How to cook the perfect tomahawk steak
Beef up your barbecue or dinner party with a mighty tomahawk steak. An unmistakable cut, thanks to its signature axe-like bone and rich marbling, the tomahawk is a showstopper; discover how to cook it like a pro and turn your meal into an unforgettable feast.
What is a tomahawk steak?
Tomahawk steak is taken from the rib, with the bone left in for a rich, full flavour. It’s named for its distinctive shape – the long bone looks like the handle of an axe.
What is a tomahawk steak?
Tomahawk steak is taken from the rib, with the bone left in for a rich, full flavour. Ours is always from British, forage-fed beef, reared by farmers who share our commitment to animal welfare. It’s named for its shape – the long bone looks like the handle of an axe.
A step-by-step guide to cooking tomahawk steak
Watch Waitrose chef Charmaine cook a tomahawk perfectly.
Tomahawk steak cooking tips
- Take the meat out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Drizzle with oil and season with salt.
- During cooking, baste the meat with melted butter.
- Use a temperature probe to check it’s cooked: rare is 48°C, medium rare 55°C, medium 58°C and well done 68°C.
- After cooking, let your steak rest on a wire rack in a warm place for 10-20 minutes
- Always slice the meat against the grain.
How to barbecue a tomahawk steak
When the barbecue coals are covered in white ash, put the tomahawk on the grill and cook for your preferred time below.
If flames flare up, dampen the heat by flicking water onto the coals.
Rare: 10 minutes each side
Medium: 11 minutes
Well done: 12 minutes
How to reverse sear a tomahawk steak
Roast the steak in the oven at 200°C/Fan 180ºC/Gas 6 for your preferred cooking time below.
When the barbecue coals are covered in white ash, put the steak on the grill and finish for two minutes each side.
Rare: 15-20 minutes
Medium: 20-25 minutes
Well done: 35 minutes
How to cook a tomahawk steak in the oven
Sear the steak in a hot frying pan for three minutes each side.
Transfer to the oven and cook at 200°C/Fan 180ºC/Gas 6 for your preferred times below.
Rare: 15-20 minutes
Medium: 20-25 minutes
Well done: 35 minutes
Shop tomahawk steaks
Our tomahawk is always from British, forage-fed beef, reared by farmers who share our commitment to animal welfare.
What wine to serve
Our wine expert Pierpaolo Petrassi recommends a rich Cabernet Sauvignon to pair with your tomahawk steak.
