Tomahawk steak is a larger-than-life cut of beef that makes a bold statement both in appearance and flavor. This long-bone ribeye, also known as a cowboy steak, is known for its impressive size, rich marbling, and robust beefy taste. Whether you’re grilling a dry-aged tomahawk steak or savoring a premium wagyu tomahawk, this cut guarantees an unforgettable dining experience. In this blog, we’ll explore different types of tomahawk steak, price ranges, and provide a recipe that brings out the best in this epic steak.
Why Choose a Tomahawk Steak?
Tomahawk steak is a favorite among steak lovers for several reasons:
- Show-stopping presentation: With its long bone and thick cut, the tomahawk steak is visually impressive, making it ideal for special occasions or celebrations.
- Rich marbling: Like other ribeye cuts, tomahawk steak has excellent marbling, which enhances both flavor and tenderness.
- Versatile cooking options: Whether you grill, pan-sear, or roast it, a tomahawk steak delivers consistently mouthwatering results.
- Generous portion size: A tomahawk steak can often weigh between 30 to 45 ounces, making it perfect for sharing.
Types of Tomahawk Steak and Price Ranges
Tomahawk steaks come in various types, including grass-fed, wagyu, and dry-aged options, each offering unique flavors and qualities. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of tomahawk steaks and their price ranges:
1. Cowboy Steak
- Description: A cowboy steak is another name for a bone-in ribeye or tomahawk steak. It’s typically cut thick and features the entire rib bone for added flavor.
- Price Range: $30–$70 per pound
- Best Use: Perfect for grilling or reverse-searing, cowboy steaks are a great choice for anyone who loves the flavor of ribeye but wants the visual appeal of a long bone.
2. Wagyu Tomahawk
- Description: A wagyu tomahawk steak is a premium cut made from wagyu cattle, known for its incredibly rich marbling and buttery texture. This is one of the most luxurious steak experiences you can have.
- Price Range: $100–$250 per pound
- Best Use: Ideal for special occasions, wagyu tomahawk steak should be cooked carefully to preserve its delicate marbling. It’s best enjoyed rare to medium-rare.
3. Tomahawk Ribeye
- Description: A tomahawk ribeye is essentially a bone-in ribeye steak with the rib bone left intact, adding extra flavor during the cooking process.
- Price Range: $50–$90 per pound
- Best Use: Tomahawk ribeye is perfect for grilling and is often reverse-seared to achieve a beautifully charred crust while maintaining a tender, juicy interior.
4. Dry-Aged Tomahawk Steak
- Description: Dry-aged tomahawk steak is aged for several weeks, which enhances its flavor and tenderizes the meat. This process intensifies the beefy flavors and adds a slightly nutty taste.
- Price Range: $80–$150 per pound
- Best Use: Dry-aged tomahawk steak is best cooked on high heat to create a caramelized crust that complements the deep, concentrated flavors from the aging process.
5. Grass-Fed Tomahawk Steak
- Description: Grass-fed tomahawk steaks come from cattle raised on a natural grass diet, resulting in leaner meat with a slightly earthier flavor compared to grain-fed beef.
- Price Range: $40–$80 per pound
- Best Use: Grass-fed tomahawk steaks benefit from marinades or herb-infused rubs to enhance their natural flavors. They are a great choice for health-conscious steak lovers.
6. Halal Tomahawk Steak
- Description: Halal tomahawk steak refers to beef that has been slaughtered in accordance with Islamic dietary laws. It ensures the meat is halal-certified, providing a flavorful option for those following halal dietary guidelines.
- Price Range: $50–$100 per pound
- Best Use: Halal tomahawk steak can be cooked like any other tomahawk cut, and is ideal for grilling or pan-searing with simple seasonings to let the natural flavors shine.
Recipe: Grilled Tomahawk Steak with Garlic Herb Butter and Roasted Vegetables
Given the size and thickness of a tomahawk steak, grilling is one of the best ways to cook it, ensuring a beautiful char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This recipe pairs the steak with a rich garlic herb butter and a medley of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 tomahawk steak (about 2–3 inches thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 1 bunch of carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, quartered
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
- Prepare the Steak:
- Rub the tomahawk steak with olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the steak rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.
- Make the Garlic Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest. Set aside.
- Roast the Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the carrots, baby potatoes, and red onion in olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Grill the Tomahawk Steak:
- Preheat your grill to high heat (around 500°F). Place the tomahawk steak on the grill and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side. Once seared, move the steak to indirect heat and continue grilling for 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
- Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve:
- Slice the tomahawk steak and serve it topped with a generous dollop of garlic herb butter. Garnish the roasted vegetables with fresh parsley and serve alongside the steak for a complete, hearty meal.
Other Recipe Suggestions
Wagyu Tomahawk
- Suggested Dish: Wagyu Tomahawk Steak with Miso Glaze
- Ingredients: Wagyu tomahawk, miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil
- Vegetable Pairing: Grilled bok choy and shiitake mushrooms
- Marination: Create a miso-based glaze and brush it on the steak as it cooks. Serve with grilled vegetables for a fusion of umami flavors.
Dry-Aged Tomahawk Steak
- Suggested Dish: Dry-Aged Tomahawk with Red Wine Reduction
- Ingredients: Dry-aged tomahawk, red wine, beef broth, shallots, butter
- Vegetable Pairing: Grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes
- Marination: No marination needed; season simply with salt and pepper, and complement the steak with a rich red wine reduction sauce.
Grass-Fed Tomahawk Steak
- Suggested Dish: Grass-Fed Tomahawk with Chimichurri Sauce
- Ingredients: Grass-fed tomahawk, olive oil, garlic, parsley, red wine vinegar
- Vegetable Pairing: Grilled peppers and corn
- Marination: Marinate the steak in olive oil and garlic, then serve with a bright and tangy chimichurri sauce for a fresh contrast to the rich beef.
Where to Buy Tomahawk Steaks
Tomahawk steaks can be found at specialty butchers or ordered online from premium suppliers. Here are a few reputable sources for buying quality tomahawk steaks:
- Snake River Farms: Known for their American Wagyu beef, offering premium tomahawk steaks with superior marbling.
- Porter Road: Specializes in grass-fed and pasture-raised beef, offering tomahawk steaks that are perfect for grilling.
- Holy Grail Steak Co.: Offers a selection of dry-aged, wagyu, and halal tomahawk steaks, providing a variety of high-quality options.
Summary
Tomahawk steak, known for its impressive long-bone presentation and rich marbling, is a favorite among steak enthusiasts. Often called a cowboy steak, this thick-cut ribeye is perfect for grilling or roasting. Prices vary depending on the quality and source of the meat: standard tomahawk ribeye ranges from $30–$70 per pound, while specialty cuts like wagyu tomahawk can reach up to $250 per pound, offering unmatched tenderness and marbling. Dry-aged tomahawk steak, known for its intensified beefy flavor, falls between $80–$150 per pound. Grass-fed tomahawk steak, a leaner, earthier option, costs around $40–$80, while halal tomahawk steak—meeting dietary guidelines—ranges from $50–$100 per pound. This prized cut is ideal for anyone seeking a remarkable steak experience with robust flavors and premium quality. Check out Grass fed Steak for an organic healthier option.