How to Reverse Sear Tomahawk Steak
Serves 2
180 mins prep
133 mins cook
313 mins total
Reverse searing is the perfect way to prepare a tomahawk steak. Start by smoking low and slow, then reverse sear the tomahawk to perfection.
2 servings
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Prep the steak
When buying a tomahawk steak, head to your local butcher or high-quality grocery store. You’ll probably find a three-pound tomahawk steak (or more, or less – but they are BIG) with a long bone and a thick cut of meat.
Sprinkle kosher salt generously over the entire steak and let it rest uncovered in the fridge for a couple of hours to overnight. Note: If you leave it overnight, the salt will penetrate deep into the meat. With that said, if you don’t love a lot of salt flavor, use a rub that doesn’t have much salt.
Before smoking, rub the sides of the steak with olive oil and coat generously with your favorite dry rub.
Let your steak sit out for about 30-45 minutes before cooking. Starting with a room-temperature steak ensures even cooking and a tender steak. This is important and will cook your steak more evenly and accurately to where you want it to finish.
Smoke
Preheat your smoker or grill to a lower temperature, around 225 – 250 F.
Place the steak on the smoker grates away from direct heat.
Shut the firebox lid and monitor the internal temperature of your steak using a meat thermometer.
Smoke the tomahawk steak for 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your steak.
Aim for an internal temperature of the steak around 115°F for a medium-rare finish.
Keep an eye on the smoker grates to ensure even heat distribution.
Reverse Sear
Option 1: Caveman Style Sear
For this cook, I went caveman style and placed the tomahawk steak directly on hot coals in my smoker’s firebox. This high-heat sear adds a smoky flavor and a charred crust.
Option 2: Cast Iron Sear
You can also use a cast iron skillet or cast iron pan. Heat the skillet over high heat, add a little olive oil, and sear the steak for about 1 minute on each side.
Option 3: Grill Grates Sear
If you’re using a gas grill or pellet smoker, place the steak directly on the grill grates over high heat for about 1 minute per side.
