The Tomahawk steak is perhaps one of the most glorious and mouthwatering cuts, but it is also one of the largest cuts from the cow.
In this post we’re going to answer, how much does a tomahawk steak weigh?
The Tomahawk steak comes from the short loin primal cut from a beef cattle.
You can get two different types of steaks out of the Tomahawk cut: tomahawk ribeye steak or tomahawk New York strip steak.
The ribeye tomahawk cut of steak is more expensive than the other one. So, let’s focus on that.
Plus, since it has the word “rib” in it, you can probably guess why. It comes with an enormous 16 to 20 oz strip of meat attached to its bone making for quite a hefty chunk of meat.
Let’s take a closer look…
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How Much Does A Tomahawk Steak Weigh In Pounds?
When it comes to the weight of the Tomahawk steak, it really could vary greatly.
But, generally speaking, this cut of beef is at least 1 pound (16 oz) per steak. The average Tomahawk steak will weigh around 2 pounds, but some people have said it can weigh as much as 3 pounds! Yikes!
This steak is not for the faint-hearted, so if you’re not a meat lover, then this probably isn’t the steak for you.
The tomahawk ribeye steak is also known as a cowboy steak or giant steak because it is so big so expect to either share or save some leftovers for lunch the next day with this cut of beef.
To give you an idea of how big this cut of meat is, the tomahawk steak stands at least 3 inches tall.
It’s also 2 inches wide and 5 to 6 inches thick.
And it’s not only the size of the Tomahawk that makes it so unique but also where it comes from.
Remember how I mentioned that there are two different types of steaks from the Tomahawk cut?
Well, where does this cut of meat come from exactly?
The Tomahawk steak comes from a section of beef known as the short loin.
In fact, it comes from between rib #5 and #6. It is also considered to be part of the cow’s psoas major muscle.
This section of the cow is also known as the “hip bone” or the “small plate.”
It is considered to be one of the more tender and smaller primal cuts on a cow, but generally speaking, it can range from 2.5 to 9 lbs! Yikes again!
Why Does Tomahawk Steak Weigh So Much?
The Tomahawk steak is a huge cut, and it is mostly due to its bone.
Remember the small plate, or psoas major muscle?
The cut of beef comes with a huge rib bone attached to it which contributes to its weight.
The Tomahawk steak also has very little fat which is another factor that makes this cut of meat particularly heavy. This lack of fat also adds to the steak’s tenderness.
For example, if you compare the Tomahawk steak to a Ribeye T-bone steak, which is cut from the same section of beef but has less meat and more fat, it weighs about 1/3 less than the Tomahawk ribeye steak.
The lack of fat and the psoas major muscle that the Tomahawk ribeye steak comes with makes it a particularly tender cut of beef.
But why does this steak weigh so much?
When you’re buying a Tomahawk ribeye steak, don’t be surprised if it costs more than your average Ribeye T-bone steak.
Why?
Well, it’s all because of the bone.
Remember when I said that it has very little fat?
All of this contributes to its impressive weight so when your butcher is weighing your Tomahawk ribeye steak, remember that you’re also paying for the beef AND the bone.
But there are some occasions where you can get a deal on the Tomahawk.
When you buy a Tomahawk ribeye steak that has been partially de-boned, you’ll get more meat for your money and it won’t be as heavy because there is less bone attached to make this cut of beef so big and weighty.
For example, if you were to buy a Tomahawk steak that has been de-boned, there’s a good chance it will weigh about 1/2 lbs instead of the full pound.
On average, a Tomahawk ribeye steak weighs between 16 and 20 oz.
So make sure you ask your butcher to take out some of the bone when you buy this cut of beef to give you a better deal.
But remember, if you’re looking for a tasty, tender, and flavorful cut of beef that’s also well-marbled then the Tomahawk steak is probably going to be your best bet.
It has all the flavor that every meat lover looks for in a steak but comes with the added bonus of being especially tender.
You’ll know you are eating a Tomahawk when you see its unique shape and size, but when you cut into one, you’ll also notice that it is well-marbled because of its high-fat content in addition to its impressive depth in relation to width.
So whether this steak is your typical 16 oz Tomahawk ribeye steak or a 20 oz version, it will taste delicious and you’ll appreciate the incredible amount of tenderness that comes with it.
Other Considerations
It’s worth keeping in mind that Tomahawk steak is also known as the “Cowboy Steak” because of its shape and size. It’s not just for show either.
This cut of beef is particularly impressive because it imparts an intense flavor that you or anyone who tries it will really appreciate.
The shape, weight, and tenderness of the Tomahawk steak all contribute to its great taste and this cut of beef is also well-known as a feasting steak, meant to be shared.
This cut of meat is suitable for any occasion, from casual family dinners to fancy celebrations.
So when you are looking for the perfect steak to impress your friends or family with, remember that Tomahawk ribeye steak will not disappoint.
Butchers usually package the Tomahawk steak 3 per pack, with each steak weighing around 20 oz on average.
You can prepare the Tomahawk by either grilling it or frying in a pan and you can also choose how well-done you want your meat to be.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tomahawk steak typically weighs somewhere from 1 – 3 pounds!
This makes it a steak that will be enough to share with your family and friends.
This is an impressive steak that everyone will be talking about after they have tasted it.
This cut of beef is well-marbled and you can find it at your local butcher shop or supermarket.
The Tomahawk steak gets its name from the bone that sticks out of the meat, resembling a handle on a tomahawk axe.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post and I hope you’ve learned something about the weight of a Tomahawk steak.
