Mastering the Art of Cooking Tomahawk Steak at Home

Cooking is all about learning and experimenting with numerous kinds of dishes and cuisines. The majority of experiments come with steak, then why not master the art of cooking Tomahawk Steak at home. The Tomahawk Steak is an exemplary cut which is well-known for its grand size, bold flavor and juicy tenderness. 

Tomahawk Steak is one which offers better taste when cooked with perfection. However, to reach perfection, one needs to know everything about the steak, its recipes, and other essential facts. In this detailed article, we’ll delve in knowing about the Tomahawk Steak, recipe of how to cook a tomahawk steak, its serving suggestions, additional tips to tricks for cooking a perfect steak and many more.

By the end of this article, we assure that you will be able to prepare a restaurant style Tomahawk Steak at home. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion dinner or indulging in a gourmet meal, the Tomahawk Steak is apt for every kind of meal. 

About Tomahawk Steak

It is important to have a thorough knowledge about the Tomahawk Steak before trying hands on it, to prepare a perfect delicious meal. The steak is named Tomahawk after the ‘Tomahawk axe’, as this unique cut resembles it and makes it an enriched addition to the majority of the meal. It is one of the premium cuts which comes from the rib section of the cow and is essentially a bone-in Ribeye with the long rib bone which is french-trimmed for remarkable presentation. Moreover, here are some of the features of Tomahawk Steak for a more better understanding- 

• Size- The Tomahawk Steak is designed in a way to impress, as the steak’s size makes it an ideal option for a special occasion or dinner. Most commonly, the Tomahawk Steak weighs around 2-3 pounds on average. 

• Bone-In- One of the most prominent yet aesthetic features of the Tomahawk Steak is its long rib bone. It works as a natural insulator which contributes in cooking the steak evenly and enhancing the meal’s depth of flavor.

• Marbling- This unique Tomahawk Steak is also special for its high marbling as it transforms to exceptional tenderness and rich buttery flavor. The fat of the steak melts into the meat at the time of cooking and ensures that every bite of the steak turns juicy and enriched with flavors. 

The Tomahawk Steak delivers versatility which is all because of the steak’s thickness and unique features. The indulgence and craftsmanship of the Tomahawk Steak delivers the steakhouse-level experience and satisfaction in the comfort of the home. 

How to Cook Tomahawk Steak?

Here’s a step-by-step process for preparing and cooking a Tomahawk Steak at home-

Ingredients- 

• 2-3 oz tomahawk steak

• 1-2 teaspoon garlic powder 

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt or as per the taste

• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

• 2-3 tablespoon olive oil or high-smoke-point oil

Directions- 

Bring the steak to Room Temperature- One of the most essential and basic steps is to take the steak out of the refrigerator at least 40-60 minutes before cooking. Letting the meat come to room temperature helps to prevent the outer layer from overcooking while the internal layer remains underdone. 

Seasoning the steak- As the Tomahawk Steak carries rich and beef flavor, so it does not need much seasoning. By keeping the seasoning of the steak simple, its natural flavors shines like a star. Rub the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the steak and for more enriched flavor, add a touch of garlic powder and smoked paprika. Lastly, coat the steak with olive oil for a better sear and crust. 

Select the Cooking Method- To select the cooking method is crucial, here’s the cooking process with different methods-

1. Grilling Method- This method offers a smoky flavor and perfect grill marks, here are steps-

• Start with preheating the grill to the high temperature of 450°F and place the steak over direct heat.

• Sear the steak for 5 minutes or more from both the sides till it forms a brown crust. 

• Now, move the steak to the indirect heat and cook until it reaches the desired doneness. Check the internal temperature with the meat thermometer.

• After achieving the perfect doneness, take the steak out from the grill and let it rest. 

2. Reverse Searing Method- Another method is reverse searing which ensures even doneness with a wonderful crust. Here's a step-by-step process- 

• Start by preheating the oven to 250°F and place the seasoned steak on the wire rack set over a baking sheet. 

• Then cook the steak till its internal temperature reaches 10°F below the desired doneness or measure the heat level with a meat thermometer. 

• Simultaneously preheat the cast-iron skillet over high heat till it turns smoking red.

• Lastly, sear the steak in the skillet for around 5 minutes from both the sides to form a rich and caramelized crust. 

3. Pan-Seared Method- It is an ideal method for those who do not prefer a grill. Here are some quick steps to follow- 

• Start by preheating the oven to 400°F and, simultaneously, preheat the cast-iron over the high heat. 

• Add a little amount of oil in the pan, place the steak over and let it sear for around 5 minutes from both the sides till it forms a brown crust. 

• Now, transfer the steak to the oven and let it cook till it reaches the preferred internal temperature. 

• Lastly, take the steak out from the oven and let it rest. 

Resting & Slicing the steak- Resting the steak and then slicing it is a minor but an important step. It ensures that the steak remains juicy and the juices and texture settles down for a better flavor and evenly slicing. 

• After preferred doneness, rest the cooked steak for 5-10 minutes before slicing, as resting allows the steak’s juices to redistribute evenly for a tender and juicy bite. 

• Then, carve and slice the steak with a sharp knife in equal pieces.

• Remember to cut the steak against the grain into thick pieces for more tenderness. 

Serving Suggestions for Tomahawk steak- Any dish seems complete with wonderful presentation, flavorful side pairings, drinks and beyond. Here are some of the serving suggestions for a Tomahawk Steak- 

• Presentation- It is a crucial step, so serve the prepared steak on a wooden board or a large platter for a steakhouse-style meal.

• Side Pairings- You can try garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, crisp salad and beyond for the side pairings with steak. 

• Drinks- The full-bodied red  wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah and more, pair well with Tomahawk steak. While an aged whiskey or bourbon adds more smoky depth. 

For the rich and tender steak, pair it with savory and earthy slices which crafts a harmonious flavor profile. However, it is ideal for special celebrations or casual gatherings which gives a luxurious tint to any meal. This appealing and delicious dish will definitely impress the guests and will deliver an unforgettable dining experience. 

Additional Tips for a Perfect Tomahawk Steak

Here are some of the additional tips and tricks which can help in cooking  a steakhouse-style Tomahawk Steak at home- 

• Use a Meat Thermometer- The meat thermometer is one of the most essential tools for a perfect Tomahawk Steak. While preparing the steak measuring the heat level of the steak seems difficult but the guesswork transfers to the heat thermometer. For an ideal measuring, insert the thermometer to the thickest part of the steak. You can cook the steak to your preferred doneness but aim for temperatures of 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium. Meat thermometer eases the work and gives out the perfect outcome. 

• Always Rest the Steak- To let the steak rest is important for flawless results, so after cooking the steak rest it for 5-10 minutes as it assures a juicy and tender meat. When the steak is put to rest, it helps in redistributing its juices which makes every bite moist and flavorful. While if the steak is cut off without resting then the juices are likely to escape and end up to a drier texture. 

• Select the Right tool & equipment- in the process of making steak, tools and equipment plays a vital role. The good-quality cooking tools and equipment makes a big difference, so always opt for a reliable grill or cast-iron skillet for better searing. Moreover, go for the best pair of tongs, a sturdy meat thermometer, a sharp knife, appealing dishes and more for a steady success.  

• Fusion of Flavors- incorporating the Tomahawk steak with numerous rubs and marinades can give a more enhanced texture. You can opt for condiments like herbs, garlic, paprika, brown sugar and many more, which can add more depth and taste to the steak flavor. But always remember to not overshadow the steak’s natural flavor as the Tomahawk steak is bold and flavorful enough, so opt for a basic salt and black pepper seasoning first. 

• Practice for Perfection- Cooking a Tomahawk Steak can be difficult at first a few tries but there is always room for growth. So, try a couple of times to cook the steak. Also, you can try cooking it with different methods like grilling, reverse searing and pan-searing. After cooking the steak a few times, you will learn from your previous mistakes, which will inevitably lead to perfection.

Conclusion

The bold and flavorful Tomahawk Steak is a versatile one which needs skills and techniques to be mastered. This unique cut of meat is appealing to people and is perfect for various occasions. Most of the people opt for Tomahawk Steak for special feats and dinners to impress their guests and loved ones. 

In this detailed guide, we have discussed the features of Tomahawk Steak, detailed recipe of how to cook a Tomahawk Steak with its preparation, cooking methods, pairings or serving suggestions, additional tips to follow for a perfect Tomahawk Steak and more. 

So, do try our recipe for making the perfect Tomahawk steak at the comfort of your home, and incorporate the tips and tricks for a more enhanced taste and flavor. Whether you are preparing a feast for  gathering or a dinner to impress your loved ones, it will surely satisfy the cravings of every steak enthusiast and lure their hearts.