How to Cook Tomahawk Steak

So, you’ve either already invested, or you’re thinking about investing, in a proper piece of beef like a tomahawk steak.

And now you’re worried about messing it up.

Completely understandable.

Tomahawk steaks are big, impressive sharing steaks. They can be anywhere from 900g to well over 1kg, and we’ve even had tomahawks come in at around 1.5kg. So yes, they can feel pretty intimidating to cook.

They are not like frying a quick sirloin or ribeye steak, that’s for certain.

That being said, learning how to cook tomahawk steak at home is not as difficult as it looks. The secret is simple: sear it first, then finish it gently in the oven until it reaches the right internal temperature.

Do that properly and you’ll have a restaurant-style steak at home, without needing to panic over a massive bone-in rib steak.

What Is Tomahawk Steak?

A tomahawk steak is a thick-cut rib steak with the long rib bone left in.

It is cut from the fore rib, just like a ribeye, but the bone is left long and French trimmed for presentation. That long bone is what gives the tomahawk steak its dramatic axe-like appearance.

In terms of flavour and texture, tomahawk steak is very similar to ribeye. It is well marbled, rich, juicy and full of beef flavour.

The main difference is the size, thickness and presentation. A tomahawk is made for sharing, showing off a little, and feeling like you’ve cooked something special.

Is Tomahawk Steak Hard to Cook?

No, tomahawk steak is not hard to cook, but it does need a slightly different method to a normal steak.

Because tomahawk steak is so thick, you cannot usually cook it properly from start to finish in a frying pan. The outside would be overdone before the middle reaches the temperature you want.

The best method is to sear the steak first in a very hot pan, skillet, griddle or on the BBQ, then finish it gently in the oven or indirectly on the BBQ.

Best Way to Cook Tomahawk Steak

There are a few ways to cook tomahawk steak, including reverse searing, BBQ cooking and low and slow methods.

But for a reliable home method, I like to keep things simple:

1. Sear the steak in a hot pan or skillet.
2. Finish it gently in a low oven.
3. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
4. Rest it properly before slicing.

This gives you a great crust on the outside while keeping the middle juicy and cooked how you want it.

How Long Does It Take to Cook a Tomahawk Steak?

A tomahawk steak usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes to cook, depending on the size and thickness of the steak, the oven temperature and how well done you want it.

As a guide, a 1.2kg tomahawk steak, around 2 inches thick, cooked to medium rare, will usually take around 30 to 40 minutes in a low oven after searing.

The best way to get it right is to use a meat thermometer. With a steak this size, guessing is risky.

Tomahawk Steak Ingredients

• 1.2kg tomahawk steak
• Salt
• Black pepper
• A little oil, optional

How to Cook Tomahawk Steak in the Oven

1. Remove your tomahawk steak from the fridge and allow it to come closer to room temperature before cooking.
2. Preheat your oven to Gas Mark 1, 140°C, or 120°C fan.
3. Preheat a frying pan, cast iron skillet or griddle pan over a high heat.
4. Wrap the exposed bone in foil to stop it charring too much in the oven.
5. Season the steak generously with salt just before searing.
6. Sear the steak on all sides until a good crust has formed. This should take around 5 minutes per side.
7. Place the steak on a baking tray and transfer it to the oven.
8. Cook for around 30 to 40 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred internal temperature.
9. Remove the steak from the oven, cover loosely with foil and rest for 10 minutes.
10. Add black pepper before serving, then slice and enjoy.

Tomahawk Steak Internal Temperatures

For best results, use a meat thermometer and cook to temperature rather than time.

Remember, the steak will continue to cook slightly while resting, so you can remove it from the oven just before it reaches your final target temperature.

Why Sear Tomahawk Steak First?

Searing gives tomahawk steak its crust.

The oven is brilliant for gently bringing the steak up to temperature, but it will not give you the same rich brown crust as a hot pan, skillet or BBQ.

By searing first, you get colour, flavour and that proper steakhouse finish on the outside.

Should You Wrap the Bone in Foil?

Yes, it is a good idea to wrap the exposed bone in foil.

The long bone is mostly there for presentation, and because it sticks out, it can darken or char in the oven or over the BBQ.

Wrapping the bone in foil helps keep it looking cleaner when you serve the steak.

How Long Should You Rest Tomahawk Steak?

Rest tomahawk steak for around 10 minutes after cooking.

Resting helps the juices settle back through the meat. If you cut straight into a large steak as soon as it comes out of the oven, more of those juices will run out onto the board.

For a big steak like a tomahawk, resting is not optional. It makes a real difference.

How to Slice Tomahawk Steak

The easiest way to serve tomahawk steak is to cut the meat away from the bone first, then slice it across the grain.

Lay the sliced steak back beside the bone for presentation if you want the full steakhouse look.

If you’re sharing, slice it at the table and let everyone fight over the best bits. Civilised behaviour optional.

Can You Cook Tomahawk Steak on the BBQ?

Yes, tomahawk steak is brilliant on the BBQ.

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.

This gives you the flavour of the BBQ with better control over the cooking.

For more BBQ tips, read our guide on how to BBQ.

Tomahawk Steak vs Ribeye

Tomahawk steak and ribeye are very closely related.

A tomahawk is essentially a thick bone-in ribeye with the long rib bone left attached. Both cuts come from the rib section and have good marbling, rich flavour and a juicy texture.

If you love ribeye, you will probably love tomahawk steak. The tomahawk is just bigger, thicker and more dramatic.

What to Serve with Tomahawk Steak

Tomahawk steak works well with classic steakhouse sides.

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

Because tomahawk steak is already rich and impressive, you do not need to overcomplicate the sides.

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

Tips for Cooking Tomahawk Steak

• Let the steak come closer to room temperature before cooking.
• Use a heavy pan, skillet, griddle or BBQ for searing.
• Season with salt just before searing.
• Wrap the exposed bone in foil.
• Finish gently in a low oven or over indirect BBQ heat.
• Use a meat thermometer instead of guessing.
• Rest the steak before slicing.
• Slice across the grain for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Tomahawk steak looks intimidating, but it is not difficult to cook once you understand the method.

Sear it hard, finish it gently, check the internal temperature, and rest it properly.

That is the trick to cooking a tomahawk steak at home without ruining a beautiful piece of beef.

FAQs

How do you cook tomahawk steak?

Sear the tomahawk steak in a hot pan, skillet or on the BBQ, then finish it gently in a low oven or over indirect heat until it reaches your preferred internal temperature.

How long does tomahawk steak take to cook?

A tomahawk steak usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on size, thickness and how well done you want it.

What temperature should tomahawk steak be cooked to?

As a guide, cook tomahawk steak to 52°C for rare, 57°C for medium rare, and 63°C for medium.

Is tomahawk steak the same as ribeye?

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

Should you cook tomahawk steak in the oven?

Yes, the oven is a great way to finish a tomahawk steak after searing because it helps the thick steak cook evenly.

Do you need a meat thermometer for tomahawk steak?

A meat thermometer is strongly recommended. Tomahawk steaks are thick and expensive, so cooking to temperature is much safer than guessing.

How long should tomahawk steak rest?

Rest tomahawk steak for around 10 minutes after cooking before slicing.