There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavorful tomahawk steak that has been prepared to perfection. This large, marbled cut of beef, known for its distinctive bone handle resembling a tomahawk axe, is a treat for meat lovers who want to indulge in a truly special dining experience. In this comprehensive and in-depth article, we will explore the world of tomahawk steak, from its selection and cleaning to preparation tips, cooking techniques, variations, and a mouthwatering recipe that will leave your taste buds longing for more.
Before we dive into the recipe and culinary details, let’s take a moment to appreciate the science behind tomahawk steak. This impressive cut is essentially a ribeye steak with an elongated bone left intact, giving it that distinctive tomahawk handle. The generous marbling and fat content ensure a succulent, tender, and intensely flavorful dining experience.
When it comes to selecting a tomahawk steak, you want to ensure it meets certain criteria for the best results. Look for steaks with a vibrant red color, as this indicates freshness. The marbling, or intramuscular fat, should be well-distributed throughout the cut. This fat contributes to the steak’s tenderness and flavor profile. Additionally, make sure the bone is not excessively exposed or discolored, as these factors may indicate poor handling or aging.
Before you can indulge in the sumptuousness of a tomahawk steak, it’s crucial to properly clean and prepare it. Start by removing the steak from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This step absorbs any excess moisture that could hinder the Maillard reaction—a crucial step for creating a beautifully seared crust on the steak. If desired, you can also trim any excessive external fat, although leaving some fat intact contributes to the steak’s flavor and moisture retention.
While tomahawk steak is undeniably flavorsome on its own, marinating it can elevate the taste to new heights. For a classic and simple marinade, combine olive oil, minced garlic, freshly ground black pepper, and a touch of sea salt. Apply the marinade to the steak, ensuring all surfaces are thoroughly coated, and let it rest in a sealed plastic bag for at least two hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This imparts wonderful flavors and enhances the overall eating experience.
Now that the tomahawk steak is cleaned, prepared, and possibly marinated, it’s time to move on to the cooking technique that will transform it into a culinary masterpiece. While many opt for grilling the tomahawk steak, this article will focus on an equally impressive cooking method: the oven.
To achieve the desired flavor and texture, it’s essential to preheat your oven to a high temperature. Set it to 450°F (232°C) and make sure it reaches this temperature before placing the steak inside. Preheating ensures that the steak will cook evenly, and the high heat will generate a beautifully seared crust.
Before transferring the tomahawk steak to the oven, we must first sear it on the stovetop. The searing process locks in juices, enhances flavor, and creates an appetizing outer crust. Heat a cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe pan over high heat and add a small amount of oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or grapeseed oil. Carefully place the steak in the pan, allowing it to sear for about two minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Remember to sear the edges as well for uniformity.
After the steak has been adequately seared, it’s time to transfer it to the preheated oven. Place the skillet with the tomahawk steak directly into the oven, ensuring the bone is positioned in an upward vertical manner for presentation purposes. Cook the steak for approximately 15-20 minutes or until an instant-read meat thermometer registers an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare doneness. It’s crucial to monitor the temperature frequently to avoid overcooking and ensure the steak is cooked precisely to your liking.
Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the tomahawk steak from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow the steak to rest for a minimum of 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the meat to reabsorb its juices and ensures maximum tenderness. During this time, the temperature will rise slightly due to residual heat—a phenomenon known as "carryover cooking."
To truly master the art of cooking a perfect tomahawk steak in the oven, here are some additional tips, variations, and guidance to ensure culinary excellence:
To accurately gauge the steak’s doneness, utilize an instant-read meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. Here are some rough guidelines for various doneness levels:
Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
Medium: 140°F (60°C)
Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
Well done: 160°F (71°C)
These temperatures are for reference purposes and can be adjusted according to personal preference.
While a simple salt and pepper seasoning is enough to highlight the exceptional flavor of tomahawk steak, feel free to experiment with various seasonings and rubs. From aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme to savory spices like paprika or cumin, the possibilities are endless. Allow your creativity to take center stage and tailor the seasoning to your taste preferences.
Indulge in the ultimate flavor enhancement by serving your perfectly cooked tomahawk steak with flavored compound butters or complementing sauces. Infuse softened butter with garlic, fresh herbs, or even blue cheese for a decadent touch. Alternatively, whip up a classic red wine reduction or creamy peppercorn sauce for an elegant pairing.
For those who enjoy more advanced cooking techniques, consider utilizing the sous vide method. This involves vacuum-sealing the seasoned steak and cooking it in a temperature-controlled water bath for an extended period. Afterward, finish the steak with a sear on high heat to achieve a delectable crust.
Finally, let’s culminate our journey with a lip-smacking recipe that will undoubtedly impress your guests and leave them craving more of your culinary prowess.
Ingredients:
1 tomahawk steak (2-3 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
Remove the tomahawk steak from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and sea salt to create a marinade.
Apply the marinade generously to all sides of the steak, ensuring proper coverage.
Let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours, preferably overnight, covered in a sealed plastic bag.
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over high heat and add a small amount of oil with a high smoke point.
Carefully place the tomahawk steak in the hot skillet and sear it for approximately two minutes on each side, including the edges.
Transfer the skillet with the steak to the preheated oven, ensuring the bone is positioned vertically upward.
Cook the steak for 15-20 minutes or until an instant-read meat thermometer registers an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare doneness.
Remove the steak from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
Let the steak rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to reabsorb before carving.
After the resting period, carve the tomahawk steak into thick, succulent slices, ensuring to serve with flair and enjoy!
With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge and confidence to conquer the world of cooking a spectacular tomahawk steak in your oven. From selection and cleaning to preparation, cooking techniques, variations, and a tantalizing recipe, there’s no doubt that your tomahawk steak will be an absolute showstopper at your next gathering or celebratory meal. So fire up that oven, embrace your inner culinary artist, and savor every exquisite bite of your oven-roasted tomahawk steak!
A tomahawk steak is a ribeye steak that has the rib bone left intact, resembling the shape of a tomahawk axe, hence its name. The bone is usually around 6 to 8 inches long, which gives the steak a dramatic and impressive presentation.
To cook a tomahawk steak in the oven, start by preheating the oven to a high temperature, such as 450°F (232°C). Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Place the steak on a wire rack set on a baking sheet, bone-side down, to allow air circulation and even cooking. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, being careful not to touch the bone. Cook the steak in the oven until it reaches your desired doneness, which is typically about 10-15 minutes for medium-rare. Remember to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
The recommended internal temperature for a tomahawk steak varies depending on personal preference. For a steak cooked to medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130°F (54°C). Keep in mind that the steak’s temperature will continue to rise slightly while resting.
While marinating is not necessary for a tomahawk steak due to its already incredible flavor, you can choose to marinate it if desired. Marinating can add an additional layer of flavor to the meat. Combine your preferred marinade ingredients, such as soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs, and let the steak marinate in the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Carving and serving a tomahawk steak can be a bit different from regular steaks due to the bone and unique shape. Begin by removing the bone from the cooked steak by cutting along the bone, starting at the top and gradually working your way down. Once the bone is removed, proceed to slice the steak into individual portions of desired thickness. Serve the sliced steak on a platter or individual plates, allowing the impressive bone to be displayed alongside the meat.