How To Cook A Tomahawk Steak Gordon Ramsay? (+ Recipes)
A Tomahawk steak is one of the most flavorful, juicy and visually stunning cuts of beef you can cook. With its trademark long bone resembling the shape of a tomahawk axe, this ribeye steak on the bone is a true showstopper. When seasoned and seared perfectly, then roasted in the oven, the Tomahawk steak achieves a crispy, caramelized crust on the outside and a tender, rose-colored medium-rare interior that melts in your mouth. No one knows how to prepare the ultimate Tomahawk steak better than world-famous chef Gordon Ramsay. Follow his expert instructions to learn how to cook this succulent cut of beef!
What is Tomahawk Steak?
The Tomahawk steak, also known as the cowboy steak, is a cut of beef ribeye that has extra bone attached. The signature long bone may be French-trimmed or left intact, extending 5 inches or more from the meat. This bone makes the steak resemble the shape of a single-handed axe, hence its name.
Tomahawk steaks are cut from the front end of the rib primal, called the ribeye roll. They usually weigh between 30 to 60 ounces and are 2-3 inches thick. Due to the marbling in the ribeye muscle and the layer of fat cap left on the steak, Tomahawks are praised for their rich, beefy flavor and tenderness when cooked properly.
Visually, the Tomahawk makes a dramatic presentation, especially when served on the bone. The exposed bone also imparts extra flavor and nutrients during the cooking process. When cooked medium-rare, the Tomahawk steak combines a caramelized, flavorful crust with a tender, pink interior for steak-lovers’ delight.
Who is Gordon Ramsay?
Gordon Ramsay is one of the world’s most famous and influential chefs. Known for his exceptional skills and notoriously high standards in the kitchen, Gordon Ramsay has built an international culinary empire.
Ramsay trained under iconic chefs Marco Pierre White and Guy Savoy before opening his first restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, which earned 3 Michelin stars. He then shot to fame with his reality TV shows like Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, and Kitchen Nightmares, showcasing his culinary expertise along with his fiery temper.
With over a dozen restaurants worldwide bearing his name, Gordon Ramsay has been awarded 16 Michelin stars total and inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame. His reputation for creating innovative recipes while upholding classic techniques makes Ramsay the ideal expert for learning how to cook a perfect Tomahawk steak.
How to Cook a Tomahawk Steak Gordon Ramsay?
Cooking a mouthwatering Tomahawk steak with a perfect crust and juicy interior like Gordon Ramsay takes skill and the right technique. Follow these steps to achieve steakhouse quality right at home:
Ingredients
- Tomahawk steak, approx. 2 lbs
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
- Olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp butter, sliced into pieces
Equipment
- Large cast iron skillet
- Meat thermometer
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Instructions
- Take the Tomahawk steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Optional: Wrap the exposed bone in aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Coat pan with olive oil.
- Sear steak for 2-3 minutes per side until a nice crust forms.
- Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast for 15-25 minutes until steak reaches desired doneness:
- Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C) internal temperature
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C)
- Halfway through roasting, flip steak and add garlic cloves, thyme, and butter to pan. Baste steak with melted butter.
- Once done, remove steak from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How Long to Cook a Tomahawk Steak Gordon Ramsay?
Cooking time for a Tomahawk steak depends on two factors – thickness and desired doneness. Here are Gordon Ramsay’s recommendations:
- For a 2-inch thick Tomahawk steak:
- Medium-rare: 15-18 minutes total cooking time
- Medium: 18-22 minutes
- Well-done: 22-25 minutes
- For a 3-inch thick Tomahawk steak:
- Medium-rare: 20-25 minutes
- Medium: 25-30 minutes
- Well-done: 30-35 minutes
Remember to account for carryover cooking and always use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Letting the steak rest after cooking also allows the temperature to rise by 5°F-10°F to reach the ideal doneness.
How to Store Tomahawk Steak Gordon Ramsay?
Proper storage is key for maintaining the quality of your Tomahawk steak:
- Leftover cooked Tomahawk steak keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days stored in an airtight container.
- Freeze raw Tomahawk steaks well wrapped for 2-3 months maximum.
- For fridge-stored cooked steak, reheat gently in a skillet or oven before serving.
- Thaw frozen raw steaks overnight in the fridge before cooking.
FAQs
What is the best way to cook a Tomahawk steak?
The best cooking method is to sear the Tomahawk steak in a cast iron skillet to develop a nice crust, then roast it in the oven until it reaches your desired doneness. This gives you the perfect combination of caramelized exterior and tender, juicy interior.
Should you flip Tomahawk steak while cooking?
Yes, it’s important to flip the steak at least once during oven roasting to promote even cooking. For a 2-inch thick steak, flip it after 8-10 minutes. For a 3-inch thick steak, flip after 12-15 minutes.
What temperature should you cook Tomahawk steak to?
Cook Tomahawk steak to these internal temperatures for doneness:
- Medium-rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Well-done: 160°F
Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak.
How much does a Tomahawk steak cost?
Tomahawk steaks are considered a premium cut and are priced accordingly. Expect to pay $20-25 per pound for a Tomahawk steak at retail.
What sauce goes well with Tomahawk steak?
For Gordon Ramsay style, you can make a simple pan sauce right in the skillet after cooking the steak. Deglaze with beef broth, red wine, or balsamic vinegar and whisk in cold butter slices. Delicious!
What sides go with Tomahawk steak?
Great choices include roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, or a fresh salad. Pick sides that complement the Tomahawk steak without overpowering its flavor.
Conclusion
With its showstopping presentation and incredibly flavorful, tender meat, the Tomahawk steak is one of the most impressive cuts to serve for special occasions. By following Gordon Ramsay’s foolproof method, you can achieve a restaurant-worthy Tomahawk steak with a crispy sear and perfect medium-rare doneness. Master this cut, and get ready to impress lucky dinner guests in your home kitchen. Dig in to juicy, meaty bliss!
