Tomahawk steak is expensive but still an incredibly beautiful and delicious prime cut of beef that you will want to make perfect. Named after the tomahawk axe, the chop is distinguished by a long rib bone and even more meat. This steak behaves as a ribeye but has an exposed long frenched bone, adding yet another juicy element and flavor profile.
A tomahawk steak is a large bone-in ribeye that calls to the caveman in even the most civilized of meat connoisseurs; here’s how to cook one well. Both methods — one with a grill and the other an oven — will depend on procedural steps to get great results. The concepts of seasoning, cooking methods and finishing will take you a long way in beef preparation to get that steak perfect for whoever happens to dine with you.
These are the steps that convert ordinary beef to extraordinary meal. So let us get started with how to select the best steak and also prepare it for cooking.
How to Select Your Tomahawk Steak
What is Tomahawk Steak Cuts
The bone is French trimmed leaving a long fleshy part of the rib … which looks cool and gives you something to gnaw on too! Inside it is a ribeye steak with an extra long bone contributing to its impressive image. The beef in the steak is generously laced with lightly distributed fat, which helps keep flavor and succulence from disappearing.
For a tomahawk steak, you want quite good marbling. The fat in the meat is essential to flavor and succulence. Also, make sure the steak is of even thickness for consistent cooking
Tomahawk Steak Quality indicators
Fresh and wet aged tomahawk steak is ideal for this preparation. Search for bright red color and hard consistency. Avoid steer clear of steaks that seem to dull or smell funky. The fat proper is almost white, not yellowish. Most high-end steaks will come from a good butcher or specialty meat distributor.
The Tomahawk Steak Cooking Preparation
Seasoning and Marinating
All of the natural flavors that come in a tomahawk steak can be better enjoyed by seasoning it well. Begin by drying the steak with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also season with dry rub or a marinade to further enhance the taste. Before cooking the steak, leave it outside at room temperature for 30 minutes. The piece is open so that the seasoning can penetrate into all its pores,… and it cooks through homogeneously…
Preparing Your Grill or Oven
Preheat grill to high heat, if using. For charcoal grills, spread the coals in an even layer to provide a hot searing zone and indirect cooking area. If you are baking preheat oven at 450°F (232°C). Place a rack in roasting pan and allow the steak to sit out on top of it.
Grilling Tomahawk Steak
Direct Heat Grilling Method
If using the direct heat method, lay tomahawk steak on grill over high heat. Grill on each side for 4-5 minutes or until a nice crust has developed. Turn steak with tongs so as not to pierce and lose juices. Once seared, move the steaks further away from direct heat and close the grill lid to finish cooking to your desired level of doneness.
Indirect Heat Grilling Method
For the indirect heat method, first season and sear steak according to directions above. After searing, move it to the other side of the grill for your indirect grilling and close up shop. The Steak needs to be cooked long enough for your desired “doneness” in the center (You simply cannot rush this part or you will not like what comes of it. In this way the cooked meat slowly from inside and so that you not burnt on outside of steak but chewy on another side.
Oven Roasted Tomahawk Steak
Oven Searing Method
How to: Start by searing the steak in a large oven-proof skillet over high flame for 2-3 minutes per side. I know it sounds weird — as you add sugar to the rice directly following what was essentially a rinse, but this will form your caramelized base. Move the skillet to a 350F pre-heated oven after searing. Place the steak in the oven and roast until it is cooked to your liking, 10-15 minutes for medium-rare or use a meat thermometer.
Finishing in the Oven
You can also choose to sear your steak either on the stovetop or directly in the oven. Place the tomahawk steak in a roasting pan on top of wire rack. Roast it in the oven until becomes your desired inside temperature. If you like a crunchy shell consider switching to broil for the last few minutes at highest temp.
How to Serve and Eat Tomahawk Steak
Slicing and Serving
Rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the tomahawk steak rest and prevent juices from escaping! AND slice against the grain for tenderness as well! The bone can be left on for a dramatic presentation or taken off before cooking to make serving easier.
how to cook a tomahawk steak?
Tomahawk steak goes well with most sides It goes well with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or a nice crisp green salad. Serve your crockpot pork chops over creamy macaroni and cheese or a rich mushroom sauce.
How to Cook the Perfect Tomahawk Steak
Insert a meat thermometer: This will help you know the to what extent your beef is in cooking status. Or as we prefer it — with a temperature, targeted at around 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium and actually quite nice juicy beef that is not bloody mess on your platefest of destruction — which would be about -20% compared to the weight when bought.
Rest the Steak: Resting your steak will allow its juices to redistribute, making it tastier and more tender.
Seasonings: Do not hesitate to experiment with various seasonings and marinations until you find an unbeatable taste coefficient.Proper preheated: If you are using a grill or over, it must be properly pre heated for the best results.