How to Cook a Tomahawk Steak on a Pellet Grill (With Tips and Tricks)

How to Cook Tomahawk Steak on a Pellet Grill

Tomahawk steaks are a popular choice for grilling, and for good reason. They’re big, juicy, and full of flavor. But if you’re not careful, you can end up with a dry, tough steak. That’s why it’s important to know how to cook tomahawk steak on a pellet grill.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook tomahawk steak on a pellet grill so that you get a perfectly cooked, juicy steak every time. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right steak to grilling it to perfection. So whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the tips and tricks you need to know.

Step Instructions Image
1 Preheat your pellet grill to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
2 Pat the tomahawk steak dry with paper towels.
3 Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
4 Place the steak on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.
5 Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Choosing the Right Tomahawk Steak

When choosing a tomahawk steak, there are a few factors to consider.

  • Size: Tomahawk steaks are typically between 1 and 1.5 inches thick and 20 to 24 ounces in weight. However, you can find tomahawk steaks that are larger or smaller than this. The size of the steak will affect how long it takes to cook, so keep this in mind when choosing a steak.
  • Cut: Tomahawk steaks are cut from the ribeye primal, which is a highly prized cut of beef. Ribeye steaks are known for their rich flavor and tenderness. Tomahawk steaks have a large, thick bone-in ribeye roast, which adds to the flavor and presentation of the steak.
  • Marbling: Marbling refers to the amount of fat that is distributed throughout the steak. Fat is what gives steak its flavor and juiciness. Tomahawk steaks typically have a good amount of marbling, which makes them a flavorful and juicy choice.
  • Fat cap: The fat cap is the thick layer of fat that runs along the top of the tomahawk steak. The fat cap helps to protect the steak from drying out during cooking. It also adds flavor to the steak when it is rendered during cooking.
  • Grade: The grade of a steak refers to the quality of the meat. Tomahawk steaks are typically graded USDA Prime or USDA Choice. Prime steaks are the highest grade of beef and are characterized by their rich flavor, tenderness, and marbling. Choice steaks are the next highest grade of beef and are still very flavorful and tender.

Preparing the Tomahawk Steak

Once you have chosen the perfect tomahawk steak, it is time to prepare it for cooking. There are a few different ways to prepare a tomahawk steak, but the most common methods are dry brining, marinating, and rubbing.

  • Dry brining: Dry brining is a simple and effective way to season a steak. To dry brine a steak, simply sprinkle the steak with salt and let it sit in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. The salt will draw out moisture from the steak, which will help to tenderize the meat.
  • Marinating: Marinating is another great way to add flavor to a steak. To marinate a steak, simply combine your favorite marinade ingredients in a large bowl or resealable bag. Add the steak to the marinade and let it sit for 2 to 4 hours, or overnight. Marinating will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
  • Rubbing: Rubbing a steak with a flavorful rub is a great way to enhance the natural flavor of the meat. To rub a steak, simply combine your favorite rub ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the steak all over with the rub and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.

Cooking the Tomahawk Steak

Tomahawk steaks are best cooked over high heat to sear the outside and create a delicious crust. Once the steak is seared, you can finish it by grilling, roasting, or smoking.

  • Grilling: To grill a tomahawk steak, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the steak with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the steak for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
  • Roasting: To roast a tomahawk steak, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the steak with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast the steak for 10 to 12 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
  • Smoking: To smoke a tomahawk steak, preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the steak with oil and season with salt and pepper. Smoke the steak for 4 to 6 hours, or until it reaches your desired doneness.

Tomahawk steaks are a delicious and impressive way to cook a steak. By following these tips, you can cook a perfect tomahawk steak every time.

Additional Tips

  • Tomahawk steaks are best cooked to medium-rare or medium. Overcooking will dry out the steak and make it tough.
  • Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to be more tender.
  • Serve the steak with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.

References

  • [USDA Prime Beef](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/safe-food-handling/food-safety-basics/beef-safety/prime-beef)
  • [USDA Choice Beef

Cooking the Tomahawk Steak

Tomahawk steaks are a popular choice for grilling, and for good reason. They’re big, juicy, and flavorful, and they’re perfect for a special occasion. But cooking a tomahawk steak on a pellet grill can be a bit tricky, if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Here are a few tips for cooking a perfect tomahawk steak on a pellet grill:

  • Choose the right steak. Tomahawk steaks are typically cut from the ribeye roast, and they’re usually about 2 inches thick. When choosing a steak, look for one that’s well-marbled and has a good color.
  • Preheat your grill. Pellet grills need to be preheated to the desired temperature before you start cooking. For tomahawk steaks, you’ll want to preheat your grill to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Oil the steak. Before you put the steak on the grill, brush it with a little oil. This will help to prevent the steak from sticking to the grill.
  • Season the steak. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
  • Place the steak on the grill. Place the steak on the grill over direct heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
  • Rest the steak. After you’ve cooked the steak, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking a tomahawk steak on a pellet grill is 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give you a nice sear on the outside of the steak while leaving the inside juicy and tender.

If you don’t have a pellet grill, you can also cook a tomahawk steak on a charcoal grill or a gas grill. Just be sure to preheat the grill to high heat before you start cooking.

Time

The cooking time for a tomahawk steak will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired doneness. For a 2-inch thick steak, you’ll need to cook it for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. For a more well-done steak, cook it for longer.

Resting

After you’ve cooked the steak, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.

Serving the Tomahawk Steak

Tomahawk steaks are best served hot off the grill. They can be sliced and served on their own, or they can be served with a variety of sides dishes, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Temperature

Tomahawk steaks should be served at medium-rare to medium-well doneness. This will give you a nice balance of juicy and flavorful meat.

Side dishes

There are a variety of side dishes that can be served with tomahawk steaks. Some popular options include:

  • Grilled vegetables
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Rice
  • Salad
  • Baked beans
  • Corn on the cob

Sauces

There are also a variety of sauces that can be served with tomahawk steaks. Some popular options include:

  • Barbecue sauce
  • Steak sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Horseradish sauce
  • Aioli
  • Chimichurri sauce

Tomahawk steaks are a delicious and impressive way to feed your guests. With a little care and attention, you can cook a perfect tomahawk steak on your pellet grill every time.

How long does it take to cook a tomahawk steak on a pellet grill?

It will take about 45 minutes to cook a tomahawk steak on a pellet grill at 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature should I cook a tomahawk steak on a pellet grill?

The ideal temperature for cooking a tomahawk steak on a pellet grill is 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best way to grill a tomahawk steak?

The best way to grill a tomahawk steak is to sear it over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then finish it by grilling it over indirect heat until it reaches your desired doneness.

What is the best wood to use for grilling a tomahawk steak?

The best wood to use for grilling a tomahawk steak is hickory or oak.

How do I know when a tomahawk steak is done?

A tomahawk steak is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare or 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium.

How do I rest a tomahawk steak?

After cooking a tomahawk steak, it is important to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.

What are some of the best sides to serve with a tomahawk steak?

Some of the best sides to serve with a tomahawk steak include mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, and asparagus.

cooking a tomahawk steak on a pellet grill is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following the tips and advice provided in this article, you can be sure to cook a delicious and juicy steak that will impress your guests.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

  • Tomahawk steaks are a type of ribeye steak that is cut from the rib primal and has a long, frenched bone.
  • Tomahawk steaks are best cooked over indirect heat at a high temperature.
  • The ideal cooking temperature for tomahawk steaks is between 135F and 145F.
  • Tomahawk steaks should be cooked for approximately 5 minutes per side for rare, 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, and 7 minutes per side for medium.
  • Tomahawk steaks can be served with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

With a little practice, you can easily cook tomahawk steaks on your pellet grill that are sure to please everyone at your next cookout.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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