When you think of a big, juicy, flavorful steak that looks like it came straight out of a cowboy movie, the first thing that comes to mind is the Tomahawk steak. This impressive cut of beef has become extremely popular in the United States and around the world. With its massive size, beautiful marbling, and the long bone that makes it look like a hatchet or tomahawk axe, it’s not just a meal — it’s an experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving a rich, delicious steak, the Tomahawk steak delivers big flavors and an unforgettable presentation that everyone loves.
What Is a Tomahawk Steak?
A Tomahawk steak is a special cut of beef ribeye that includes about 5 inches of rib bone left intact. It is a bone-in ribeye steak, but with an extra-long bone that gives it a unique, eye-catching look. The long bone is “frenched,” meaning it’s cleaned of meat and fat to create a handle-like appearance, just like a tomahawk axe. This type of steak is known for its tenderness, juiciness, and intense beefy flavor because it comes from the same primal cut as the ribeye roast. It is heavily marbled, which means there’s a good amount of fat running through the meat, and that fat melts while cooking, making the steak extremely flavorful and juicy.
Not only does the Tomahawk steak look impressive on a plate, but it also offers a luxurious eating experience. Every bite is packed with savory flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that steak lovers dream about. Because of its unique appearance and high-quality taste, it’s often considered a showstopper at fancy restaurants and backyard barbecues alike.
Why Is It Called a Tomahawk Steak?
The name “Tomahawk steak” comes from the steak’s resemblance to a traditional Native American tomahawk axe. The long bone sticking out from the massive piece of meat looks just like the handle of a tomahawk. This visual makes the steak stand out and gives it a rugged, primal feel that people associate with strength and celebration. It’s not just marketing hype — the name truly fits the steak’s look and personality. Chefs and butchers love to offer Tomahawk steaks because they are fun to cook and serve, and diners love ordering them because they are impressive and delicious.
How Big Is a Tomahawk Steak?
A Tomahawk steak is absolutely massive compared to most other cuts of beef. In general, a single Tomahawk steak can weigh anywhere from 30 to 45 ounces, depending on the butcher and how it’s trimmed. That’s about 2 to 3 pounds of meat! Some premium versions can be even bigger, sometimes reaching up to 60 ounces. The thickness usually ranges between 2 and 3 inches, giving it plenty of meat to work with during cooking, making it perfect for slow cooking, grilling, and searing without drying out the meat. The thick cut and the bone help the steak retain juices, making it one of the juiciest cuts you can get.
How Many People Can Share a Tomahawk Steak?
Because of its huge size, a Tomahawk steak is usually big enough to share. A single steak can easily feed two very hungry adults or even up to four people if served alongside side dishes like mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. Some restaurants even recommend ordering one Tomahawk steak for the whole table, especially if there are multiple appetizers and sides. Sharing a Tomahawk steak is part of the fun — you slice it up at the table and everyone enjoys thick, juicy pieces together.
How Heavy Is a Tomahawk Steak?
On average, a Tomahawk steak weighs between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds, including the bone. Without the bone, the meat portion usually accounts for about half to two-thirds of the total weight. That means you still get a very generous portion of meat even after accounting for the weight of the bone. High-end Tomahawk steaks, especially those from wagyu beef, can weigh even more and provide an even richer taste experience.
Why Is the Bone Left Long?
The long bone isn’t just for looks — it serves a real purpose. First, the bone helps to insulate the meat during cooking, allowing for more even heating and keeping the steak juicy and flavorful. Second, it enhances the presentation. A Tomahawk steak on a plate looks stunning, like a piece of art. The bone adds a dramatic flair that turns a simple dinner into a memorable event. Plus, holding the bone and carving the steak table-side adds to the experience. Some people even pick up the bone to gnaw on it for those last few bites of delicious meat!
How to Cook a Tomahawk Steak at Home
Cooking a Tomahawk steak at home might sound intimidating because of its size, but it’s actually very doable and a lot of fun. The best method combines both searing and slow cooking to ensure the inside is perfectly cooked while the outside gets that beautiful crust. You can either grill it outside or cook it inside using a cast iron pan and your oven. No matter how you do it, the most important things are to season the steak properly, cook it to the right internal temperature, and let it rest after cooking.
Start by taking the steak out of the fridge about an hour before cooking to let it come to room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Then, sear it over high heat to create a crust, and finish cooking it slowly until it reaches your preferred doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature — medium-rare is usually about 130°F.
Best Tips to Grill Tomahawk Steak
Grilling a Tomahawk steak is one of the best ways to cook it because you get that smoky flavor that makes beef taste even better. Here are some tips to make sure your steak comes out perfect:
- Use two-zone grilling: Set up one side of your grill for high heat (for searing) and the other side for low heat (for finishing).
- Sear first, then finish: Sear the steak directly over the flames for a couple of minutes on each side until you get a nice crust. Then move it to the cooler side to finish cooking slowly.
- Use a meat thermometer: Don’t guess! Check the internal temperature often to avoid overcooking.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside the meat, making every bite tender and flavorful.
- Don’t over-flip: Turn the steak only once or twice to build a strong sear.
Oven Cooking Tomahawk Steak: Easy Guide
If you don’t have a grill or prefer to cook indoors, you can still make an amazing Tomahawk steak using your oven and a cast iron pan. Here’s a simple guide:
Using a Cast Iron Pan
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat a cast iron skillet on the stove over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add a little oil with a high smoke point, like avocado or canola oil. Carefully place your seasoned Tomahawk steak into the pan and sear it for 2–3 minutes on each side. You want a nice brown crust to form. Don’t forget to sear the sides too!
Finishing in the Oven
After searing, transfer the entire pan with the steak into the preheated oven. Cook it for about 20–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness. Again, use a meat thermometer to check — remove the steak when it’s about 5 degrees below your target temperature because it will continue to cook as it rests.
Once done, pull the steak out of the oven, place it on a cutting board, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. Then slice against the grain and serve!
How Much Does a Tomahawk Steak Cost?
The price of a Tomahawk steak can vary widely depending on where you buy it and the quality of the beef. On average, expect to pay between $30 to $70 per pound. Prime-grade beef and wagyu Tomahawk steaks will be more expensive, sometimes reaching up to $100 per pound or more. While it’s definitely a splurge item, most people agree that the flavor, tenderness, and presentation are well worth the cost for a special occasion.
Best Places to Buy Tomahawk Steak
If you’re ready to cook a Tomahawk steak at home, you have lots of great options for where to buy one. High-end butcher shops are a great choice because you can often find Prime-grade or even American Wagyu Tomahawk steaks there. Many grocery stores now carry them as well, especially during summer grilling season. You can also order excellent Tomahawk steaks online from specialty meat retailers like Snake River Farms, Crowd Cow, and Porter Road. Some websites even offer fully aged or dry-aged versions for an even deeper flavor. When buying, look for steaks with good marbling (those white streaks of fat), a long, clean bone, and a thickness of at least 2 inches for the best results.
The Bottom Line
The Tomahawk steak isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience. Its dramatic size, rich marbling, and outstanding flavor make it a favorite choice for anyone who loves beef. Whether you grill it outside, cook it in your oven, or order it at a fancy steakhouse, the Tomahawk steak offers something special.
