Ingredients
Method
Season the steak generously
- Pat the tomahawk dry. Coat lightly with oil. Season all sides with salt and pepper—don’t forget the edges.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 30–40 minutes so the surface dries slightly. This helps build a better crust during grilling.
Slow-cook in the oven (the “reverse” in reverse sear)
- Preheat oven to 250°F / 120°C.
- Place the steak on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part (avoiding the bone).
- Bake until it reaches:
- 110°F (43°C) for rare
- 118°F (48°C) for medium-rare
- 125°F (52°C) for medium
- This usually takes 45–60 minutes, depending on thickness.
- This step keeps the internal temperature even—no overcooked ring, no guessing. Many cooks think cooking such a thick steak on the grill only is harder; this method removes the stress.
Heat the grill for finishing
- Set your grill to high heat—you want it properly hot before the steak touches the grates.
- Gas grill or charcoal both work.
- Charcoal adds smoke; gas gives cleaner control. Either is fine.
Grill for crust and color
- Place the tomahawk on the grill and sear all sides:
- 1–2 minutes per side
- Turn until you get a deep, even crust
- Don’t forget the “fat edge”—hold it vertically with tongs to crisp it
- This step is quick because the steak is already at temperature.
- You’re building crust, not cooking it through.
Rest and slice
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board. Rest 10 minutes—this keeps the juices from running out.
- Slice off the bone first, then slice across the grain into thick strips.
- You’ll see a gentle gradient from edge crust to a warm, rosy center—the look you expect when cooking a tomahawk steak properly.
Notes
Use a thermometer
A thick, bone-in ribeye is not something to guess by touch.
Don’t skip drying the surface
Moisture is the enemy of browning.
Expect the bone to slow heating slightly
The oven takes care of this—just trust the thermometer.
High heat matters for crust
You want the grill hot enough that you hear immediate sizzling.
Serve on a warm board or platter
Steak cools quickly once sliced.