How Long to Cook Tomahawk Steak in the Oven: A Perfect Guide for Juicy Results

Introduction

When it comes to steak, few cuts stand out like the tomahawk steak. With its impressive presentation, rich marbling, and intense flavor, it’s no surprise that this cut of meat has become a favorite for steak lovers. But, when it comes to cooking tomahawk steak in the oven, getting the timing right is essential to achieving that perfect, juicy steak.

So, how long to cook tomahawk steak in the oven? The answer depends on several factors, including the steak’s thickness, the oven’s temperature, and your desired level of doneness. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, mastering the oven-cooked tomahawk steak will elevate your cooking skills and impress your guests.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding this special cut of steak to step-by-step instructions on how to cook it to perfection. By the end, you’ll not only know how long to cook tomahawk steak in the oven, but also how to ensure it’s juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor.

Understanding Tomahawk Steak

Before we dive into the tomahawk steak cooking time, it’s important to understand what makes this cut so special. The tomahawk steak is essentially a bone-in ribeye steak, with an impressive, long bone left intact. The long bone gives the steak its signature “tomahawk” appearance, resembling a prehistoric axe, which is why it’s often referred to as a “bone-in ribeye” or “French-cut ribeye.”

This cut is known for its tenderness, richness, and marbling. The ribeye steak vs. tomahawk comparison is simple: the tomahawk is just a ribeye that’s been left with a longer bone for aesthetics and a better presentation. While the ribeye offers a juicy, flavorful bite due to the fat distribution, the tomahawk takes it to the next level due to its size and visual appeal.

Whether you’re preparing a tomahawk steak for special occasions or treating yourself to a delicious dinner, understanding this steak’s unique characteristics will help you cook it to perfection. The tenderness of a bone-in steak like the tomahawk means that cooking it properly will give you an incredibly satisfying eating experience. However, you’ll need to adjust your cooking methods accordingly to ensure that the steak remains juicy and tender throughout the process.

Preparing the Tomahawk Steak

Now that you understand what makes the tomahawk steak so desirable, let’s move on to preparing it for cooking. Preparation is key to achieving that mouthwatering, juicy tomahawk steak that everyone craves. Here’s how to get it ready for the oven:

1. Bring the Steak to Room Temperature
   One of the most important steps in preparing a tomahawk steak is to let it come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout. Take the steak out of the fridge and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes before cooking. A cold steak placed directly into the oven will cook unevenly, leading to a tough, dry texture.
2. Seasoning Your Steak
   The best way to season a tomahawk steak is with simple, high-quality ingredients. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for extra flavor. Some people prefer marinating the steak, but for the perfectly cooked tomahawk steak, dry seasoning usually works best.
3. Optional Step: Marinate for Extra Flavor
   If you want to enhance the flavors further, consider marinating the steak for a few hours before cooking. A simple marinade with olive oil, garlic, and herbs will infuse the steak with additional flavors. However, marinating is optional as the tomahawk steak already has plenty of natural flavor due to its marbling.

By ensuring that your tomahawk steak is at room temperature and properly seasoned, you’re setting the stage for a perfectly cooked piece of meat. These steps are crucial to achieving a delicious result that will wow anyone who takes a bite.

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Cooking the Tomahawk Steak in the Oven

Now that your tomahawk steak is prepared, it’s time to get it into the oven and cook it to perfection. Knowing how long to cook tomahawk steak in the oven can make all the difference in achieving the ideal steak—whether you prefer it rare, medium-rare, or well-done.

1. Preheat Your Oven
   The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows for the steak to cook slowly and evenly. If you want to achieve a more intense crust, you can also use the broil function toward the end of the cooking process.
2. Searing the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
   Before placing your tomahawk steak in the oven, it’s highly recommended to sear it on the stovetop for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This will help create a flavorful crust. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat, add some oil, and sear each side of the steak until it’s golden brown. Searing is a key step in achieving that crispy exterior while maintaining the juicy interior.
3. Roasting the Steak
   Once the steak is seared, move it to the preheated oven. The cooking time for tomahawk steak in the oven depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline:
   • For rare: Cook for 20-25 minutes.
   • For medium-rare: Cook for 25-30 minutes.
   • For medium: Cook for 30-35 minutes.
   • For well-done: Cook for 35-40 minutes.
4. Insert a meat thermometer into the steak to check its internal temperature.
   • Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
   • Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
   • Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
   • Well-done: 150°F (66°C) or higher
5. Resting the Steak
   After removing the steak from the oven, it’s essential to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is tender and juicy.

By following these steps, you’ll know exactly how long to cook tomahawk steak in the oven to achieve the perfect level of doneness and a flavorful, oven-cooked tomahawk steak.

Searing and Resting

While cooking the tomahawk steak in the oven is an important part of the process, searing and resting are crucial steps that take your steak from good to great.

1. Searing the Steak
   The purpose of searing the tomahawk steak is to lock in the juices and create a beautifully browned, crispy crust. You don’t need to sear it for too long—just 2-3 minutes per side in a hot skillet should suffice. Make sure your pan is heated to high temperature before placing the steak on it to avoid sticking. This step creates that irresistible charred exterior while keeping the inside tender.
2. Resting the Steak
   After you remove your steak from the oven, don’t cut into it immediately. Letting it rest for 10 to 15 minutes is essential for a juicy tomahawk steak. This step allows the meat’s juices to settle and redistribute, which ensures every bite is as tender and flavorful as the first.

Resting may seem like an optional step, but it’s one of the most important aspects of cooking a steak to perfection. If you skip this step, you risk losing much of the flavor and juiciness that you’ve worked so hard to create.

How to Know When Your Tomahawk Steak is Perfectly Cooked

One of the trickiest parts of cooking any steak, including the tomahawk steak, is determining when it’s done. While the cooking time for tomahawk steak in the oven is a good starting point, the most accurate way to check if your steak is perfectly cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Use a Meat Thermometer
   A meat thermometer is an invaluable tool for cooking steak to perfection. Place the thermometer in the thickest part of the tomahawk steak, making sure to avoid the bone, and check the internal temperature. Refer to the temperature chart for your preferred doneness level:
   • Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
   • Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
   • Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
   • Well-done: 150°F (66°C) or higher
2. Visual Indicators for Doneness
   If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also use visual cues to determine doneness. The tomahawk steak’s color will change as it cooks, with the surface becoming more caramelized as it reaches higher temperatures. For a medium-rare tomahawk steak, for instance, the steak should have a warm red center. Pressing the steak gently with your finger can also provide an indication of its doneness—medium-rare will feel firm but with some give.
3. Check the Juices
   Another way to check doneness is by observing the juices that come out when you cut into the steak. If the steak is medium-rare, the juices should be slightly pink. For well-done, the juices will run clear, and the steak will be firm to the touch.

Perfectly cooked steak is all about personal preference. By using a meat thermometer or relying on visual and tactile indicators, you’ll get the perfect tomahawk steak every time.

What to Serve with Tomahawk Steak

Now that you know how to cook a tomahawk steak to perfection, let’s talk about how to serve it. The tomahawk steak’s rich flavors pair well with a variety of sides, sauces, and beverages. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your meal and wow your guests:

1. Classic Steak Sides
   No steak meal is complete without the right sides. Pair your oven-cooked tomahawk steak with classic accompaniments such as:
   • Roasted Potatoes: A rich and crispy side that balances the tenderness of the steak.
   • Grilled Vegetables: Try asparagus, bell peppers, or mushrooms, which complement the earthy flavors of the steak.
   • Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A smooth, buttery mash can act as a delicious contrast to the juicy meat.
2. Steak Sauces
   While the tomahawk steak’s natural flavor is often enough on its own, a great sauce can take it to the next level. Here are a few popular steak sauces to consider:
   • Garlic Butter: Melted butter with fresh garlic and herbs creates a flavorful topping for the steak.
   • Béarnaise Sauce: A rich, tangy sauce made with egg yolks, butter, and tarragon—perfect for a tomahawk steak.
   • Peppercorn Sauce: A creamy and peppery sauce that brings a bold flavor to every bite.

Pairing your oven-cooked tomahawk steak with these sides and sauces will create a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Tomahawk Steak

While cooking the tomahawk steak in the oven is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less-than-ideal results. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you achieve the perfect steak every time:

1. Not Letting the Steak Rest
   One of the biggest mistakes people make when cooking steak is not letting it rest after removing it from the oven. As mentioned earlier, resting your tomahawk steak for 10-15 minutes ensures that the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy. Cutting into the steak immediately will result in dry meat, which nobody wants.
2. Overcooking the Steak
   Overcooking the tomahawk steak is an easy mistake, especially since it’s such a large cut of meat. While it’s tempting to leave it in the oven longer for well-done results, overcooking can result in a tough, dry steak. Always use a meat thermometer to make sure your steak is cooked to your preferred doneness.
3. Skipping the Sear
   Skipping the sear is another common mistake. While you can technically cook the steak directly in the oven, skipping the stovetop searing step results in a less flavorful crust. The sear is what locks in flavor and creates a delicious outer layer, so don’t skip this step for that perfect tomahawk steak.
4. Using a Low-Quality Meat Thermometer
   A low-quality or inaccurate meat thermometer can lead to overcooked or undercooked steak. Invest in a good digital thermometer that provides accurate readings, so you can get your tomahawk steak cooked just the way you like it every time.

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure that your tomahawk steak turns out tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cooking Tomahawk Steak in the Oven

1. How long should I cook a tomahawk steak in the oven?

The cooking time for a tomahawk steak in the oven depends on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. On average, cook your steak for about 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) after searing. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

2. Do I need to sear the tomahawk steak before cooking it in the oven?

Yes, searing the tomahawk steak before transferring it to the oven is highly recommended. Searing creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices. This process should be done in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before placing it in the preheated oven.

3. What’s the best way to check if a tomahawk steak is done?

To check if your tomahawk steak is done, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. Depending on your preferred doneness, aim for:

• Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
• Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
• Well-done: 150°F (66°C) or higher.

4. Can I cook tomahawk steak in the oven without searing it?

While it’s possible to cook tomahawk steak without searing, searing it first provides a rich, flavorful crust and helps to lock in the meat’s juices. Skipping this step may result in a less flavorful steak.

5. What sides go best with a tomahawk steak?

Pair your tomahawk steak with sides like roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. A rich steak sauce such as garlic butter or béarnaise sauce can complement the flavors.

6. How do I prevent overcooking my tomahawk steak?

To avoid overcooking your tomahawk steak, monitor the internal temperature closely with a meat thermometer. Once you reach your desired doneness, remove the steak from the oven immediately and let it rest to ensure the juices are redistributed.

7. Can I cook tomahawk steak in the oven without a meat thermometer?

While it’s possible to cook tomahawk steak without a thermometer, it’s much more difficult to achieve the perfect level of doneness. Using a meat thermometer ensures accurate results and prevents overcooking or undercooking.

8. How long should I let the tomahawk steak rest before cutting it?

Allow your tomahawk steak to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy, tender steak when you cut into it.

9. Is it necessary to flip the tomahawk steak while it’s in the oven?

No, you don’t need to flip the tomahawk steak in the oven. Once you’ve seared it and placed it in the oven, it can cook on one side without needing to be flipped. This helps to maintain an even cook.

Conclusion

Cooking a tomahawk steak in the oven is a rewarding experience that results in a flavorful, tender, and visually stunning dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or treating yourself to a delicious meal, understanding the proper techniques—like searing, the right cooking time, and allowing the steak to rest—will elevate your culinary skills.

Remember, the key to cooking the perfect tomahawk steak lies in preparation, attention to detail, and knowing your desired level of doneness. By following these steps, you’ll be able to confidently cook a juicy tomahawk steak that’s bursting with flavor.So, the next time you ask yourself, “how long to cook tomahawk steak in the oven”, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge you need to create a steak that’s nothing short of extraordinary. With the right techniques and a little bit of patience, you’ll be enjoying a restaurant-quality steak at home in no time.