Tomahawk Rib-Eye Steak – If there’s a steak that resembles caveman food, it is the tomahawk rib-eye. Also called a cowboy steak, the tomahawk is a bone-in rib-eye that can weighs between 1 1/2 and 3 pounds. It’s cut from between the sixth and 12th rib of the cow, is nearly 2 inches thick, and includes a long bone—this signature “handle” led to the steak’s name.
This large steak can feed two or more people, and it can easily be prepared at home. This recipe includes a garlic-thyme butter sauce that really takes the dish to the next level. Serve it with a full-bodied red wine like cabernet sauvignon and a veggie side, and recreate this classic steakhouse splurge for a fraction of the cost.
Why Are Tomahawk Steaks So Expensive?
The rib-eye includes some of the most flavorful and tender beef and there’s very little of it on a cow, which is why tomahawk steaks are some of the more expensive pieces of meat at the store. Similar to a rack of lamb, the bone is frenched to give the steak its distinctive 5- to 8-inch “handle.” The cut is sure to make a big impression and it’s worth the price for special occasions.
What’s the Best Way to Cook a Tomahawk Steak?
Because it’s a thick cut, the tomahawk steak is best when pan seared and then finished in the oven. Searing gives you a nice brown crust on the steak, while finishing in the oven allows you to cook it to your desired doneness without burning the outside or making the steak tough.
In this recipe, the steak is basted with a mixture of butter, roasted garlic, and fresh thyme before resting and being served. The result is a juicy, flavorful, and tender piece of meat.
Tips for Making the Best Tomahawk Steak
- You may need to order a tomahawk steak from your local butcher or supermarket. While most meat departments carry rib-eye steaks, they may need to french the bone for you for a tomahawk.
- Wrapping the bone in aluminum foil is an optional step used at steakhouses to give the bone a nice appearance if the entire steak is served to one diner. You don’t have to do this, but it does make a better presentation.
- Use peanut, canola, or grapeseed oil for this recipe—not olive oil. Since olive oil has a somewhat low smoke point, it will smoke too much and may impart a burnt flavor to the meat. Peanut, canola, and grapeseed oil, however, are neutral oils that don’t impart any flavor. Once the steak is in the oven, you can proceed with the recipe as written, and if desired, add a splash of olive oil to the skillet with the butter when creating the pan sauce.
- Gather the ingredients. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 F.
- Pat the tomahawk steak dry with paper towels.
- Season very liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Let the steak come to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, prepare the garlic. Trim off the top 1/4 inch of the garlic bulb. Drizzle with the oil and add a pinch of salt, then wrap in a foil tent, and roast the garlic for 30 minutes, until the cloves are soft. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Increase the oven temperature to 425 F.
- Optional: Moisten a paper towel and wrap it around the steak’s rib bone, then wrap aluminum foil around the paper towel.
- In a large heavy-duty skillet (preferably cast-iron), heat the 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat until it’s just starting to smoke. Lay the tomahawk steak into the skillet and sear for 3 minutes without touching it. (Step back a bit since it will smoke and spatter.)
- Using tongs and the bone as a handle, turn the steak over and cook for another 3 minutes without touching it. Using tongs and the bone as a handle, sear the short side of the steak opposite the bone, about 1 minute.
- Transfer the steak to a rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven, roasting 9 to 10 minutes, or until the desired doneness is reached.
Alternatively, you can put the steak on a rack fitted into a baking sheet, which will allow air to flow evenly around the steak in the oven, thereby cooking the steak uniformly on both sides. - Use an instant-read thermometer to measure the steak’s internal temperature―125 F for rare, 135 F for medium-rare, or 145 F for medium. The meat will continue to cook while it rests and increase by 5 to 10 degrees, so take that into account when pulling your steak out of the oven.
- While the steak is in the oven, add the butter to the skillet and melt over low heat. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the butter, stirring with a wooden spoon to distribute, then add the thyme sprigs and continue to cook, about 2 minutes.
- When the steak is ready, take it out of the oven, and transfer it back into the skillet. Use a spoon to baste the butter and garlic over the steak. Turn the steak, and baste again, about 1 minute total. Transfer the steak to a cutting board, tent it with foil, and let it rest 10 minutes.
- If you’ve wrapped the bone in the optional paper towel and foil, remove it now.
- Slice the steak against the grain, then drizzle with more of the butter and garlic. Serve and enjoy.
