Grilled Tomahawk Steak is a show-stopper of a dish that is sure to impress your guests. This cut of beef is a ribeye steak that is still attached to the rib bone, giving it a unique and impressive look. It’s a large cut of meat, typically weighing between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds, making it perfect for sharing with a group.
To properly grill a Tomahawk Steak, there are a few key steps to follow. First, you’ll want to make sure your steak is properly seasoned. Many recipes suggest using a simple blend of salt and pepper, but you can also get creative with other seasonings and rubs. It’s important to let the steak sit at room temperature for at least an hour before grilling to ensure even cooking. Then, you’ll want to preheat your grill to high heat and sear the steak on both sides before moving it to indirect heat to finish cooking. The result should be a perfectly cooked, juicy steak with a crispy crust.
Choosing the Right Tomahawk Steak
When it comes to selecting the perfect tomahawk steak, there are a few things to consider. The first thing to keep in mind is the quality of the meat. You want to look for a steak with good marbling, which is the fat that runs through the meat. This is what gives the steak its flavor and tenderness.
Another important factor to consider is the thickness of the steak. A good tomahawk steak should be at least 2 inches thick. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and retains its juices, resulting in a juicy and flavorful steak.
The next thing to consider is the grade of the meat. The USDA grades beef based on its quality, with the highest grade being Prime, followed by Choice and Select. Prime beef has the most marbling and is the most tender and flavorful, but it is also the most expensive. Choice beef is a good option if you are looking for a balance between quality and price.
When selecting a tomahawk steak, make sure to look for one that has a long bone. This will not only add to the presentation of the steak but will also help to insulate the meat, preventing it from overcooking.
In summary, when choosing a tomahawk steak, look for good marbling, thickness, and a long bone. Consider the grade of the meat, and choose the one that best fits your budget and taste preferences. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that you select the perfect tomahawk steak for your next grilling adventure.
Essential Tools for Grilling
When it comes to grilling a Tomahawk Steak, having the right tools is essential to achieving the perfect cook. Here are some of the essential tools that we recommend having on hand:
1. Charcoal Grill
While you can certainly use a gas grill, we recommend using a charcoal grill to get that authentic smoky flavor. Make sure to choose a grill that is large enough to accommodate the size of the steak.
2. Chimney Starter
A chimney starter is a great tool for lighting your charcoal quickly and efficiently. Simply fill the chimney with charcoal, light a fire starter cube or crumpled newspaper underneath, and let the coals heat up until they are glowing red.
3. Meat Thermometer
To ensure that your Tomahawk Steak is cooked to perfection, we recommend using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure not to touch the bone. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F.
4. Tongs
Tongs are a must-have tool for grilling, allowing you to flip and move the steak without piercing it and losing valuable juices. Look for tongs that are long enough to keep your hands away from the heat.
5. Grill Brush
After grilling, it’s important to clean your grill grates to prevent food from sticking and to ensure that your next cook is as delicious as the last. A grill brush with sturdy bristles is a great tool for removing any leftover food or debris.
By having these essential tools on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to grill the perfect Tomahawk Steak every time.
Preparation of the Steak
Before we grill our Tomahawk Steak, we need to prepare it properly. This involves seasoning and marinating the steak to enhance its flavor.
Seasoning the Tomahawk Steak
We recommend using a simple seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to bring out the natural flavor of the steak. Rub the seasoning blend generously on both sides of the steak and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.
For those looking for a little more flavor, you can add other herbs and spices to the seasoning blend. For example, rosemary, thyme, and paprika can add a smoky and savory flavor to the steak.
Marinating the Tomahawk Steak
While marinating is not necessary for a Tomahawk Steak, it can add an extra layer of flavor to the meat. We recommend using a simple marinade of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper.
To marinate the steak, place it in a large ziplock bag with the marinade and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor. Make sure to remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry before grilling.
Overall, proper preparation of the Tomahawk Steak is essential to achieving a delicious and flavorful result. Whether you choose to season or marinate the steak, make sure to let it rest at room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking.
Grilling Techniques
When it comes to grilling a Tomahawk steak, there are a few important grilling techniques to keep in mind. In this section, we will cover the most important techniques to help you achieve a perfectly cooked, juicy and flavorful steak.
Direct vs Indirect Grilling
One of the first things to consider when grilling a Tomahawk steak is whether to use direct or indirect grilling. Direct grilling involves placing the steak directly over the heat source, while indirect grilling involves placing the steak to the side of the heat source. Direct grilling is best for thinner steaks, while indirect grilling is better for thicker cuts like the Tomahawk steak.
To grill a Tomahawk steak, we recommend using a combination of both direct and indirect grilling. Start by searing the steak over high heat for a few minutes on each side to create a nice crust. Then, move the steak to a cooler part of the grill and continue cooking over indirect heat until it reaches the desired internal temperature.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is crucial when grilling a Tomahawk steak. To achieve the perfect level of doneness, we recommend using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak.
For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 130-135°F. For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be around 135-145°F. And for a well-done steak, the internal temperature should be around 155°F or higher.
Flipping the Steak
Another important technique to keep in mind when grilling a Tomahawk steak is how to flip the steak. We recommend using tongs to flip the steak, rather than a fork, as using a fork can puncture the meat and cause it to lose its juices.
When flipping the steak, be sure to only flip it once. Flipping the steak too often can cause it to cook unevenly and lose its juices. Also, be sure to let the steak rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
When it comes to cooking a perfect Tomahawk Steak, getting the cooking time and temperature right is crucial. This cut of beef requires a specific cooking technique to achieve a juicy and tender result.
Cooking Temperature
We recommend cooking the Tomahawk Steak at a high temperature to achieve a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The ideal temperature for cooking a Tomahawk Steak is between 400°F to 450°F (204°C to 232°C).
Cooking Time
The cooking time for a Tomahawk Steak depends on various factors such as the thickness of the steak, the cooking temperature, and the desired doneness. We recommend the following cooking times as a general guide:
- Rare: 8-10 minutes per side
- Medium-Rare: 10-12 minutes per side
- Medium: 12-14 minutes per side
- Medium-Well: 14-16 minutes per side
- Well-Done: 16-18 minutes per side
It is important to note that these cooking times are just a guide, and the best way to ensure the steak is cooked to your liking is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, and the internal temperature should read:
- Rare: 120°F to 125°F (49°C to 52°C)
- Medium-Rare: 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C)
- Medium: 140°F to 145°F (60°C to 63°C)
- Medium-Well: 150°F to 155°F (66°C to 68°C)
- Well-Done: 160°F and above (71°C and above)
Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender steak.
By following these cooking times and temperatures, you can achieve a perfectly cooked Tomahawk Steak that is sure to impress your guests.