The Best Ways to Cook the Tomahawk Steak
You can cook the tomahawk steak with different methods such as:
- Grilling
- Cooking in the oven
- Oven-finishing
- Smoking
- Sous Vide
No matter which method you choose, make sure your steak is fully thawed in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
Once thawed, take the steak out of the fridge 30 to 40 minutes before cooking to let it reach room temperature. Finally, season the steak as you want and select one of the following methods to cook the steak.
Premium cuts like Tomahawk steak have seen increasing popularity in high-end restaurants and home kitchens, reflecting consumer preferences for quality and unique dining experiences.
Grilling Tomahawk Steak
One of the best ways to cook a tomahawk steak is on the grill. To grill tomahawk steak, you can use either charcoal grilling or gas grilling.
Here’s how to grill a tomahawk steak on a charcoal grill:
- Preheat the grill to high.
- Place steaks over the hottest part of the grill, and sear both sides for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Switch the heat to medium and continue to grill. (The proper grilling time is mentioned in the table below).
- Flip the steak about 1 minute before the half time.
If you want to learn how to cook tomahawk steak on a gas grill, use the following recipe:
- Preheat the grill to high.
- Sear both sides for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Reduce to medium heat and continue to grill according to the table below.
- Turn it about 1 minute before the halfway point.
Size | Gas Grill | Charcoal Grill |
Rare 2+ inches |
18–20 mins |
18–20 mins |
Medium-Rare 2+ inches |
20–22 mins |
20–22 mins |
Medium 2+ inches |
22–24 mins |
22–24 mins |
Medium-Well 2+ inches |
24–26 mins |
24–26 mins |
Cooking Tomahawk Steak in the Oven
Using the oven is a good indoor option to cook a tomahawk steak with great flavor and tenderness. Here’s How to cook tomahawk steak in the oven.
- Place the steak on the rack of a broiler pan.
- Position the broiler pan so the steak is 4 to 6 inches from the heat.
- Broil to your desired doneness based on the times mentioned in the following table.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after broiling.
- Slice and enjoy!
Size | Broil |
Rare 2+ inches |
17–19 mins |
Medium-Rare 2+ inches |
19–21 mins |
Medium 2+ inches |
21–23 mins |
Medium-Well 2+ inches |
23–25 mins |
Stovetop Skillet Tomahawk Steak with Oven Finish
If you want to cook a tomahawk steak in a pan on a stovetop, the following recipe will help you have a golden-brown sear with a rich flavor.
- Heat a heavy non-stick skillet over medium temperature for about 5 minutes until it's very hot. A hot pan gives the best sear.
- Place the steak in the hot skillet.
- Sear each side for 3 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Place the steak on the rack and bake to your desired doneness according to the times listed in the table below.
- Cook for 12–14 minutes, and turn it about 1 minute before the halfway point.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy!
Size | Broil |
Rare 2+ inches |
10–12 mins |
Medium-Rare 2+ inches |
12–14 mins |
Medium 2+ inches |
14–16 mins |
Medium-Well 2+ inches |
16–18 mins |
Smoked Tomahawk Steak
If you like the taste of smoked meat, you can use this method to enjoy tomahawk steak. Note that the smoking process and timing depend on factors like the cut of meat, meat's thickness, and smoker quality.
For smoking the tomahawk steak you can use the following recipe:
- Heat the smoker to 225°F.
- Place the seasoned steak on the smoker grates and smoke it until it's about 10°F below your desired internal temperature.
- Heat a skillet over high heat (you can use a grill or stove).
- Add a bit of oil to the skillet once it's hot.
- Sear the steak for about 2 minutes on each side.
- Take the steak out of the skillet and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Enjoy!
USDA National Nutrient Database:
Steak is valued for its nutrient density, providing high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins essential for overall health.
Sous Vide Tomahawk Steak
Sous vide is a cooking method using a container that includes a water bath to cook food slowly and evenly. Sous vide steaks can also be kept for several hours before searing and serving, so they’re ready whenever you want.
Here is how to make sous vide tomahawk steak:
- Fill your sous vide container with warm water and set the device to 130°F.
- Place the steak in the water bath and cook for 150 minutes.
- Remove the steak from the sous vide and packaging after cooking.
- Heat a skillet over high heat for about 5 minutes (you can use a grill or stovetop).
- Add a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil to the skillet.
- Sear the steak for about 2 minutes on each side.
- Serve immediately.
Grilling and oven-cooking are the most widely used options among these methods because ovens and grillers are available in many homes. But which one is the best way to cook a tomahawk steak?