How to Cook the Perfect Tomahawk Steak

Tomahawk steak is a show-stopping cut of beef that combines flavor, tenderness, and visual appeal. While it may look intimidating, cooking this premium steak at home is surprisingly easy with the right approach. In this guide, we’ll show you how to grill or oven-roast a tomahawk steak to juicy, medium-rare perfection.

🔥 What is a Tomahawk Steak?

A tomahawk steak is essentially a bone-in ribeye, featuring the long rib bone for a dramatic presentation. This bone helps insulate the meat while cooking, making it extra juicy and tender. You can find tomahawk steaks at butcher shops, upscale grocery stores, or online. Don’t hesitate to ask your butcher for a custom cut!

🥩 Best Way to Cook a Tomahawk Steak

There are two great methods:

• Grill: Sear over high heat, then move to indirect heat until desired doneness is reached.
• Oven: Sear in a cast iron skillet, then finish in the oven at 375°F (190°C).

Both methods deliver fantastic results. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

🌡️ How to Know When It’s Done

For a medium-rare steak, remove it at 130°F (54°C). After a short rest, the temperature will rise to 135°F (57°C). For other levels of doneness, use this rule: pull the steak 5°F before your target temp.

⏲️ Why Resting is Crucial

After cooking, rest the steak for 5–10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful. Cutting into it too early will release juices and dry out the meat.

🧈 Compound Butter Recipe

Add flavor with this simple herb compound butter:

• 8 tbsp salted butter, room temperature
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp fresh parsley
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Mix everything in a bowl until fully combined. Spoon 1–2 tsp over hot steak after resting.

🍽️ Ingredients

• 2 Tomahawk steaks
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• Compound butter (see above)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat grill to high heat and oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Generously season steaks with salt and pepper (1 tsp per pound).
3. Sear steaks 3–4 minutes per side on grill or skillet until browned.
4. Transfer steaks to baking sheet and cook in oven until internal temp reaches 130°F (use meat thermometer).
5. Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
6. Top with compound butter and serve hot.

🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

💡 Extra Cooking Tips

• Use 1 tsp of kosher salt per pound of steak.
• No grill? Use a heavy cast iron skillet instead.
• To finish the steak on the grill, use indirect heat with the lid closed and grill temp at 375°F.

🧾 Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: 1006 kcal
• Protein: 93g
• Fat: 67g (Saturated Fat: 27g)
• Cholesterol: 254mg
• Sodium: 244mg
• Iron: 9.1mg

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Enjoy restaurant-quality steak at home with this simple tomahawk steak method. Whether grilled or oven-finished, it's juicy, flavorful, and perfect for special dinners or backyard gatherings!