What Is Tomahawk Steak?

A tomahawk steak is a thick-cut, bone-in ribeye steak with the long rib bone left attached and French trimmed for presentation.

It is big, dramatic, full of flavour, and very hard to miss. If you have seen one on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, in a steakhouse, or being carried across a restaurant like a caveman trophy, you will know exactly what we mean.

Sometimes called a “Flintstones steak”, the tomahawk gets its name because the long rib bone makes it look like a tomahawk axe.

It may have become especially popular in America, but tomahawk steaks are now very popular here in the UK too, especially for sharing, BBQs, steak nights and special occasions.

What Cut Is Tomahawk Steak?

Tomahawk steak is cut from the fore rib of beef.

It is basically a ribeye steak left on the bone, with the rib bone left as long as possible and French trimmed to give it that impressive tomahawk shape.

Because it comes from the same section as ribeye, tomahawk steak is well marbled, juicy and rich in flavour. It has a generous amount of internal fat, which helps give it that proper steakhouse eating quality.

Why Is It Called a Tomahawk Steak?

It is called a tomahawk steak because it looks like a tomahawk axe.

The long, clean rib bone acts like the handle, while the thick ribeye section is the “blade”. Once you have seen one, the name makes complete sense.

That shape is a big part of the appeal. A tomahawk steak is not just about eating steak, it is about putting something impressive on the table.

What Kind of Meat Is Tomahawk Steak?

Tomahawk steak is beef.

More specifically, it is a thick bone-in rib steak cut from the fore rib. In simple terms, it is an on-the-bone ribeye with the long rib bone left attached.

If you like ribeye steak, there is a very good chance you will like tomahawk steak.

How Big Is a Tomahawk Steak?

Tomahawk steaks are usually large sharing steaks.

Most tomahawks weigh somewhere around 900g to 1.2kg, although some can be larger. We have had tomahawks come in at around 1.5kg before, so they can definitely be a serious bit of beef.

They are usually cut around 4cm to 6cm thick, because the thickness is partly dictated by the rib bone.

This is why tomahawk steaks are usually treated as sharing steaks for two or more people, rather than a casual Tuesday night steak for one. Unless you are very hungry, obviously.

Tomahawk Steak vs Ribeye

A tomahawk steak and a ribeye steak are very closely related.

Both come from the rib section of beef. Both are well marbled. Both are rich, juicy and full of flavour.

The main difference is the bone and the presentation.

In simple terms, a tomahawk steak is basically a ribeye steak turned up to full theatre mode.

Tomahawk Steak vs Cowboy Steak

Tomahawk steak and cowboy steak are also very similar.

Both are bone-in rib steaks from the fore rib, and both can be French trimmed. The difference is usually the length of the bone and the thickness of the steak.

A cowboy steak has a shorter bone, usually only a couple of inches. A tomahawk has the long rib bone left attached, often five inches or more.

A cowboy steak is also usually cut thinner than a tomahawk. A tomahawk is normally cut to the full thickness of the rib bone, which is why it is such a big, thick sharing steak.

What Is So Special About a Tomahawk Steak?

Tomahawk steak is special because of its size, flavour and presentation.

It is cut from one of the most popular steak sections of the animal, has the same rich eating quality as ribeye, and comes with that long, dramatic bone attached.

It looks impressive before you cook it, while you cook it, and when you put it on the table.

That makes tomahawk steak perfect for:

• special occasions
• date nights
• BBQs
• steak nights
• celebrations
• sharing meals
• showing off a little

And to be honest, sometimes showing off a little is half the fun.

Why Is Tomahawk Steak Expensive?

Tomahawk steak is expensive because it comes from the fore rib, which is one of the most sought-after beef sections.

It is cut from the same area as ribeye, which is already a premium steak cut because of its tenderness, marbling and flavour.

The shape also adds cost. Leaving the long rib bone attached means sacrificing other valuable beef rib cuts, such as short ribs or flat ribs, because that bone is staying with the steak.

Then the bone has to be French trimmed, which takes time and skill. Any meat trimmed from the bone is no longer part of the premium steak and will usually be used elsewhere, such as mince or burgers.

So yes, tomahawk steak looks expensive. But there is also a lot of butchery, weight, presentation and premium beef behind it.

Is Tomahawk Steak Worth It?

If you want the cheapest way to eat steak, probably not.

If you want a brilliant sharing steak that looks impressive, tastes fantastic, and feels like a proper occasion, then yes, tomahawk steak is worth it.

You are not just paying for a normal steak. You are paying for a large bone-in ribeye, presentation, butchery, size and the eating experience.

It is not an everyday steak, but it is a very good special occasion steak.

What Does Tomahawk Steak Taste Like?

Tomahawk steak tastes rich, beefy and juicy.

Because it is essentially a ribeye steak on the bone, it has good marbling and plenty of internal fat. This gives it a deeper flavour and a softer, juicier texture than leaner cuts such as sirloin or rump.

The bone also adds to the experience, especially when cooking and serving, although most of the flavour still comes from the quality of the beef and the marbling in the steak.

How Many People Does a Tomahawk Steak Feed?

Most tomahawk steaks will feed two people comfortably.

A smaller tomahawk may be ideal for two. A larger tomahawk, especially one over 1.2kg, may feed two very hungry people or stretch to three when served with sides.

For a big steak night, serve it sliced with chips, salad, onion rings, mushrooms, peppercorn sauce, garlic butter or roasted vegetables.

What Is the Best Way to Cook a Tomahawk Steak?

The best way to cook a tomahawk steak at home is to sear it first, then finish it gently in the oven or over indirect heat on the BBQ.

Because tomahawk steaks are so thick, they are difficult to cook properly from start to finish in a frying pan. The outside would be done before the middle had cooked properly.

For a full step-by-step method, read our guide on how to cook tomahawk steak.

Can You Cook Tomahawk Steak on the BBQ?

Yes, tomahawk steak is excellent on the BBQ.

The best method is to sear it over direct heat first, then move it to indirect heat and cook with the lid down until it reaches your preferred internal temperature.

Use a meat thermometer if possible. A steak this size is not one you want to guess.

For more general BBQ advice, have a look at our guide on how to BBQ.

What Temperature Should Tomahawk Steak Be?

For best results, cook tomahawk steak to temperature rather than relying only on time.

The steak will continue to cook slightly while resting, so remove it from the heat just before it reaches your final target temperature.

What to Serve with Tomahawk Steak

Tomahawk steak works brilliantly with simple steakhouse-style sides.

Good options include chips, roast potatoes, mash, onion rings, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, salad, corn on the cob, garlic butter, peppercorn sauce or mac and cheese.

Because the steak itself is the main event, you do not need to overcomplicate the meal.

Browse our full steak collection or beef range for more steak night ideas.

Final Thoughts

So, what is tomahawk steak?

It is a thick, bone-in ribeye steak with the long rib bone left attached and French trimmed for presentation.

It is big, rich, juicy, impressive and perfect for sharing. It is not the cheapest steak on the counter, but it is one of the most memorable.

If you want a proper steak night centrepiece, tomahawk steak is hard to beat.

FAQs

What is tomahawk steak?

Tomahawk steak is a thick bone-in ribeye steak with the long rib bone left attached and French trimmed for presentation.

What cut is tomahawk steak?

Tomahawk steak is cut from the fore rib of beef. It is essentially a ribeye steak on the bone.

Why is it called tomahawk steak?

It is called tomahawk steak because the long rib bone makes it look like a tomahawk axe.

Is tomahawk steak the same as ribeye?

Tomahawk steak is very similar to ribeye. It is basically a thick-cut bone-in ribeye with the long rib bone left attached.

Is tomahawk steak the same as cowboy steak?

No, although they are similar. A cowboy steak usually has a shorter bone, while a tomahawk has the long rib bone left attached.

Why is tomahawk steak expensive?

Tomahawk steak is expensive because it comes from the premium fore rib section, is cut thick, includes the long rib bone, and takes extra butchery work to French trim.

How many people does a tomahawk steak feed?

Most tomahawk steaks feed two people comfortably, although larger steaks can feed more when served with sides.

What is the best way to cook tomahawk steak?

The best way is to sear it first, then finish it gently in the oven or over indirect heat on the BBQ until it reaches your preferred internal temperature.