The tomahawk steak is a striking cut of meat, known for its impressive size and rich marbling. As it cooks, the aroma fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere in your kitchen or backyard.
Don’t worry if you’re new to grilling steaks; this recipe is straightforward and adaptable to your taste. Even if it doesn’t turn out perfect, you’ll still enjoy a delicious meal.
Why This Recipe Works
This tomahawk steak recipe balances seasoning and cooking technique to enhance its rich flavor. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature ensures even cooking, while the dry patting helps achieve a perfect sear. The combination of olive oil and seasonings creates a flavorful crust that complements the meat’s natural taste beautifully. Now, let’s explore some delicious sides that pair perfectly with your tomahawk steak.
The One Thing That Makes It Work
- The key to a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak lies in allowing it to reach room temperature before cooking.
- This step ensures even cooking throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy steak with a beautiful crust.
- Pay attention to this detail for the best results.
Now that you’ve mastered the essentials of cooking a tomahawk steak, let’s explore some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with it.
Essential Ingredients
To prepare a mouthwatering tomahawk steak, you’ll need the following key ingredients.
- 2 lbs Tomahawk steak: Choose a bone-in ribeye that’s about 2 inches thick for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and to help seasonings adhere.
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt: Coarse salt is essential for seasoning; it enhances the meat’s natural flavor and forms a delicious crust.
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a robust, aromatic kick that complements the richness of the steak.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder: Optional but recommended; it adds depth to the flavor profile of your tomahawk steak.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika: This optional ingredient imparts a subtle smoky flavor that elevates your grilling experience.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary: Chopped fresh rosemary makes an aromatic garnish that enhances the dish’s presentation and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme: Garnishing with chopped fresh thyme adds freshness and an earthy note to your beautifully grilled steak.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Do This, Not That
- For your tomahawk steak, use extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor rather than a neutral oil that lacks depth.
- Season generously with coarse kosher salt for a robust crust instead of skipping the salt or using fine table salt, which can lead to uneven seasoning.
- Opt for freshly ground black pepper to elevate taste rather than pre-ground pepper, which can lose its potency.
With these tips in mind, you’re now equipped to master the grilling process for your tomahawk steak.
Step-by-Step Method
Start by taking your tomahawk steak out of the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. This step is key for even cooking, allowing the meat to warm slightly and become more tender.
Next, pat the steak dry with paper towels. You want it to feel dry to the touch, which will help create that desirable sear when it hits the grill. A good sear locks in juices and enhances flavor.
Now, drizzle olive oil over both sides of the steak, using your hands to rub it in evenly. The oil should create a slight sheen on the meat, helping the seasoning adhere while promoting a golden crust during grilling.
Generously sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on both sides of the steak. The surface should be well-coated; you’re looking for a nice balance that will enhance the taste without overpowering the natural flavors of the beef.
Preheat your grill to high heat until it reaches about 450°F to 500°F. Once hot, place your tomahawk steak on the grill grates. Listen for that satisfying sizzle as you sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until a rich brown crust forms.
After searing, move the steak to a cooler part of the grill for indirect cooking. Close the lid and let it cook for another 30-40 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare. Flip occasionally and keep an eye on it; you’ll start to smell those wonderful grilled aromas filling the air.
Once your tomahawk steak is done cooking, remove it from the grill and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes so that all those delicious juices can redistribute throughout the meat before you slice into it.
Now that you’ve mastered how to prepare this impressive cut of meat, let’s explore some delicious side dishes that complement your tomahawk steak perfectly.
Troubleshooting (If Something Goes Wrong)
If your tomahawk steak isn’t searing well, ensure your grill is preheated and the grates are clean and oiled. If the internal temperature is too low after cooking, move it back to direct heat for a few minutes while monitoring closely. Remember, mistakes happen, but they can be easily fixed with a little patience. Now that you’re equipped to handle any issues, let’s explore some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with your tomahawk steak.
Variations You’ll Actually Want to Try
For a twist on your tomahawk steak, consider adding a marinade of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard for added depth. You can also experiment with seasoning by substituting smoked paprika with chili powder for a hint of heat or incorporating fresh herbs like oregano or parsley into your rub. Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand!
Once you’ve explored these variations, let’s move on to perfect side dishes to complement your tomahawk steak.
Pick Your Flavor Path
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle extra smoked paprika and a hint of cayenne pepper on the steak before grilling.
- To enhance freshness, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished steak just before serving.
- For a cheesy twist, serve with a side of melted blue cheese or feta to complement the rich flavors of the tomahawk steak.
As you explore these flavor variations, let’s move on to perfecting your grilling technique for an unforgettable experience.
FAQ
How long should I grill a tomahawk steak for medium-rare?
Grill the tomahawk steak for 30-40 minutes after searing, reaching an internal temperature of 130°F.
Can I substitute the olive oil in the tomahawk steak recipe?
Yes, you can use other oils with high smoke points, like avocado or canola oil, if preferred.
What is the best way to store leftover tomahawk steak?
Wrap the leftover tomahawk steak tightly in foil and refrigerate it for up to three days.
To enhance your experience further, consider exploring ideal side dishes that pair beautifully with your grilled tomahawk steak.
Tomahawk Steak
Ingredients
Method
- Remove the tomahawk steak from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30-45 minutes. This helps the steak cook evenly.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This is crucial for achieving a good sear.
- Rub the steak with olive oil on both sides. This will help the seasoning stick and promote browning.
- Season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on both sides. The salt will enhance the flavor and help form a crust.
- Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450°F to 500°F). Make sure the grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Once the grill is hot, place the tomahawk steak on the grill. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side to develop a nice crust.
- After searing, move the steak to a cooler part of the grill (indirect heat) and close the lid. Cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding the bone.
- Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- After resting, slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve garnished with fresh rosemary and thyme.
- Enjoy your perfectly grilled tomahawk steak with your favorite sides!
