutrient-dense. It’s a great source of potassium, iron, and other important nutrients. These nutrients support overall health and well-being.
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 Steak Tomahawk Serving (approx. 1.5-3 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1,006 |
| Protein | 93g |
| Fat | 67g (27g saturated) |
| Cholesterol | 254mg |
| Sodium | 244mg |
| Potassium | Not available |
| Iron | Not available |
Enjoying a tomahawk steak means being mindful of portion sizes. It’s also important to balance it with a healthy, well-rounded diet. Remember, moderation is key to a healthy lifestyle.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Tomahawk Steak
There are many ways to cook a tomahawk steak to perfection. Try the reverse searing method. This means roasting the steak in the oven first, then searing it for a crispy crust. You can also hang the tomahawks over an open fire or cook them over coals for a smoky taste.
The Tomahawk steak is a showstopper with its bone-in rib-eye cut. To make it even better, focus on the internal temperature and resting time. Aim for rare or medium-rare for the most tender and juicy steak. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.
Seasoning the steak with olive oil, paprika, black pepper, and garlic adds flavor. Searing the steak on the grill or in a hot skillet before finishing in the oven keeps the juices in. Basting it with garlic-herb butter sauce during cooking makes it even more delicious.
FAQ
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Source Links
- How to Cook THE Perfect Tomahawk Steak – https://www.thespruceeats.com/tomahawk-rib-eye-steak-2313425
- The Best Tomahawk Steak – https://overthefirecooking.com/best-tomahawk-steak/
- Tomahawk Steak Recipe {perfect every time} – The Big Man’s World ® – https://thebigmansworld.com/tomahawk-steak-recipe/
- What Is a Tomahawk Steak? | How To Cook It and More – https://1855beef.com/blog/tomahawk-steak-everything-you-need-to-know/
- Tomahawk Steak – https://fivemarysmeats.com/products/tomahawk-steak?srsltid=AfmBOopL37CIcXsDl6r8JyGwneCdXheUbK5fh2leepQnjL6jtyIuX3kf
- The Ultimate Guide to Tomahawk Steaks: The King of Steaks – https://highsocietymeats.com/blogs/high-society-blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-tomahawk-steaks-the-king-of-steaks?srsltid=AfmBOorXy1So5J_bAu8PZ26KUtoZpc8z7cjjKoSnVxK87FwZ7qVdfF8I
- Best Tomahawks Steaks: Ultimate Guide for Meat Lovers – https://rowebeef.com/blogs/news/best-tomahawks-steaks-ultimate-guide-for-meat-lovers?srsltid=AfmBOooRfhuiYtbtz834CUI87U4Bhs99lpTNHPWLQJGbuE20jAB0zhxu
- How to Cook the Perfect Tomahawk Steak – Easy Recipe and Method! – https://diethood.com/tomahawk-steak/
- Grilled Tomahawk Steak – https://grillinwithdad.com/2024/01/grilled-tomahawk-steak/