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Tomahawk Steak Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, BQQ
Calories 950 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sheet tray with parchment paper For dry brining and oven roasting
  • 1 Wire rack To elevate steak during dry brine and cooking
  • 1 Smoker or oven For low-temp cooking
  • 1 Grill For high-heat searing
  • 1 Meat thermometer To monitor internal temp
  • 1 Tongs For flipping steak on grill
  • 1 Cutting board & knife For slicing before serving

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 2½ pounds Tomahawk rib-steak Bone-in, thick cut
  • to taste - Coarse salt About 2 tsp to 1 tbsp
  • to taste - Freshly ground black pepper For added crust
  • optional - Cowboy butter For garnish and flavor
  • optional - Sliced chives For garnish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Season the Steak

  • Place the tomahawk steak on a wire rack over a parchment-lined sheet tray.
  • Generously coat with coarse salt on all sides.
  • Refrigerate uncovered for 4 to 48 hours to dry brine.

Step 2: Bring to Room Temperature

  • Remove steak from fridge 30 minutes before cooking to come to room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare to Cook

  • Preheat smoker or oven to 225°F.
  • Add freshly ground black pepper to both sides of the steak.

Step 4: Cook Slowly

  • Place steak directly on grill if smoking, or leave it on rack/tray if baking.
  • Insert meat thermometer into center.
  • Cook until internal temp reaches 100°F (about 60–75 minutes).

Step 5: Rest and Sear

  • Remove steak from heat and rest 10–15 minutes.
  • Preheat grill to high (550°F+).
  • Sear 2–3 minutes per side until desired internal temp is reached (125°F for medium-rare).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

  • Remove from grill and let rest 5–7 minutes.
  • Top with cowboy butter and garnish with sliced chives if desired.
  • Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Dry brining enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Reverse searing delivers a perfect edge-to-edge doneness with a crispy crust.
  • Resting before and after searing ensures juicy, even slices.
  • Serve with hearty sides and a bold wine for a classic steakhouse experience.
Keyword cowboy steak, reverse sear, tomahawk steak