How to make the Perfect Tomahawk BBQ Recipe
A tomahawk steak is a stunning cut of beef that is sure to impress any meat lover. It is a thick, juicy, and tender ribeye steak with a long, frenched bone that gives it the appearance of a Native American tomahawk axe. It is also known as a bone-in ribeye or a tomahawk chop1.
Tomahawk steaks are not only delicious, but also fun to cook and eat. They are ideal for grilling on a BBQ, as the bone acts as a natural handle and also helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the meat.
However, cooking such a large and thick steak can be tricky, and you don’t want to ruin this premium cut by overcooking or undercooking it.
In this article, we will show you how to BBQ the perfect tomahawk steak, from choosing the right cut to seasoning, grilling, resting, and serving.
We will also share some tips and tricks to make your tomahawk steak experience even better than at a restaurant.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| What is a tomahawk steak? | A tomahawk steak is a bone-in ribeye steak with a long, frenched bone that resembles a tomahawk axe. It should be well-marbled, rich, and buttery cut of beef that is perfect for grilling on a BBQ. |
| How to choose a tomahawk steak? | Look for a tomahawk steak that is at least 2 inches (5 cm) thick and weighs between 30 and 60 ounces (850 g and 1.7 kg). The meat should have a bright red color and plenty of marbling. The bone should be clean and long enough to hold comfortably. |
| How to season a tomahawk steak? | A tomahawk steak does not need much seasoning, as it already has a lot of flavor from the fat and the bone. You can simply season it with salt and pepper, or add some garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary for extra aroma. Season the steak generously on both sides and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before grilling. |
| How to grill a tomahawk steak? | To grill a tomahawk steak, you need to use two methods: direct and indirect heat. First, sear the steak over high heat for about 2 minutes per side, or until well browned. Then, move the steak to a cooler part of the grill and close the lid. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness. |
| How to rest and serve a tomahawk steak? | After grilling, let the steak rest for about 10 minutes on a cutting board, loosely covered with foil. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax. Then, slice the steak across the grain into thin slices and serve with your favorite sides and sauces. Enjoy your tomahawk steak with your hands or a knife and fork. |
Choosing the Right Tomahawk Steak
The first step to BBQing the perfect tomahawk steak is choosing the right cut of meat. Not all tomahawk steaks are created equal, and you want to make sure you get the best quality possible.
Here are some things to look for when buying a tomahawk steak:
- Thickness: A good tomahawk steak should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) thick. This will ensure that you can cook it evenly without burning the outside or drying out the inside.
- Weight: A typical tomahawk steak weighs between 30 and 60 ounces (850 g and 1.7 kg). The weight will depend on the size of the ribeye and the length of the bone. A heavier steak will take longer to cook, but will also feed more people.
- Color: The meat of a tomahawk steak should have a bright red color that indicates freshness and quality. A darker red means the cow has been grass-fed and grass-finished.
- Marbling: The marbling refers to the white fat streaks that run through the meat. The more marbling, the more flavor and tenderness the steak will have. At Steak Club you can choose between Standard, Premium and Wagyu marbling.
- Bone: The bone is what makes a tomahawk steak unique and impressive. The bone should be clean and long enough to hold comfortably in your hand. The bone should also be frenched, which means that any meat or fat attached to it has been trimmed off.
You can buy tomahawk steaks from Steak Club or your local butcher:
Seasoning the Tomahawk Steak
A tomahawk steak does not need much seasoning, as it already has a lot of flavor from the fat and the bone. However, you can enhance the taste and aroma of the steak by adding some simple seasonings.
Here are some options for seasoning your tomahawk steak:
- Salt and pepper: This is the classic and simplest way to season a tomahawk steak. Use kosher salt or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best results. Season the steak generously on both sides and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before grilling. This will help the salt to penetrate the meat and draw out some moisture, creating a nice crust when seared.
- Garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary: If you want to add some extra flavor and fragrance to your tomahawk steak, you can sprinkle some wild garlic salt instead of regular salt. This infused salt will complement the beef well and add some freshness and complexity. You can also use fresh garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, or rosemary sprigs and place them on top of the steak while grilling.
- Butter or oil: You can also rub some butter or oil on your tomahawk steak before seasoning it. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and also add some richness and moisture. You can use our boom boom butter, unsalted butter, or any other oil of your choice.
You can also experiment with other seasonings, such as paprika, cumin, mustard, or barbecue sauce.
However, we don’t recommend this. Be careful not to overpower the natural flavor of the tomahawk steak with too many or too strong spices.
Grilling the Tomahawk Steak
Grilling is the best way to cook a tomahawk steak, as it gives it a nice charred crust and a smoky flavor.
However, grilling such a large and thick steak can be challenging, as you need to balance between searing the outside and cooking the inside.
The best method to grill a tomahawk steak is to use both direct and indirect heat. We will sear the tomahawk steak first, then put it on the cool side of the grill to let the internal temperature rise to desired doneness.
Direct heat means placing the steak directly over the hot coals or flames, while indirect heat means placing the steak away from the heat source and closing the lid of the grill.
Here are the steps to grill a tomahawk steak using direct and indirect heat:
- Preheat your grill: Preheat your grill to high heat 230°C to 250°C (450°F- 480°F) for direct cooking. You can use charcoal, gas, or wood as your fuel source. If using charcoal or wood, make sure to create two zones: one with high heat and one with low heat. If using gas, turn off one or two burners to create a cooler zone.
- Sear the steak: Remove your tomahawk steak from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it as desired and wrap the exposed bone in foil to prevent it from burning. Place the steak over the high heat zone of your grill and sear it for about 2 minutes per side, or until well browned. You can also sear the edges of the steak by holding it upright with tongs.
- Cook the steak: After searing, move the steak to the low heat zone of your grill and close the lid. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness by inserting it into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. You can also rotate the steak occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Rest and serve: Once your tomahawk steak is done, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax. Then, slice the steak across the grain into thin slices and serve with your favorite sides and sauces.
Tips and Tricks for BBQing Tomahawk Steak
Here are some tips and tricks to make your tomahawk steak experience even better:
- Let your steak come to room temperature: Before grilling your tomahawk steak, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. This will help it cook more evenly and faster.
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for grilling a tomahawk steak, as it will tell you exactly when your steak is done to your liking. Don’t rely on time or touch alone, as they can be inaccurate.
- Don’t overcook your steak: A tomahawk steak is best enjoyed medium-rare, as this will preserve its juiciness and tenderness. If you cook it beyond medium, you risk drying out and toughening up this premium cut of beef. We consider it a sin to eat beef well-done.
- Rest your steak: Resting your steak after grilling is very important, as it will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax. If you cut your steak too soon, you will lose a lot of moisture and flavor. Rest your steak for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil, before slicing and serving.
Slice your steak across the grain: Slicing your steak across the grain means cutting it perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers. This will make your steak more tender and easier to chew. You can also cut off the bone and slice it separately, or leave it attached for a more dramatic presentation.
Enjoy your steak with your hands or a knife and fork: A tomahawk steak is a fun and interactive meal that you can enjoy with your hands or a knife and fork. You can use the bone as a handle and nibble on the meat, or slice it into pieces and eat it with a fork. Either way, you will have a delicious and satisfying experience.
If you have a dog, be sure to share the bone, and don’t worry! There is no danger, we’ve been giving tomahawk bones to dogs on farms for years.
Suggested Sides and Sauces for Tomahawk Steak
A tomahawk steak is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be paired with various sides and sauces to complement its taste and texture. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with your tomahawk steak:
- Sides: Some classic sides for tomahawk steak are baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, green salad, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, garlic bread, or fries. You can also try some more exotic sides, such as grilled asparagus, mashed cauliflower, roasted brussels sprouts, quinoa salad, or couscous.
- Sauces: Some popular sauces for tomahawk steak are barbecue sauce, steak sauce, chimichurri, béarnaise, blue cheese, mushroom gravy, or horseradish cream. You can also make your own sauce by deglazing the grill pan with some wine, broth, butter, herbs, and seasonings.
You can mix and match different sides and sauces according to your preference and mood. You can also serve some wine or beer to go along with your tomahawk steak.
Conclusion
A tomahawk steak is a spectacular cut of beef that is perfect for grilling on a BBQ. It is a thick, juicy, and tender ribeye steak with a long, frenched bone that gives it the appearance of a tomahawk axe. It is also known as a bone-in ribeye or a tomahawk chop.
To BBQ the perfect tomahawk steak, you need to follow these steps:
- Choose the right tomahawk steak that is at least 5-7 cm thick (2 inches) thick and weighs between 850g -1.3kg (30 and 60 ounce)
- Season the tomahawk steak with salt and pepper, or add some garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Grill the tomahawk steak using direct and indirect heat. Sear it over high heat for about 2 minutes per side, then move it to a cooler part of the grill and close the lid. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 55°C (130°F) for medium-rare.
- Rest the tomahawk steak for about 10 minutes on a cutting board, loosely covered with foil.
- Slice the tomahawk steak across the grain into thin slices and serve with your favorite sides and sauces.
By following these tips and tricks, you will be able to BBQ the perfect tomahawk steak that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy your tomahawk steak with your hands or a knife and fork.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about tomahawk steak:
- What is the difference between a tomahawk steak and a ribeye steak?
A tomahawk steak is a type of ribeye steak that has a long, frenched bone attached to it. A ribeye steak is a cut of beef from the rib section that has a lot of marbling and flavor. A tomahawk steak is also known as a bone-in ribeye or a tomahawk chop.
- How much does a tomahawk steak cost?
A tomahawk steak can cost anywhere from $25 to $100 per pound, depending on the quality, size, and source of the meat. A typical tomahawk steak weighs between 30 and 60 ounces (850 g and 1.7 kg), which means it can cost between $50 and $300 per steak.
- How many people can one tomahawk steak feed?
One tomahawk steak can feed anywhere from two to six people, depending on their appetite and preference. A typical serving size of beef is about 4 ounces (113 g), which means one tomahawk steak can provide about eight servings of meat. However, some people may prefer larger or smaller portions.
- How do you store leftover tomahawk steak?
If you have any leftover tomahawk steak, you can store it in an airtight container or a ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. To reheat it, you can use the microwave, the oven, or the grill, but be careful not to overcook it.
- What are some other ways to cook tomahawk steak?
Besides grilling, you can also cook tomahawk steak using other methods, such as broiling, baking, or pan-frying. However, these methods may require more time and attention, and may not produce the same charred and smoky flavor as grilling. You can also sous vide your tomahawk steak for a precise and consistent result.
