Learn how to achieve steakhouse-quality results in the comfort of your kitchen with this tried-and-perfected Tomahawk steak recipe! The secrets include dry brining, reverse searing, and over-the-top (literally) Cajun butter that will make you swoon! This comprehensive guide is complete with step-by-step instructions, photos, expert tips, and techniques, including how to cook them on the grill or in the oven for year-round enjoyment!
Watch how to cook a tomahawk steak

This is the BEST Way to Cook a Tomahawk Steak!
I am so excited to share this mouthwateringly tender, juicy Tomahawk steak recipe that will have everyone joining my husband in exclaiming, “This is the best steak I’ve ever had!” Here’s why:
What is a Tomahawk Steak?
If you’ve never sunk your teeth into a juicy, bone-in ribeye, I am SO excited to introduce you! Here’s the deets:
โขWhat is it? A Tomahawk steak is a bone-in ribeye with the rib bone left intact, measuring at least 5 inches, and Frenched (cleaned of meat and fat), giving it a dramatic, handle-like appearance that resembles a tomahawk axe.
โขWhat cut is it? This cut is carved from the beef rib primal, specifically from ribs 6 to 12, and includes the eye of ribeye, ribeye cap, and complexus muscles.
โขWhat does it taste like? It offers a rich, buttery flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, thanks to its abundant marbling. The bone also helps to protect the meat during cooking, helping to retain moisture and enhance flavor.
โขHow is it cooked? Whether grilled, smoked, or roasted, the Tomahawk steak delivers a premium dining experience, combining bold flavors with an impressive presentation.
โขWhat makes it special? Its size and visual appeal make it a popular choice for special occasions and grilling enthusiasts.
What you’ll need for cooking the best Tomahawk Steaks
Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
FOR THE steak:
When purchasing a Tomahawk steak, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you select a high-quality cut worthy of the price tag.
What to Look for in a Tomahawk Steak:
Where to Buy Tomahawk Steaks:
For the seasoning:
How to Cook a Tomahawk Steak
Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
How To Cook Tomahawk Steak in the Oven
1. Prep: Heat the grill to high heat, clean, and grease with vegetable oil. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375ยฐF. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Sear: Sear the steaks on the grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden and they easily release from the grill. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet
Bake: Bake at 375ยฐF until the steaks reach an internal temperature of 125ยฐF for medium-rare (recommended), 130ยฐF for medium, or 140ยฐF for medium-well. I use this digital probe thermometer, which cooks with 100% accuracy; alternatively, you can use an instant-read thermometer. This should take around 30 minutes for a 2 1/2-inch thick steak. The cooking time will vary depending on the steak’s thickness. If your steak is less than 2-inches, check early!
Tomahawk Steak Recipe tips
How To know when tomahawk steak is done?
The cooking time depends on the steaks thickness, your cooking method, and your desired level of doneness (See Chart Below). I do NOT recommend grilling steaks according to timeโgrill according to temperature. Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness and let the steak rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow it to rise an additional 5 degrees and for the juices to redistribute.
You can use an instant-read meat thermometer, or I HIGHLY recommend this digital meat probe thermometer, which allows the probes to stay in the steak as it cooks, so you know the EXACT temperature at all times.
Steak Doneness Chart
Final Doneness | Cook to This Temp & Rest 10 Minutes |
Rare 120ยฐF Cool red center; very tender texture. | 115ยฐF |
Medium-Rare (130ยฐF) – RECOMMENDED Warm red center; ideal balance of tenderness and flavor. | 125ยฐF |
Medium (135ยฐF) Warm pink center; slightly firmer texture. | 130ยฐF |
Medium-Well (145ยฐF): Light pink center; firmer and less juicy. | 140ยฐF |
How to serve Tomahawk Ribeye
โขSlicing: After resting the steak, slice it against the grain into ยฝ to ยพ-inch thick pieces. This ensures tenderness and makes it easier for guests to enjoy.
โขBone Display: Retain the long bone as a centerpiece on the platter. It adds visual appeal and emphasizes the steak’s grandeur.
โขPlating: Arrange the slices fanned out beside the bone on a large cutting board or serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for added aroma and elegance. Serve the extra Cajun Butter on the side.
What to serve with Tomahawk Ribeye Steak
How to store leftovers
โขCool Promptly: Allow the steak to cool to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
โขWrap Securely: Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container.
โขRefrigerate: Store the wrapped steak in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
how to freeze leftovers
โขWrap for Freezing: For more extended storage, wrap the cooled steak tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. Removing as much air as possible helps prevent freezer burn.
โขLabel and Date: Label the package with the date. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months
How to reheat Tomahawk Steaks
You will want to avoid microwaving, as it tends to overcook and dry out the steak, leading to a rubbery texture. Instead, choose any of the three options below.
🍳 STOVETOP METHOD (Quick Sear)
1. Bring to Room Temperature: Time permitting, allow the steak to sit out for about 30 minutes.
2. Warm: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of neutral oil. Sear the steak for 1โ2 minutes per side until warmed through.
🔥 OVEN METHOD (Low and Slow for Even Reheating)
1. Bring to Room Temperature: Let the steak sit out for about 30 minutes.
2. Prep: Set your oven to 250ยฐF (120ยฐC). Place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation.
3. Reheat: Heat in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 110ยฐF (43ยฐC), approximately 20โ30 minutes, depending on thickness.
4. Optional Sear: For a crisp exterior, quickly sear the steak in a hot skillet for 1โ2 minutes per side.
💧 SOUS VIDE METHOD (Precision Reheating)
1. Prep Steak: Place the steak in a vacuum-sealed or resealable freezer bag with a small pat of butter.
2. Set Up Sous Vide: Fill your sous vide container with water and set the temperature to 120ยฐFโ130ยฐF (49ยฐCโ54ยฐC).
3. Reheat: Submerge the bagged steak in the water bath for 5โ8 minutes, or until warmed through.
4. Optional Sear: For added texture, sear the steak briefly on a hot grill or skillet.
Ways to use leftover steak:
comfort food
Classics
asian inspired
breakfast
FAQs for Tomahawk Ribeye Steak
While both Tomahawk steak and prime rib originate from the same rib section of the cow, they differ in presentation, size, and typical cooking methods. The Tomahawk steak is a single, bone-in ribeye with a long bone for presentation that’s usually grilled or seared to achieve a crusty exterior. In contrast, prime rib is a larger roast encompassing several ribs, typically slow-roasted whole and sliced for serving. Here is the complete breakdown:
🥩 Tomahawk Steak
โขA Tomahawk steak is essentially a ribeye with an extended, Frenched bone, giving it a distinctive axe-like appearance.
โขIt’s typically a single, thick-cut steak, often weighing between 30 to 45 ounces.
โขThe long bone adds visual appeal and can influence cooking time due to its thickness.
โขCommonly cooked using high-heat methods like grilling or reverse searing to achieve a flavorful crust and juicy interior.
🍖 Prime Rib
โขPrime rib, also known as a standing rib roast, is a larger cut that includes multiple rib sections and is usually roasted whole.
โขIt’s known for its rich marbling and tenderness, often served during special occasions.
โขAfter cooking, it’s sliced into individual portions for serving.
โขTypically roasted slowly at lower temperatures to ensure even cooking throughout.
A Tomahawk ribeye is essentially a ribeye steak distinguished by its long, Frenched bone, which gives it a striking resemblance to a tomahawk axe.
Both cuts originate from the rib primal section of the cow and share similar marbling and tenderness.
The primary difference is the presentation and size:
โขThe Tomahawk’s extended bone adds visual appeal and can impact cooking time due to its thickness.
โขA standard ribeye is typically boneless or has a shorter bone, making it more straightforward to cook and serve.
A Tomahawk ribeye commands a higher price than other steaks due to several factors that contribute to its cost and appeal.
1. Premium Cut and Size
The Tomahawk steak is a bone-in ribeye, known for its exceptional marbling and tenderness. Its substantial size, often weighing between 24 to 32 ounces, makes it a centerpiece on any dining table. The generous portion not only provides a hearty meal but also contributes to its higher price point.
2. Labor-Intensive Preparation
Creating a Tomahawk steak involves a meticulous process called “Frenching,” where the rib bone is carefully trimmed to remove meat and fat, resulting in a clean, long bone resembling a tomahawk axe. This technique requires additional time and skill from the butcher, increasing labor costs. Furthermore, the trimming process leads to meat and bone waste, which is factored into the final price.
3. Limited Availability
Tomahawk steaks are not as readily available as other cuts. Their unique presentation and size mean they are often reserved for special occasions or high-end dining experiences. This exclusivity can drive up demand and, consequently, the price.
4. Culinary Experience and Presentation
The dramatic appearance of the Tomahawk steak, with its long bone and impressive size, offers a visual appeal that enhances the dining experience. This aesthetic factor, combined with its rich flavor and tenderness, makes it a sought-after choice for those looking to indulge, justifying its premium pricing.
The Tomahawk steak is also known by several other names, including bone-in ribeye, tomahawk chop, and cowboy steak. These terms refer to the same cut of beefโa ribeye steak with the rib bone left intact and Frenched (cleaned of meat and fat) to resemble a tomahawk axe handle. The “cowboy steak” typically refers to a similar cut with a shorter bone, while “tomahawk chop” emphasizes its resemblance to a pork chop with a long bone . Despite the different names, these cuts share the same rich marbling and robust flavor characteristic of the rib primal section.
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BEST Way to Cook a Tomahawk Steak
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Ingredients
Steak:
- 2 Tomahawk steaks (2-3 pounds each/at least 2 1/2-inches thick)
- 1 1/2-2 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt (in directions)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- vegetable oil for the grill
CAJUN Compound BUTTER
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (1 lemon)
- 1 TBS EACH fresh parsley, oregano, thyme (or 1 tsp EACH dried)
- 1 tsp EACH paprika, garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
Instructions
- Take Note of Weight: Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt: Use approximately 1 teaspoon per pound of meat. Morton Kosher Salt: Use about ยพ teaspoon per pound, because it's denser than Diamond Crystal.
- Season: Transfer the steaks to a baking rack or cutting board and pat dry with paper towels. Season the steaks on both sides with kosher salt (note amount per weight in Step 1), cracked pepper, and garlic powder. Press, donโt rub, the spices into the steaks.
- Dry Brine: Time permitting, refrigerate, uncovered, for 4 to 48 hours. If you donโt have time, let the steaks rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours with the seasoning before cooking.
- Make Cajun Butter: Meanwhile, mash the ingredients in a bowl until blended. Add the softened butter to a piece of plastic wrap and form into a log as you roll up the plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator until firm until ready to use.
- Bring Steaks to Room Temperature: If the steaks have been dry-brined in the fridge, bring them to room temperature for 1-2 hours (2 hours is recommended).
TO GRILL
- Prepare the Grill for Indirect Heat: Turn half the burners to approximately medium-high heat (you may need to reduce the heat later); donโt light the other burners. If your grill has three sections, turn on two of the three. The grill's internal temperature should be 375ยฐF with the lid closed. (I use this Monitoring Thermometer)
- Reverse Sear the Steaks: Clean and then grease the entire grill with vegetable or canola oil (use tongs to avoid burning yourself). Place the steaks on the grill over the indirect heat/unlit side, with the bone side facing the heat. Insert your meat probe, cover, and cook to an internal temperature of 115ยฐF at the thickest part, flipping once around 90ยฐF. I use this digital probe thermometer for 100% accuracy, or you can risk using an instant-read thermometer (this one can't cook with the steak.)For 2 1/2-inch thick steaks, this takes about 10-15 minutes per side; for thicker steaks, it will take closer to 20-30 minutes per side; for thinner steaks, it can take half the time. However, every grill and steak is different, so monitor closely!!! (Note: 115ยฐF is if youโre cooking a medium-rare steak. For rare, cook only to 110ยฐF and sear to 115ยฐF.
- High Heat Sear the Steaks: Using tongs, transfer the steaks to the direct heat. Sear, uncovered, flipping every 1-2 minutes until they reach the desired temperature, approximately 4 minutes. Remove the steaks at 125ยฐF for medium-rare (recommended), 130ยฐF for medium, or 140ยฐF for medium-well.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the steaks to a large cutting board. Place several rounds of compound butter over the top to cover and melt. Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Carve: Slice the bone away by running a sharp knife along the curve of the bone. Slice the steak into 1/2-3/4-inch slices. Serve with additional butter on the side.
Oven Method:
- Prep: Heat the grill to high heat, clean, and grease with vegetable oil. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375ยฐF. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Sear: Sear the steaks on the grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden and they easily release from the grill. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake at 375ยฐF until the steaks reach an internal temperature of 125ยฐF for medium-rare (recommended), 130ยฐF for medium, or 140ยฐF for medium-well. I use this digital probe thermometer, which cooks with 100% accuracy; alternatively, you can use an instant-read thermometer. This should take around 30 minutes for a 2 1/2-inch thick steak. The cooking time will vary depending on the steak's thickness. If your steak is less than 2 1/2-inches, check early!
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Carla says
oh my….oh my….these look fantastic. The review on the taste will have to wait…..I want to make these right now. Thank you for such detail. I’m a senior, been cooking and baking for many many years. Only starting cooking steaks a few (maybe ten) years ago. This looks delightful…..Thank you.
Jen says
Thanks Carla! I hope you love it!