How to Cook a Perfect Tomahawk Steak

Tomahawk steaks have become increasingly popular in recent years, often found on menus at fancy steakhouses and restaurants. If you’re a steak lover, you might have considered trying to cook one at home but felt intimidated by the task. However, with the right instructions, cooking the perfect tomahawk steak can be easier than you think. Follow these steps for a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends.

Preparing the meat

Before you start cooking, you need to make sure your steak is ready for the grill or pan. Here are some preparation tips to follow:

1. Take the steak out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure even cooking.

2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent it from searing properly.

3. Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other spices or herbs, such as garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme, for extra flavor.

4. Optional step: If you want to add more flavor and tenderize the meat, you can marinate the steak for a few hours or overnight. A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar.

Cooking methods

Now that your steak is ready, it’s time to decide how you want to cook it. There are two main methods: grilling and pan-searing. Both can yield delicious results if done correctly.

Grilling

1. Preheat your grill to high heat.

2. Place the tomahawk steak on the hottest part of the grill, directly above the flames.

3. Close the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes per side for a rare steak, or 4-5 minutes per side for a medium-rare steak.

4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For rare, it should be around 130°F, and for medium-rare, it should be around 135°F.

5. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pan-searing

1. Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan on high heat.

2. Add a tablespoon of oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, to the pan.

3. Place the steak in the hot pan and sear for 2-3 minutes per side for a rare steak, or 4-5 minutes per side for a medium-rare steak.

4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For rare, it should be around 130°F, and for medium-rare, it should be around 135°F.

5. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving suggestions

Now that your tomahawk steak is perfectly cooked, it’s time to enjoy it with your favorite side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

– Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
– Garlic mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries.
– Grilled corn on the cob or a fresh salad.
– Red wine or a dark beer to complement the rich flavors of the steak.

Tips and tricks

– Use a meat thermometer to ensure the correct internal temperature and avoid overcooking or undercooking the steak.
– Let the steak rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meat.
– If you’re grilling the steak, be careful not to flare up the flames, which can cause burning and uneven cooking.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan if you’re pan-searing, as this can cause the meat to steam instead of sear.

FAQs

1. What temperature should the grill be set to?

The grill should be preheated to high heat for both gas and charcoal grills.

2. Can I use a different cut of meat?

While tomahawk steaks are the most impressive and flavorful option, you can use other cuts, such as ribeye or strip steak, and follow the same cooking instructions.

3. How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For rare, it should be around 130°F, and for medium-rare, it should be around 135°F.

4. Can I cook the steak in the oven?

Yes, you can sear the steak on the stovetop and then finish it off in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and cook for 5-6 minutes for a rare steak, or 7-8 minutes for a medium-rare steak.

5. Are there any sides that pair particularly well with tomahawk steak?

Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, and red wine are classic pairings that complement the rich flavors of the steak.