Cooking a Easy tomahawk steak can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a restaurant-quality dish at home. I’ve combined methods from renowned steakhouses like Peter Luger and Ruth’s Chris to bring you a step-by-step guide on how to cook this impressive cut of meat.
The ribeye portion of the tomahawk steak is generous, making it a showstopper on any dinner table. By following my proven method, you’ll be able to achieve a perfect crust on the steak through grilling, and then infuse it with herbs and butter in the oven.
Key Takeaways
- Cooking a tomahawk steak using a two-stage process: grilling and baking.
- Achieving a perfect crust on the steak through grilling.
- Infusing the steak with herbs and butter in the oven for maximum flavor.
- Understanding the importance of proper timing when cooking a premium cut of meat.
- Applying these techniques to other cuts of steak beyond the tomahawk ribeye.
- Cooking a tomahawk steak for special occasions or to impress your guests.
What Makes a Tomahawk Steak Special
For steak enthusiasts, the tomahawk steak is a dream come true. It’s a big, thick-cut, bone-in ribeye steak with the long bone still attached, making it an impressive cut that stands out on the plate.
Understanding the Cut
A tomahawk steak is essentially a ribeye steak with a long bone, which is where it gets its name. This cut is known for its rich flavor and tender texture, making it a favorite among steak lovers.
Why This Method Works
The two-stage cooking method used for a tomahawk steak allows for precise temperature control, resulting in both a flavorful crust and a perfectly cooked interior. Grilling the steak first creates the desirable Maillard reaction, developing complex flavors. Finishing it in the oven with butter and herbs infuses the meat with additional flavors, making it a truly special dish.
By following this method, you can achieve a perfectly cooked steak every time. The key is to not overcook it, as this can make the steak tough. With practice, you’ll be able to cook a tomahawk steak to perfection, making it a great addition to any meal.
Preparing Your Easy Tomahawk Steak
The journey to a deliciously cooked tomahawk steak begins with proper preparation. To cook a tomahawk steak to perfection, you need to start with the right ingredients and preparation techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a mouth-watering tomahawk steak, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These include 1-2 tomahawk steaks, beef tallow or high-heat oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Ensuring your steaks are at room temperature is crucial for even cooking.
Creating the Perfect Compound Butter
Compound butter can elevate your steak to the next level. While the provided data doesn’t specify the compound butter ingredients, a typical mix includes softened butter, herbs like parsley or thyme, and sometimes garlic. Mixing these ingredients and shaping the butter into a log can provide a flavorful finish to your steak.
Seasoning Your Steak
Proper seasoning is crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of your ribeye tomahawk steak. Start by patting your steak dry with paper towels, then apply a thin layer of beef tallow. Generously season with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Allowing the steak to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before cooking helps the seasonings penetrate the meat.
Cooking Process: From Grill to Oven
A tomahawk steak is cooked to perfection by employing a grilling technique followed by a precise oven finishing method. This dual-cooking approach ensures that the steak is cooked evenly throughout, with a beautifully seared crust.
Initial Grilling Technique
Preheat your grill to 400°F for direct cooking. Add the steaks to cook for 15-20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 110°F. Make sure to flip them occasionally to develop a good crust. This initial grilling phase is crucial for creating the signature flavor and texture of a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak.
Resting Period
Once the steaks are done grilling, pull them off the heat and let them rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
Finishing in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 500°F for direct cooking. You can also use a broiler or salamander grill for this step. Add your rested tomahawk steaks to a skillet with unsalted butter, smashed garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Place the skillet in the oven to broil for 3-4 minutes, until the butter is sizzling and popping. This step enhances the flavor of the ribeye cut, adding a rich, savory taste.
Adding the Finishing Butter
After removing the skillet from the oven, immediately top each steak with a generous portion of your prepared compound butter. The residual heat from both the steak and the skillet will melt the butter, creating a luxurious sauce that enhances the flavor of the meat. Let the steaks rest in the warm skillet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a cutting board for the final rest and slicing. This finishing touch elevates your home-cooked tomahawk to restaurant quality.
Conclusion
Cooking a tomahawk steak to perfection is easier than you think with the right guidance. By following the steps outlined, you can achieve steakhouse-quality results at home. The key to success lies in understanding each stage of the cooking process.
To enjoy your perfectly cooked tomahawk steak, let it rest for a couple of minutes after it’s been out of the oven, then slice it against the grain on a sturdy cutting board. Serve with classic steakhouse sides like mashed potatoes or creamed spinach to elevate your dining experience. With practice, you’ll gain confidence in cooking steaks to your preferred doneness, making this special-occasion meat a versatile option for any dinner gathering, saving you time in the kitchen.
