You’re in for a treat if you’ve been wondering how to cook tomahawk steak on a gas grill! The good news is that it’s easier than you might think to achieve that perfect sear and juicy, tender meat. Whether you’re a grill master or a beginner, this guide will walk you through all the steps to create a mouthwatering tomahawk steak that will impress your family and friends. So let’s fire up the grill and get cooking!
How to Cook Tomahawk Steak on a Gas Grill
Introduction
The tomahawk steak is a mouthwatering, bone-in ribeye steak known for its impressive presentation and rich flavor. If you’re looking to indulge in a truly memorable grilling experience, cooking a tomahawk steak on a gas grill is an excellent choice. In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of preparing and grilling a perfect tomahawk steak, ensuring that it’s juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor.
Choosing the Right Tomahawk Steak
To start your journey to a fantastic tomahawk steak, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect tomahawk steak:
- Look for a well-marbled steak: Marbling refers to the intramuscular fat within the meat. More marbling generally means a juicier and more flavorful steak, so choose one with visible streaks of fat.
- Check the thickness: A tomahawk steak is typically cut around 2 inches thick, allowing for a tender and evenly cooked piece of meat. Look for a steak with a substantial thickness.
- Inspect the bone: The tomahawk steak gets its name from the long bone it features. Ensure that the bone is at least 6-8 inches long, as this enhances the presentation and adds flavor during the grilling process.
- Consider the grade: Prime-grade tomahawk steaks are often considered the best choice due to their superior marbling and tenderness. However, choice-grade tomahawk steaks can also provide excellent results.
Preparing the Tomahawk Steak
Before you fire up the gas grill, it’s important to properly prepare the tomahawk steak. Follow these steps to ensure your steak is ready for grilling:
- Thaw the steak: If your tomahawk steak is frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even cooking throughout the steak.
- Bring the steak to room temperature: About 1 hour before grilling, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature. This allows for more even cooking and helps the steak retain its juices.
- Season the steak: Generously season the tomahawk steak with your favorite dry rub or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer. Massage the seasonings into the meat, covering all sides. Let the steak sit with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Preheating and Setting Up the Gas Grill
Properly preheating and setting up your gas grill is crucial for achieving a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak. Follow these steps to ensure your grill is ready:
- Clean the grill grates: Before preheating, make sure the grill grates are clean to prevent any unwanted flavors or sticking of the steak.
- Preheat the grill: Turn on your gas grill to high heat and close the lid. Allow the grill to preheat for 10-15 minutes. This preheating process ensures that the grill grates are hot enough to sear the steak and create beautiful grill marks.
Grilling Techniques for Tomahawk Steak
To achieve that perfect doneness and beautiful char on your tomahawk steak, you can follow either the direct grilling method or the reverse sear method. Both methods have their own merits, so choose the one that suits your preferences.
Direct Grilling Method
The direct grilling method involves cooking the steak directly over high heat. Follow these steps for a delicious tomahawk steak cooked using the direct grilling method:
- Sear the steak: Place the tomahawk steak directly over the hottest part of the grill grates. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes to create a flavorful crust.
- Move to indirect heat: Once seared, move the steak to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat to medium. This allows the steak to cook more gently and evenly without burning the exterior.
- Check the internal temperature: To ensure the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remove the steak from the grill when it reaches 5-10°F below your target temperature, as it will continue to cook during the resting period.
- Rest and serve: Transfer the cooked tomahawk steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more delicious and tender steak. Slice and serve the steak, and enjoy!
Reverse Sear Method
The reverse sear method involves slow-cooking the steak at a lower temperature before giving it a quick sear at the end. This method is great for achieving uniform doneness throughout the steak. Here’s how to cook a mouthwatering tomahawk steak using the reverse sear method:
- Indirectly grill the steak: Place the seasoned tomahawk steak on the cooler side of the grill, away from direct heat. Close the lid and cook the steak using indirect heat until the internal temperature reaches about 10-15°F below your desired doneness.
- Sear the steak: Once the steak has reached the desired temperature, transfer it to the direct heat side of the grill. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes to develop a delicious crust.
- Rest and serve: After searing, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender steak. Slice the tomahawk steak, and savor every flavorful bite!
Cooking a tomahawk steak on a gas grill is an impressive culinary adventure that can elevate any meal. By choosing the right cut, preparing the steak properly, and employing the direct grilling or reverse sear method, you can create a masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. So, fire up your gas grill and get ready to savor the incredible flavors of a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak!
Tomahawk Ribeye On A Gas Grill | How To Cook Steak
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tomahawk steak and how is it different from other cuts?
A tomahawk steak is a bone-in ribeye steak with a long bone resembling a tomahawk axe handle. It is known for its impressive presentation and rich marbling, which gives it exceptional flavor and tenderness. The bone, which is left long, adds extra flavor and helps to retain moisture during cooking.
How should I prepare the tomahawk steak before grilling?
Before grilling, you can enhance the flavor of the tomahawk steak by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
What is the ideal temperature and cooking time for grilling a tomahawk steak on a gas grill?
For a medium-rare tomahawk steak, preheat your gas grill to high heat (around 450-500°F or 230-260°C). Place the steak on the grill and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes to develop a nice crust. Then, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for another 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.
Should I grill the tomahawk steak with the bone-in or remove it?
It is recommended to grill the tomahawk steak with the bone-in. The bone not only adds flavor but also helps to insulate the meat, preventing it from overcooking. Grilling with the bone-in also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the dish.
How can I achieve the perfect grill marks on a tomahawk steak?
To achieve beautiful grill marks on your tomahawk steak, make sure the grates are clean and preheated. Place the steak diagonally across the grates at a 45-degree angle. After a few minutes of searing, rotate the steak 90 degrees to create crosshatch grill marks. Repeat on the other side.
Should I rest the tomahawk steak after grilling?
Yes, it is essential to let the tomahawk steak rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. Cover the steak loosely with aluminum foil during the resting period.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, cooking a tomahawk steak on a gas grill is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Preparing the steak by seasoning it generously and allowing it to reach room temperature before grilling ensures a flavorful outcome. Preheating the grill, searing the steak over high heat, and then cooking it over indirect heat allows for a perfect medium-rare doneness. Resting the steak before slicing and serving enhances its juiciness and tenderness. With these simple steps, anyone can confidently cook a mouthwatering tomahawk steak on a gas grill. So, whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just craving a delicious steak dinner, look no further!
