A Tomahawk steak is essentially a ribeye steak, but what makes it unique is its bone at least 5 inches (13 cm) long. The bone is French-trimmed, giving it a cool, impressive look. It’s a big steak with lots of marbling, rich beefy flavor, and tender texture. Its shape resembles an axe, which is how it got the name “Tomahawk Steak.” With its impressive look, superb taste, and tenderness, the Tomahawk steak is perfect for special occasions – it makes a memorable impression on any dining table.
Remove that bone from tomahawk steak, and what you’ve got is just a classic ribeye steak. The tomahawk steak and ribeye taste the same and have the same texture – the only differences are the bone and the thickness. While you can cut a boneless ribeye as thick as you like, the Tomahawk’s thickness is all about that attached rib.
About cooking this beauty: cooking a tomahawk can be difficult because of its long bone – it might not fit well in a pan or oven, so grilling is usually the way to go. Please remember that the meat near the bone cooks slower than the rest.
Keep reading to learn more about the Tomahawk steak.
Where Does a Tomahawk Steak Come From on a Cow?
Tomahawk steak comes from the cow’s rib primal. Butchers cut it from the rib sub-primal, more specifically, a part of the beef rib that runs from the 6th to the 12th rib, covering seven ribs in total.
How Big is a Tomahawk Steak?
The tomahawk steak is known for both its flavor and its impressive size. Typically, it measures about 2 inches (5 cm) in thickness and weighs between 30 and 45 ounces (850 to 1275 grams). With the bone in, the average weight is roughly 2.5 pounds (1133 grams) – it’s a seriously big steak.
What Does Tomahawk Steak Taste Like?
Tomahawk steak tastes like ribeye; it has a very rich, beefy taste – it’s also incredibly tender and juicy. The magic comes from its mix of muscles; the spinalis dorsi muscle gives it that rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the longissimus dorsi muscle adds a robust, beefy flavor. Tomahawk steak is so good that a little salt and pepper is all you need to enjoy its full, satisfying taste.
Is Tomahawk Steak Expensive?
Tomahawk steak is one of the most expensive steak cuts available. Its final price depends on the beef’s quality and where you’re buying it, but it remains a very expensive choice. For example, a 40 oz (1130 grams) tomahawk steak usually costs about twice as much as a 20 oz (566 grams) bone-in ribeye steak. Remember, though, that the tomahawk includes a big bone that can weigh 10-15 oz (283 to 425 grams), so much of what you’re paying for is the bone and, let’s be honest, how impressive the steak looks.
Why is Tomahawk Steak So Expensive?
Tomahawk steak is expensive for a couple of reasons. First, it’s just a ribeye steak – a premium cut known for its rich, beefy flavor and amazing tenderness. But it’s not just about the meat; the presentation plays a big part too. That long, impressive bone makes it stand out on the plate, turning a regular meal into something special. And because it’s such a hit for special occasions at steakhouses, its price naturally gets a boost.
Is a Tomahawk Steak Worth It?
It all depends on what you’re after. The tomahawk steak is unique because of its eye-catching, axe-like bone – that dramatic presentation can make the meal feel extra special. In that sense, it’s worth it. But let’s be real: many steak lovers just want a great-tasting steak without paying a premium for the presentation. To them, the tomahawk is like a fancier, more expensive version of a boneless ribeye.
Opinions on the tomahawk steak are pretty divided. Many people point out that the bone adds a lot of weight, so you end up paying much more per pound compared to a boneless ribeye. Some even claim the bone boosts the flavor, but it doesn’t – the case study by J. Kenji López-Alt on Serious Eats proves that’s not the case. So, while it’s a real treat for special occasions, it might not be the best everyday choice if you’re watching your budget.
One solid argument for the tomahawk steak is how it catches the eye. We eat with our eyes first, and even those skeptical have to admit that the tomahawk looks impressive on the plate. And if you’re feeding a crowd or want something even more impressive, you might consider a Tomahawk roast – a larger cut with several ribs.
My Personal Opinion on Tomahawk Steak
For me, a good steak isn’t just about the flavor – it’s the whole experience. There’s something special about grilling and serving a perfect tomahawk steak. Unfortunately, tomahawk steak is expensive, so I recommend it for special occasions. And if it’s not within your budget, don’t worry – the steak world is full of beef cuts that are as delicious as tomahawk and won’t break the bank.