If you are craving a mouth-watering and juicy tomahawk steak, one of the best ways to prepare it is by cooking it in the oven. Cooking a tomahawk steak in the oven allows for even cooking and ensures that you get a perfect medium-rare or medium doneness throughout the steak.
When it comes to the temperature to cook a tomahawk steak in the oven, it is recommended to preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature ensures a nice sear on the outside of the steak while locking in the juices and flavors. It is important to use a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak to achieve the desired doneness.
For a medium-rare tomahawk steak, the internal temperature should reach around 135°F (57°C). If you prefer a medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook as it rests, so it is crucial to remove it from the oven when the internal temperature is slightly lower than the desired doneness.
Once you have reached the desired internal temperature, remove the tomahawk steak from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a tender and flavorful piece of meat. After resting, you can slice the tomahawk steak and serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.
How to Cook Tomahawk Steak in Oven: The Perfect Temperature
If you’re looking to impress your guests with a juicy and flavorful tomahawk steak, cooking it in the oven is a fantastic option. While grilling is a popular method for preparing this cut of meat, the oven can provide an equally delicious result with a nice crust and tender interior.
The most important factor to consider when cooking a tomahawk steak in the oven is the temperature. You want to achieve a perfect balance between a well-seared exterior and a juicy, slightly pink interior. This can be achieved by following these temperature guidelines:
Preheating the oven: Before you start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and retains its juices.
Searing the steak: To create a mouth-watering crust, begin by searing the tomahawk steak on high heat. Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Rub the steak with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings. Add a tablespoon of oil to the hot pan and gently place the steak in. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until a rich brown crust forms.
Finishing in the oven: Once the steak is seared, transfer it to the preheated oven. Place it on a wire rack set on a baking sheet to allow air circulation. Cook the steak in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature: for rare, aim for 125°F (52°C), medium-rare 135°F (57°C), medium 145°F (63°C), and medium-well 155°F (68°C).
Resting time: Once the steak is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorsome steak.
Serving: Slice the tomahawk steak against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. You can also drizzle it with a delicious sauce or compound butter for added flavor.
Remember to use caution when cooking with high heat and always handle hot pans and utensils safely. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak, so adjust accordingly. Enjoy your perfectly cooked tomahawk steak!
Preparing the Tomahawk Steak
Before cooking the tomahawk steak, there are a few essential steps to ensure it turns out perfectly tender and flavorful.
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Dry meat will develop a nice crust when seared.
- Season the tomahawk steak generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other spices or a dry rub of your choice to enhance the flavor.
- Preheat the oven to a high temperature, usually around 450°F (230°C). This high heat will help to achieve a perfect sear on the outside of the steak.
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add some oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil, and heat it until it’s shimmering.
- Place the tomahawk steak in the hot skillet and sear it on all sides, including the edges, until a golden-brown crust forms. This step should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and continue cooking the steak until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, it usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, but cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your oven’s heat distribution.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 130°F (54°C).
- Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.
- After resting, carefully slice the tomahawk steak against the grain into thick, juicy slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Seasoning the Tomahawk Steak
Before cooking a tomahawk steak in the oven, it is important to properly season the meat to enhance its flavor. Here are some steps you can follow to season your tomahawk steak:
1. Dry Brining
Dry brining involves rubbing the steak with salt and allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours, or even overnight. This process helps to draw out moisture from the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meat. Before applying the salt, make sure to pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
2. Adding Herbs and Spices
After dry brining, you can add additional herbs and spices to further enhance the flavor of the tomahawk steak. Common options include garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, or any other herbs and spices of your choice. Gently rub the herbs and spices onto the steak, making sure to cover all sides.
3. Allowing the Seasoning to Sit
After seasoning the tomahawk steak, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This step helps to ensure a more evenly seasoned steak when it is cooked.
Following these steps will help you achieve a well-seasoned and delicious tomahawk steak when cooking it in the oven.
Preheating the Oven
Before cooking a tomahawk steak in the oven, it is important to preheat the oven to the correct temperature. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and to the desired level of doneness. Here are the steps to properly preheat your oven:
- Start by checking the recipe or cooking instructions for the specific temperature recommendation. Typically, tomahawk steaks are cooked at a higher temperature to achieve a nicely seared exterior and a juicy interior.
- Adjust the oven rack to the middle position to ensure even heat distribution.
- Turn on the oven and set it to the recommended temperature. Common temperatures for cooking tomahawk steak range from 400°F (204°C) to 450°F (232°C).
- Allow the oven to preheat fully before placing the steak inside. Depending on your oven, this could take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.
Preheating the oven to the correct temperature is crucial to achieve the desired cooking results. Once the oven is fully preheated, you can move on to preparing the tomahawk steak for cooking.
Cooking the Tomahawk Steak
When it comes to cooking a tomahawk steak in the oven, it’s essential to follow the right temperature to achieve the perfect doneness. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook a tomahawk steak to perfection.
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature will help to sear the steak quickly and lock in its juices.
2. Take the tomahawk steak out of the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the steak to cook more evenly.
3. Pat the tomahawk steak dry with paper towels. This step helps to ensure a nice crust on the steak during cooking.
4. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasoning blend. The thick bone-in cut of the tomahawk steak can handle bold flavors, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings.
5. Heat a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan over high heat on the stovetop. Add a drizzle of oil and let it get hot.
6. Carefully place the tomahawk steak in the hot skillet and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until a crust forms. This step will give the steak a beautiful caramelized exterior.
7. Transfer the skillet with the seared steak to the preheated oven. Cook the steak for about 15-20 minutes or until the desired level of doneness is reached. For a medium-rare tomahawk steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
8. Once the steak reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
9. After the resting period, slice the tomahawk steak against the grain to ensure optimal tenderness. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Remember, cooking times may vary, so it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for precise doneness. Now you’re ready to impress your family and friends with a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak!
Q&A
What is a tomahawk steak?
A tomahawk steak is a bone-in ribeye steak with the rib bone left long (usually around 6-8 inches) for an impressive presentation.
What is the best temperature to cook a tomahawk steak in the oven?
The best temperature to cook a tomahawk steak in the oven is 375°F (190°C). This will result in a medium-rare steak with a nice crust on the outside.
How long do you cook a tomahawk steak in the oven?
The cooking time for a tomahawk steak in the oven depends on the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, you can cook it at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes for medium rare, 25-30 minutes for medium, or 30-35 minutes for medium well.
Do I need to sear a tomahawk steak before cooking it in the oven?
It is not necessary to sear a tomahawk steak before cooking it in the oven, but it can help to enhance the flavor and create a nice crust on the outside. If you want to sear it, you can heat a cast iron skillet on high heat and sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side before transferring it to the oven.
How can I tell if a tomahawk steak is cooked to the desired doneness?
The best way to tell if a tomahawk steak is cooked to the desired doneness is by using a meat thermometer. For medium rare, the internal temperature should read 135°F (57°C), medium should be around 145°F (63°C), and medium well around 160°F (71°C). Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook after it is removed from the oven, so it’s recommended to take it out a few degrees below the desired temperature and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How long do you cook a tomahawk steak in the oven?
A tomahawk steak should be cooked in the oven for about 20-25 minutes per pound if you prefer it medium-rare. However, cooking times may vary depending on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. It’s always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches your desired level.