How to Grill a Tomahawk Steak

Learn how to grill a Tomahawk Steak with this grilling guide. Whether you're an experienced griller or a beginner, this guide will show you the tips and tricks for cooking the perfect tomahawk steak on the grill. This thick cut of beef can be intimidating, but with the help of this guide, you'll be a grilling pro in no time.

This cut of steak gets its name from its impressive shape, resembling an axe head, and is known for its rich flavor and juiciness. This cut of meat looks as impressive as it tastes, and with the proper technique, you can easily create a juicy, succulent steak that will make your mouth water. We bought our steak at Costco, but it's readily found at butchers and in grocery stores.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Impressive Presentation - the tomahawk steak's long bone adds a dramatic and visually appealing element to your plate, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for any meal.
• Restaurant-Quality Steak at Home - by following this recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality tomahawk steak in the comfort of your own home, without the need for professional culinary skills.
• Customizable Seasonings - you have the freedom to season the tomahawk steak with your favorite spices and dry rubs, allowing you to tailor the flavors to your personal preference.
• Tender and Juicy - properly grilling and baking the tomahawk steak ensures that it retains its juiciness and tenderness, guaranteeing an amazing dining experience.

Key Ingredients

• Tomahawk Steak - as pictured in recipe, we used 2 thick, 45oz Tomahawk Steaks (1.2kg steak)
• Seasoning - used classic salt and pepper, but you can use SPG or your favorite steak seasoning
• Butter Fusion - butter, garlic and fresh Rosemary sprigs

How to Grill a Tomahawk Steak

If you want to make the perfect, juiciest Tomahawk Steak, the I recommend the grill then bake method vs the reverse sear method. Searing ensures a nice crust on your steak, sealing the juices and flavors. Oven baking provides an even temperature enviroment, ensuring the perfectly cooked Tomahawk Steak.

1. Season - pat dry with paper towels and generously sprinkle salt and pepper all over the steak
2. Bring to Room Temperature - leave out on counter for 30-45 minutes until steak is at room temperature
3. Preheat Oven - Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C)
4. Preheat Bbq - heat bbq to around 450°F (230°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking
5. Sear - place tomahawk steak on the preheated grill grates and sear it for 3-4 minutes on each side, including the fat cap
6. Prepare - Remove steak and place onto an oven safe cooling rack, over a baking sheet to catch juices. Insert temperature probes in the thickest part of the Tomahawk
7. Bake - place in pre-heated oven and continue cooking until the desired internal temperature is reached, following the bbq temperature guide
8. Butter - heat butter, garlic and fresh rosemary over medium heat until melted and infused
9. Rest - remove steak from cooling rack. Pour butter infusion over the steak and cover with foil. Rest for 10-15 minutes
10. Serve - slice the steak against the grain into thick, visually appealing portions for serving. Serve with your favorite vegetables

Indirect Grilling Method

You might prefer to grill your steak only using a bbq. You can use gas or charcoal bbq, although I love the smell of grilled meat over charcoals!

1. Sear - place tomahawk steak on the preheated grill grates and sear it for 3-4 minutes on each side, including the fat cap
2. Move Aside - move the seared tomahawk steak to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat zone) or lower the heat to medium-low if using a gas grill.
3. Charcoal - if using charcoal, arrange the coals in a two-zone fire, with high heat on one side and lower heat on the other for indirect grilling.
4. Cook - continue cooking the steak indirectly until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak to monitor the internal temperature.
5. Rest - Once the tomahawk steak reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the grill. Cover with foil and allow the steak to rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes to retain juices and ensure tenderness.

Tomahawk Steak Temperature Guide

What is the ideal internal temperature for a tomahawk steak? After all the time and money spent on preparing Tomahawk Steak, you need to get the internal temperature correct, and that's up to you. I've included a handy infographic you can download for later. Adjust temperatures to your own preferences.

Please note that the USDA recommends an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) followed by a resting time of 3 minutes for the safe consumption of steak. Here are some temperature ranges to aim for:

• RARE - 125°F / 50°C
• MEDIUM-RARE - 130°F / 55°C
• MEDIUM - 140°F / 60°C
• MEDIUM-WELL - 150°F / 65°C
• WELL-DONE - 160°F / 70°C

For your reference, I removed the steak from the oven for the photos at 125°F and allowed it to rest for 15 minutes (because it's such a huge steak). The final temperature was 134°F, which translates to medium-rare.

Butter on Steak

Adding butter really elevates the richness of your steak, perfectly complementing and balancing the flavors. Many recipes use compound butter for steak (which just means softened butter that's flavored). This recipe uses melted infused butter, which is poured over the steak after cooking, when it is resting.

Recipe Tips and FAQs

• Quality Matters - select a well-marbled, high-quality tomahawk steak for the best flavor and tenderness
• Pat Dry and Season Well - use paper towels to pat the steak dry before seasoning. This ensures a better sear. Season the steak generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and add any additional dry rub spices you desire.
• Slice Against the Grain - when serving, slice the tomahawk steak against the grain. This ensures tenderness and optimal texture in each bite.
• Resting is Key - don't skip this one! When the steak reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.

Sauces to Serve with Tomahawk Steak

• Chimichurri Sauce - fresh, South American favorite with parsley and garlic
• Hren - an Eastern European sauce with horseradish and beets
• Peppercorn Sauce - classic sauce made with crushed peppercorns, cream, and sometimes brandy or cognac
• Diane Sauce - a retro, creamy mushroom sauce with brandy or cognac
• Blue Cheese Sauce - this version is great if you are starting out with blue cheese, alternatively, serve with slices of fresh Blue Cheese
• Bearnaise Sauce - a creamy Hollandaise type of sauce made with tarragon

Should I Flip the Tomahawk Steak While Grilling?

Yes, it's important to flip the tomahawk steak during grilling to ensure even cooking and achieve a uniform sear on both sides. Flip the steak only once, about halfway through the grilling process if not using oven method.

Can I Use a Marinade for a Tomahawk Steak?

While a tomahawk steak is typically flavorful on its own, you can use a marinade to add extra flavor if desired. Marinate the steak for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before grilling. Ensure you pat it dry before seasoning and grilling to promote a good sear.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

If you have leftover tomahawk steak, allow it to cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak in a preheated oven or grill until it reaches your desired temperature.

What to Serve with Tomahawk Steak?

• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Grilled Zucchini
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli - oven and air fryer instructions
• Garlic Butter Green Beans
• Truffle Mashed Potatoes
• Roasted Garlic Asparagus - oven and air fryer instructions
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Honey Roasted Carrots
• Oven Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
• Creamy Mushrooms with Cognac

Follow these simple steps and you'll be enjoying a juicy, tender steak that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Leave your guests amazed, as this cut of meat is juicy, succulent and looks as impressive as it tastes. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

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