If you’re looking to make a show-stopping meal that’s juicy, flavorful, and impressively beautiful, this Grilled Tomahawk Steak Recipe is exactly what you need. With its incredible marbling and that iconic long bone, this steak isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. Perfectly seared and slowly cooked to your preferred doneness, it’s a real crowd-pleaser that combines simple seasoning with expert grilling technique to deliver a mouthwatering feast that’s well worth the effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Tomahawk Steak Recipe comes from keeping things classic and uncomplicated. Each ingredient plays a vital role in enhancing the natural flavors and creating that perfect texture:
- Tomahawk steak: The star of the show, known for its rich marbling and impressive presentation, ideally taken out of the fridge 30 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
- Salt: Essential to bring out the beef’s natural flavors and form a delicious crust during searing.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy note that complements the steak’s richness; use freshly ground for best results.
How to Make Grilled Tomahawk Steak Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill Like a Pro
To get that perfect sear, start by heating your grill to its highest setting, or if you’re using charcoal, prepare the coals until they’re red hot. A blazing hot grill surface is key to locking in juices and developing those beautiful grill marks that make this steak so inviting.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Steak
Pat your tomahawk steak dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of a good crust. Then, generously season with salt and pepper. The seasoning is simple but essential, ensuring each bite bursts with the steak’s natural, savory flavor elevated by the grilling process.
Step 3: Sear to Create a Crust
Place the steak directly onto the hottest part of the grill and sear for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Don’t forget to do a quarter turn halfway through on each side to get those signature diamond-shaped grill marks. This step forms the irresistible crust that locks in juices and adds smoky depth.
Step 4: Cook Indirectly to Perfection
After searing, reduce the grill heat to medium or move the steak to a side with indirect heat to finish cooking gently. Cook for 10 to 25 minutes, flipping once, until the internal temperature is about 5 degrees Fahrenheit below your target doneness. A meat thermometer is your best friend here—it guarantees perfectly cooked steak every time.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once your steak reaches the ideal temperature, place it on a plate and tent with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute. Keep in mind the steak’s internal temperature will rise a little during this time, resulting in tender, juicy slices that melt in your mouth.
How to Serve Grilled Tomahawk Steak Recipe
Garnishes
To highlight the steak’s rich flavor, simple garnishes like a sprig of fresh rosemary, a dollop of herb butter, or flaky sea salt enhance each bite without overwhelming the beef. These subtle touches elevate the presentation while complementing the steak’s savory notes.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like grilled asparagus, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad are perfect companions. They balance the richness of the steak and add color and texture to your plate, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dramatic touch, serve the tomahawk steak whole on a wooden cutting board so everyone can admire the impressive bone before slicing. Alternatively, thin slices arranged atop a bed of arugula with a drizzle of balsamic glaze create a sophisticated steak salad that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover grilled tomahawk steak tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Proper wrapping helps maintain moisture and flavor so you can enjoy your steak again without sacrificing taste.
Freezing
If you want to keep your grilled tomahawk steak longer, freezing is a good option. Wrap it securely in freezer-safe materials to prevent freezer burn, and it will stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw it slowly in the fridge before reheating or repurposing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your steak in the oven at a low temperature or use a covered skillet on medium-low heat to preserve juiciness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to dry out the meat and dull its flavors.
FAQs
What is the best doneness for a tomahawk steak?
Many steak lovers prefer medium-rare to medium to enjoy a tender, juicy bite that highlights the marbling without being overcooked. However, the best doneness ultimately depends on your personal preference.
Can I use a grill pan if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
Absolutely! While nothing beats the smoky flavors of an outdoor grill, a heavy grill pan can help you achieve a good sear indoors. Just make sure it’s hot before adding the steak, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
How thick is a typical tomahawk steak?
Tomahawk steaks are usually around 2 inches thick, sometimes more. This thickness makes them perfect for high-temp searing followed by slower cooking to the desired internal temperature.
Should I marinate the steak?
Because tomahawk steaks are well-marbled and richly flavored, simple seasoning with salt and pepper is often all you need. Marinating can mask the natural beef flavor, so it’s usually best to skip it for this cut.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak and refer to temperature guidelines for rare, medium-rare, medium, and well-done.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Tomahawk Steak Recipe transforms a simple meal into a celebration, bringing unforgettable flavors and impressive presentation to your table. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and share something truly special with loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion.
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Grilled Tomahawk Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Tomahawk Steak recipe delivers a beautifully seared, flavorful steak perfect for steak lovers. Featuring a thick cut with the bone in, the steak is expertly grilled over high heat to create a delicious crust and then finished over medium heat to achieve the desired doneness. Resting the steak ensures juiciness and optimal tenderness, making it an impressive main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 tomahawk steak (removed from fridge and unwrapped about 30 minutes before cooking)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Heat grill: Preheat your grill to the highest setting, or prepare a charcoal grill for direct and indirect heat cooking zones.
- Season steak: Pat the tomahawk steak dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously with salt and pepper if desired for enhanced flavor.
- Sear steak: Place the steak over the hottest part of the grill and sear for 3-5 minutes per side. Rotate the steak a quarter turn halfway through each side to create attractive grill marks and a flavorful crust.
- Finish cooking: Reduce the grill to medium heat or move the steak to indirect heat (side away from coals or over ash-covered coals). Cook for 10-25 minutes, flipping once, until the internal temperature is about 5°F below your target doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check temperature precisely.
- Rest steak: Remove the steak from the grill and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the internal temperature to rise approximately 5°F during this time, which will yield a juicy and tender steak ready for slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to check doneness levels accurately: 120-130°F for rare, 130-135°F for medium rare, 135-145°F for medium, 145-155°F for medium well, and 155°F+ for well done.
- Resting the steak is crucial to redistribute juices and ensure optimum tenderness.
- For added flavor, consider applying a dry rub or marinating the steak ahead of time, although this recipe keeps it simple with salt and pepper.
- Adjust grilling times depending on the steak thickness and your grill’s heat intensity.
