The tomahawk steak is one of the most impressive cuts you can barbecue – but it’s also one of the trickiest to cook.
We’ve got all the info you need on how to nail this epic meaty masterpiece every time!
We’re going to cover exactly how to BBQ a tomahawk steak so that you can impress your guests and get perfect results every time.
So grab a beer and pull up a chair, this could take a while…
Contents
What Is A Tomahawk Steak?
A tomahawk steak is exactly what it sounds like – an impressively large cut of meat that comes from the rib primal of the cow.
It can include anywhere between 1-3 rib bones, and usually weighs in at around 1.5-2 kilos.
The best way to describe it is as a cross between a ribeye steak and a pork chop – it’s got the marbling of a ribeye, but the thickness and bone-in-ness of a pork chop.
Tomahawk steaks are usually quite expensive, so it’s definitely a dish to save for special occasions!
Why A BBQ Is Great For Tomahawk Steaks
Using a barbecue to cook a tomahawk steak is the perfect way to get those beautiful, crispy, charred lines on the meat.
While you could cook it in a grill pan or even in the oven, nothing beats the smoky flavor that you get from a barbecue.
Not only that, but on a hot summer’s day, it’s the perfect way to impress your guests and ensure they have an absolutely fantastic time!
Nothing quite beats a couple of beers and a BBQ’d tomahawk!
Steps To BBQ A Tomahawk Steak
OK so how exactly do you BBQ a tomahawk steak?
We’ve got some great tips and tricks to share with you…
Take The Tomahawk Out Of The Fridge
A tomahawk is quite a thick cut of meat, so it needs at least an hour to come up to room temperature before cooking it.
This will help ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t end up being tough or dry.
This is an important step that should not be missed as it can really affect the result of the end product.
Season The Tomahawk Steak
Once the tomahawk is at room temperature, it’s time to season it.
We recommend using a good quality salt and pepper mix, as well as some olive oil.
Make sure to get the seasoning all over the steak, and then let it sit for a few minutes so that the flavors can really sink in.
Don’t be scared to season it up well and ensure that the whole steak is coated – it will make a big difference in the end!
Get The BBQ Going
Now it’s time to start cooking that tomahawk steak!
Make sure your BBQ is nice and hot before putting the meat on, and then cook it for around 4-5 minutes per side.
You want the outside to be nice and crispy before you take it off the grill.
If your BBQ has a lid, then try to keep it open so that heat can escape – this will help ensure that the steak is cooked just right!
Tomahawk steaks are best cooked to medium-well in my experience, but this is totally going to depend on your personal preference.
Make sure to keep an eye on it while it’s cooking and take it off the grill when it reaches the desired level of doneness.
Ensure that you use a meat thermometer to test the temperature of the steak – this is an essential piece of BBQ equipment!
Let The Tomahawk Steak Rest
Once you’ve taken the steak off the grill, it’s important to let it rest for around 5 – 10 minutes.
This will allow the juices to redistribute and will result in a much more tender and juicy cut of meat.
Slice The Tomahawk Steak
Now it’s time to slice up the tomahawk!
Make sure you have a sharp knife and always use a cutting board – this will help ensure that you don’t end up with any nasty accidents or injuries!
Start by removing the bone from the center, and then slice the steak into 1 – 2 inch thick pieces.
Tomahawk steaks are best served nice and rare, so make sure to cut them accordingly!
That’s it – now you know how to BBQ a tomahawk steak like a pro! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start cooking.
How Long Does It Take To BBQ A Tomahawk Steak?
The time it takes to BBQ a tomahawk steak all depends on how well-done you like your meat.
Because this cut of meat is quite thick, it will take a little longer to cook than something that’s been tenderized or slow-cooked.
In general though, we recommend cooking the steak for around 4 – 5 minutes per side and then checking it with a meat thermometer to see how it’s doing.
Remember that steaks are best served rare or medium-rare, so don’t overcook it!
What Goes Well With BBQd Tomahawk Steak?
BBQd tomahawk steak goes great with a few sides – some of our favorites include roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, and onion rings.
You could also try serving it with some delicious homemade BBQ sauce on the side!
The sky’s the limit when it comes to pairing BBQd tomahawk steak – just use your imagination and you can create some amazing dishes!
Other Considerations
Keep in mind that the time it takes to BBQ a tomahawk steak will vary depending on the size of the cut.
If you get a really large tomahawk, it’s going to take longer to cook than something that’s been pre-cut into smaller pieces.
In general, we would recommend allowing around 1 – 2 hours for the total cook time, depending on the size of the steak.
Remember that this is going to take some practice to get right, so don’t expect perfect results the first time around!
It takes time, patience, and dedication to master the BBQ, so don’t beat yourself up if it isn’t quite what you expected on your first attempt.
What If I Don’t Have A BBQ?
If you don’t have access to a BBQ, then just use your broiler instead.
Simply place the tomahawk steak under the broil for 4 – 5 minutes per side, making sure to flip it regularly so that both sides are cooked evenly.
Then just let it rest for 5 – 10 minutes and you’re good to go!
So there you have it – everything you need to know about BBQing a tomahawk steak.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll be cooking up some amazing steaks in no time!
Conclusion
Learning how to BBQ a tomahawk steak is a great way to up your grilling game – and it’s not as hard as you might think!
Just make sure to pay attention to the doneness, let the steak rest after cooking, and use a sharp knife when slicing.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to cook up some amazing steaks that are sure to impress your family and friends!.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post and I hope it’s been beneficial for you.
Now get out there and BBQ some steaks!
