All about the Tomahawk : questions and answers

Curiosities about the Tomahawk: aka the Celtic steak

Tomahawk is one of the most popular cuts of meat among barbecue and grill lovers that has gained much popularity in recent years. Here is a quick mini guide to discover almost everything about the Flinstone steak, loved by grill masters, to make a good impression at the next barbecue with friends between a beer and a chat in front of the grill.

In this article, we will explore all the curiosities, cuts of meat and cooking methods of the tomahawk. Ready, grill and go!

Why is meat called Tomahawk?

Tomahawk is a ribeye steak with a bone at least 20 cm long. This cut is characterized by the presence of the bone, which gives the piece of meat a shape similar to that of a battle ax (in English, tomahawk). For this reason it is also known as "Celtic rib" or "axe rib", this particular portion of meat was named so due to its resemblance to the weapon used by Native Americans.

But why is it called that? The answer is quite simple: the similarity between the bone and the weapon used by Native Americans. But it's not just a question of shape: the bone, in fact, offers a unique and inimitable cooking experience.

Furthermore, the Tomahawk has become a true symbol of barbecue and grilling, a portion of meat that requires attention and care in cooking to best bring out the flavor and softness of the meat.

Where does the Tomahawk come from?

The Tomahawk as a fad was first introduced in the United States, where it became very popular in restaurants specializing in quality meats.

Initially, this particular and prestigious cut came from a particular and rare breed of Australian beef, which was born from the cross between Black Angus and the highly prized Wagyu. Subsequently, greater attention began to be paid to the feeding of the animals and to obtain this special steak also from other breeds of cattle, less renowned but capable of offering compact, tender and tasty meat in equal measure.

How much does the Tomahawk bone weigh?

Cutting the Tomahawk requires a lot of skill on the part of the butcher, who must dissect the entire rib while keeping the Tomahawk bone intact. The result is a very large and imposing piece of meat, with a high concentration of fat and an imposing presence of bone. This cut is obtained from the upper part of the beef rib, near the neck of the animal, and has a weight varying between 800 g, 1.2 and 1.5 kg. The main characteristic of the Tomahawk is the bone, which does not always have a precise weight but has its own particular shape: it is often about 20-25 centimeters long and has a curved shape, which gives the meat an imposing and rustic appearance.

How much does a Tomahawk ribeye cost?

The cost of a Tomahawk ribeye can vary greatly depending on where it is purchased and the quality of the meat. In general, Tomahawk is a premium cut of beef and therefore the price may be higher than other cuts of meat. On average, the price of a Tomahawk ribeye can range from around 30 to 60 euros per kilogram, but it is possible to find even higher prices for high-quality beef.

However, it is important to remember that the Tomahawk is a very large and heavy piece of meat, so the total cost may be higher than other cuts of meat. In any case, the price of the Tomahawk steak always depends on the quality of the meat, the breeding method of the animal and the processing that the piece of meat has undergone. Before purchasing Tomahawk, it is important to check the quality of the meat and make sure you buy from reliable and well-known suppliers.

Cut of meat for Tomahawk steak

To prepare a perfect Tomahawk, it is important to choose the right cut of meat. The rib - or loin cut - must have a good amount of intramuscular fat, which makes it soft and juicy during cooking. Additionally, fat helps keep meat hydrated, preventing it from drying out during cooking.

The ideal cut of meat for the Tomahawk is the ribeye, a part of the animal that is highly prized for the quality of the meat it offers. In particular, it is obtained from the upper part of the rib, near the neck of the animal. This part of the rib is characterized by the presence of a high fat content, which gives the meat an intense and juicy flavour.

The Angus breed, in fact, offers high quality meat, with exceptional flavor and softness, while the Wagyu breed is known for its infiltration of fat, which makes the meat even softer and juicier.

How to marinate Tomahawk?

It is important that the steak, after being removed from the refrigerator at least an hour before cooking, is dried of excess water and blood. Subsequently it is recommended to massage the steak and leave it to soak with extra virgin olive oil, so as to allow the oil to penetrate the grain. For extra flavor, before grilling the Tomahawk, it's important to bring it to room temperature and then rub it with a mix of spices - or RUB - and salt.

Cooking methods for the Tomahawk

Tomahawk is a very fine beef, which requires careful and accurate cooking, especially in the first phase of preparation of the dish, in order to enhance its intense and juicy flavour. To ensure that the expression and flavor of the meat reaches its peak, you also need to pay attention to the cooking phase.

There are several cooking methods suitable for the Tomahawk, depending on personal preferences and the type of equipment available. The Tomahawk lends itself to different cooking techniques, but the grill and the oven can do justice to this cut for real strong stomachs! Each technique offers a different cooking experience and a different result, but all can best bring out the flavor and tenderness of the meat.

Tomahawk grill cooking

Grilling is the most popular cooking method for tomahawk, as it allows you to obtain a crispy crust and a soft, juicy interior. When the grill is hot, place the Tomahawk on the grill and cook over high heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. Then, lower the heat and continue cooking over medium-low heat, until the desired doneness is reached.

Tomahawk oven cooking. Baking is another ideal technique for cooking Tomahawk. Discover our mini baked recipe .