Perfect Tomahawk Steak at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Perfect Tomahawk Steak at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mastering Tomahawk Steak: The Best Seasoning and Pan-Searing Techniques for a Crispy Exterior and Juicy Interior
Often perceived as difficult to cook at home due to its impressive thickness, the Tomahawk steak is surprisingly achievable! With a well-coated pan, a lid, and this guide, you can create a restaurant-quality steak right in your kitchen. We’ll show you how to achieve that perfect crispy crust and incredibly juicy center.
Ingredients- 700g Beef Tomahawk Steak (approx. 3.5cm thick)
- Coarse Salt (for seasoning)
- Black Pepper (for seasoning)
- Grapeseed Oil (or other high smoke point oil)
- Unsalted Butter
- Vegetables for Garnish (e.g., asparagus, mushrooms, garlic, onion)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, ensure your frozen Tomahawk steak is properly thawed. Transfer it to the refrigerator 1-2 days in advance. About an hour before cooking, take the steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature. This allows the center to warm up, ensuring even cooking and a more tender result.
Step 2
Once the steak is at room temperature, the crucial next step is to pat it completely dry. Use kitchen towels to absorb all surface moisture and any blood. This step is vital for preventing a ‘gamey’ flavor and achieving a beautiful sear. Thoroughly dry the entire steak, including the sides and the bone. Gently press and wipe to ensure no moisture remains.
Step 3
After drying, make shallow, diagonal scores across the connective tissue around the bone. This prevents the steak from shrinking excessively as it cooks. Now, your steak is ready for seasoning.
Step 4
Generously season the steak on all sides with coarse salt and black pepper, like a snowfall, ensuring even coverage. Gently press the seasoning into the meat with your hands. Drizzle grapeseed oil liberally over both sides and let it marinate at room temperature for 1 hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 5
Prepare your desired garnish vegetables. Since the Tomahawk steak is quite substantial, a generous amount of colorful vegetables will make your plate even more appealing.
Step 6
Prepare a large piece of aluminum foil for resting the steak after cooking. To manage the splattering oil during searing, it’s a good idea to lay down newspaper or paper towels around your cooking area, or even better, cook on a balcony or in a utility kitchen. This will save you a lot of cleanup time and stress!
Step 7
Heat your well-seasoned pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil. Wait until the oil is shimmering and just starting to smoke lightly before carefully placing the steak in the pan.
Step 8
Sear the steak for 1 minute on each side, for a total of 4 minutes, turning it frequently. Aim for a deep, rich brown crust on both sides. As it sears, spoon some of the rendered fat from the pan over the top surface and the bone to enhance flavor.
Step 9
Once the exterior is beautifully crispy, reduce the heat to medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan, letting it melt, and place another tablespoon of butter on top of the steak. Toss in your prepared garnish vegetables around the steak. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for approximately 5 minutes for a medium-well doneness.
Step 10
You can adjust the cooking time slightly based on your preference for doneness. If you’re unsure about the internal temperature, insert a skewer or fork into the thickest part of the steak and touch it to your lower lip. If it feels lukewarm rather than cold, it’s at least rare.
Step 11
Transfer the cooked steak to a wire rack and tent it loosely with the prepared aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting is a crucial step that allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Don’t skip this!
Step 12
While the steak is resting, use the same pan to sauté your garnish vegetables. Season them lightly with salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat. This simple step elevates the dish, creating a complete and delicious Tomahawk steak meal. ♡
Step 13
Recap of the cooking process: Sear for 4 minutes (1 min per side over medium-high heat), then lower to low heat, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Finally, rest in foil for 5 minutes. The resulting medium-well steak offers a wonderfully chewy yet tender texture that is truly satisfying.
Step 14
Steak often feels like a luxurious meal, making us hesitant to cook it at home or even order it frequently. But now you know it’s not as daunting as it seems! Enjoy this impressive dish affordably and safely in your own kitchen. This recipe is straightforward, so let’s all make a delicious Tomahawk steak together! 🙂
