Master the Art of Grilling: How to Perfectly Cook a Tomahawk Steak on the Grill

Are you looking to impress your friends and family at your next backyard BBQ? Look no further, because we have the perfect dish to elevate your grilling game – the tomahawk steak. This impressive cut of beef is known for its rich marbling and enormous size, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for any meal. And the best part? You can easily cook it on your grill. In this article, we will guide you through the process of preparing and grilling a tomahawk steak, so you can wow your guests with a delicious and perfectly cooked meal. Get ready to become a master of the grill as we show you how to cook a tomahawk steak on a grill.

Tomahawk steak, also known as cowboy steak or bone-in ribeye, is a large, flavorful cut of beef that is guaranteed to impress your dinner guests. Its unique shape and marbled texture make it both visually appealing and delicious on the grill. While cooking a tomahawk steak may seem like a daunting task, with the right techniques, you can achieve a perfectly cooked and juicy steak every time. In this guide, we will walk you through how to cook a tomahawk steak on a grill like a pro.

The Best Cut for Grilling

When it comes to grilling tomahawk steaks, not all cuts are created equal. The ideal cut for grilling is one that is about 2 inches thick with plenty of marbling. This means that the fat is evenly distributed throughout the meat, which adds flavor and helps keep the steak juicy as it cooks.

When purchasing your tomahawk steak, look for ones with plenty of marbling and ask your butcher to cut it to your desired thickness. Typically, a good tomahawk steak should weigh around 3-4 pounds and can feed 2-3 people.

Preparing Your Grill

Before cooking your tomahawk steak, it’s essential to prepare your grill properly. You want your grill to be hot enough to sear the outside of the steak while still leaving it rare or medium-rare on the inside.

If you are using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat (around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit). For charcoal grills, make sure you have an even layer of hot coals before placing your steak on top.

For an added smoky flavor, you can use wood chips or chunks on top of the charcoal before heating up the grill.

Tips for Seasoning

Keeping it simple is key when seasoning a tomahawk steak. Since it is such a flavorful cut of meat, you don’t want to overpower it with too many spices or marinades. All you need is a generous amount of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Start by rubbing the steak all over with olive oil to ensure that the spices stick to the meat. You can also add any additional seasonings at this point, such as garlic powder or rosemary, for some extra flavor.

Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This will allow the steak to cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming tough.

The Grilling Process

Now it’s time to get your tomahawk steak on the grill. Place the steak on direct heat for about 5-6 minutes on each side to develop a nice sear. After that, move it to indirect heat and let it cook for an additional 10-12 minutes per side.

The key to achieving a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak is using a meat thermometer. For rare, the internal temperature should be around 130 degrees Fahrenheit; for medium-rare, aim for 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to check the thickest part of the steak for accuracy.

Resting and Serving Your Steak

It’s essential to let your tomahawk steak rest after grilling before cutting into it. This allows the juices in the meat to redistribute and keeps your steak moist and flavorful. Letting it rest for about 10 minutes will produce a tender, juicy bite every time.

Once rested, remove any twine or foil from around the bone and cut your tomahawk into thick slices against the grain of the meat. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Additional Tips

– To add some extra flavor, you can baste your steak with melted butter and herbs while it cooks on the grill.
– Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings. You can use a variety of different spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences.
– If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can use the finger test method to check for doneness. Gently press on the steak with your finger; if it feels like the fleshy part underneath your thumb, it is rare, and if it feels more like the firm spot below your pinky, it is medium-rare.
– For those who prefer their steaks well done, you can still achieve a delicious flavor by cooking it longer on indirect heat. Just keep in mind that cooking it too long can result in a dry and tough steak.
– Leftover tomahawk steak can be used for delicious salads, sandwiches, or stir-fries. Just be sure to refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days.

Grilling a tomahawk steak may seem intimidating at first, but with the right techniques and tips, you can master this impressive cut of beef at home. Make sure to choose a good quality cut, season simply, and use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked steaks every

What is a Tomahawk Steak?

A tomahawk steak is a cut of beef that is known for its impressive size and striking visual appearance. It gets its name from the distinctive shape of its long bone, which resembles a tomahawk, a traditional Native American weapon. This cut is also referred to as a cowboy ribeye or a bone-in ribeye due to its large size and the fact that it comes from the rib section of the cow. The tomahawk steak is known for its rich marbling, intense flavor, and tender texture, making it a favorite among steak connoisseurs.

Choosing the Right Cut

To cook a delicious tomahawk steak on the grill, it’s important to choose the right cut. Look for steaks with plenty of marbling (small flecks of fat interspersed throughout) as this will add juiciness and flavor to the meat when cooked. The thickness of the steak is also crucial – aim for at least 2 inches thick to allow for proper cooking without overcooking and drying out the meat.

When purchasing your tomahawk steak, it’s best to buy it from a reputable butcher who can give you specific information on where the meat came from and how it was raised. Opt for grass-fed or organic beef if possible as this will ensure better quality and taste.

Preparing for Grilling

Before grilling your tomahawk steak, there are a few key steps you should follow for optimum results. First, remove the steaks from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan on cooking them. This allows them to come to room temperature and ensures more even cooking.

Next, pat down your steaks with paper towels to remove any excess moisture – this will help with browning while cooking. Season liberally with your choice of seasonings – a classic blend of salt, pepper, and garlic works wonderfully, but feel free to get creative with your own blend of herbs and spices.

Preparing the Grill

To grill a tomahawk steak to perfection, you’ll need to get your grill nice and hot. Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to high heat (around 400-450 degrees F). Once the grill is hot, use a wire brush to scrape off any debris on the grates and rub them with oil using tongs and a paper towel to prevent sticking.

If using a charcoal grill, evenly spread out the hot coals for even heat distribution. For a gas grill, leave one burner on high and turn the others off for indirect heat cooking. Allow the grill grates to heat up for at least 10 minutes before placing your steak on.

Cooking Time

When it comes to cooking time for a tomahawk steak, there are a few factors that will affect it – the thickness of your steak, temperature of your grill, and how you like your steak cooked. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 6-8 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.

Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak to determine doneness – medium-rare will read around 135 degrees F while medium will be around 145 degrees F. Remember that the meat will continue to cook once removed from heat so it’s best to take it off when it’s slightly below your desired temperature.

Grilling Techniques

To achieve perfectly grilled tomahawk steaks, there are a few techniques you can use. First is the flip once method – simply place your steaks on direct heat and only flip them once during cooking. This allows for more even cooking without overhandling the steaks.

Another technique is the high heat, then low heat approach. First start your steaks on high, direct heat for a few minutes on each side to achieve a nice sear. Then move them to indirect heat and close the lid to allow for more gentle cooking and even doneness.

Resting and Serving

Once your tomahawk steaks are done cooking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures a more tender and juicy steak.

When carving your tomahawk steak, cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with your choice of sides, such as grilled vegetables or a baked potato, and enjoy your perfectly cooked, mouth-watering tomahawk steak.

Troubleshooting Tips

While grilling a tomahawk steak may seem overwhelming, there are a few common mistakes that can easily be avoided. First is overcooking – it’s best to use a meat thermometer to prevent this or follow the recommended cooking times.

Another issue can be having too much fat dripping onto the grill causing flare-ups. To avoid this, trim excess fat from the edges of your steak before grilling. Lastly, avoid using

1. Can I grill a tomahawk steak on a regular gas grill?
Yes, you can grill a tomahawk steak on a regular gas grill. However, it is recommended to use a grill with at least 3 burners to evenly distribute heat.

2. How should I season my tomahawk steak before grilling?
You can use a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder or get creative with your preferred rubs. It is important to season the steak at least 30 minutes before grilling to allow the flavors to infuse.

3. Do I need to let the tomahawk steak come to room temperature before grilling?
It is recommended to let the tomahawk steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This allows for more even cooking and reduces the risk of overcooking the meat.

4. What is the ideal internal temperature for a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak?
For medium-rare doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

5. Do I need to rest my tomahawk steak after grilling?
Yes, it is important to let your tomahawk steak rest for about 10 minutes after grilling before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that your meat stays juicy and tender.

6. How do you achieve perfect crosshatch marks on a grilled tomahawk steak?
To achieve crosshatch marks on your grilled tomahawk steak, place it on the grill diagonally and rotate it 45 degrees halfway through cooking on each side. This will create those beautiful diamond-shaped sear marks that give your steak an impressive presentation.

In conclusion, cooking a tomahawk steak on a grill is a straightforward process that requires some basic techniques and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, anyone can achieve a perfectly cooked and delicious tomahawk steak right in their own backyard.

First, preparing the steak by seasoning it properly and allowing it to come to room temperature is crucial for achieving optimal flavor and tenderness. Then, using a hot grill with direct and indirect heat zones, along with proper grilling times for different degrees of doneness, ensures that the steak is cooked to perfection.

Additionally, using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to accurately gauge the internal temperature of the steak and avoid over or undercooking. And by resting the steak after grilling, the juices will redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.

It’s also important to remember that cooking a tomahawk steak on a grill is not just about following specific steps but also learning through trial and error and adjusting based on personal preferences. And ultimately, the key to achieving the best tomahawk steak is using high-quality meat from a reputable source.

In summary, mastering how to cook a tomahawk steak on the grill requires some practice but yields mouth-watering results. Remembering to

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Erick Benitez

In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.