If you’ve ever seen a tomahawk steak on display, you’ve likely noticed the high price tag attached to it. Known for its hefty rib bone and significant size, the tomahawk steak is one of the priciest cuts of beef available. But what makes it so expensive? From its large size and distinctive bone-in look to the quality of the beef, there are several factors behind the premium cost of tomahawk steak.
In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons tomahawk steak is so pricey and explore the factors contributing to its high value. Whether you’re thinking of purchasing one for a special event or just curious, understanding these details will help you see why tomahawk steak is a luxury cut worth appreciating.
What Is Tomahawk Steak and Why Is It So Expensive?
The tomahawk steak is a ribeye cut with an extended rib bone left intact, giving it a unique tomahawk-like appearance. Generally, this steak weighs between 30 and 45 ounces, making it considerably larger than most other cuts. This substantial size and impressive look help explain the high price, but there’s more to it than that.
1. The Large Portion Size
Tomahawk steak is renowned for its large size, and this factor alone increases its cost. Because this steak offers more meat and a richer flavor profile, it’s priced at a premium per pound. The larger the cut, the higher the price tag, which is a major reason why tomahawk steak costs more than smaller ribeye steaks.
2. Signature Bone-In Presentation
One of the primary reasons tomahawk steak is expensive is its presentation, with the rib bone left intact. This bone creates the steak’s signature look and also influences its flavor during cooking. While the bone itself doesn’t add to the edible meat, it enhances the overall presentation and justifies the premium cost for many steak lovers. Additionally, butchers must French-trim the bone, a time-consuming process that contributes to the higher cost.
3. High-Quality Beef Selection
Tomahawk steaks are typically sourced from high-grade beef such as USDA Prime or Wagyu, which are known for their marbling and tenderness. Producing this quality of beef requires more resources and attention, which naturally raises its price and is another reason why tomahawk steak is so expensive.
For a more in-depth look at different beef qualities, explore our guide to steak cuts.
4. Aging Process
Many tomahawk steaks undergo dry-aging, a method that further enhances the meat’s flavor and tenderness. This process can take weeks or even months and requires specific conditions and equipment. The time-consuming nature of dry-aging explains another reason tomahawk steak is so pricey. As the steak loses moisture, its flavor intensifies, though the weight reduction makes it even more costly by weight.
Why Is Tomahawk Steak So Expensive? Key Benefits
While the tomahawk steak comes with a premium cost, there are several reasons why many consider it worth the splurge:
- Impressive Appearance: The tomahawk steak’s large size and long rib bone make it a true showstopper, perfect for special occasions.
- Enhanced Flavor: The bone-in structure and extensive marbling create a rich, juicy flavor that’s hard to match.
- Flexible Cooking Methods: Tomahawk steak can be cooked in various ways, such as grilling, pan-searing, or roasting, making it ideal for those who like to experiment with their steak.
- Tender Texture: The marbling in tomahawk steaks provides a melt-in-your-mouth texture, adding to the reasons why this cut is a costly but delicious choice.
For more recipes using premium steak cuts, check out our steak cooking guide.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Tomahawk Steak
To bring out the best in a tomahawk steak, you’ll only need a few key ingredients that will highlight its natural flavors:
- Tomahawk Steak: Choose a high-quality tomahawk steak from a reputable butcher with excellent marbling.
- Kosher Salt: Salt helps create a flavorful crust on the steak when seared.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds spice that complements the rich beefiness.
- Butter: Perfect for basting, adding richness and moisture to the steak.
- Garlic and Fresh Herbs: Fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme add depth to the steak’s flavor.
These ingredients are minimal yet essential, allowing the quality of the beef to shine—an important factor in why tomahawk steak is so expensive.
Dietary Substitutions for Tomahawk Steak
If you’d like to adjust your tomahawk steak recipe for specific dietary needs, here are some helpful substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and requires no adjustments for those avoiding gluten.
- Dairy-Free: Swap out butter for olive oil when basting to make the recipe dairy-free while keeping the steak moist and flavorful.
- Lower-Calorie: Opt for a smaller portion or leaner ribeye cuts if you want a lower-calorie meal.
For more diet-friendly steak recipes, visit our dietary steak guide.
How to Cook the Perfect Tomahawk Steak: Step-by-Step Guide
With a solid understanding of why tomahawk steak is so expensive, here’s how to prepare it to perfection:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Remove the steak from the fridge about an hour before cooking, allowing it to reach room temperature for even cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to help create a crisp crust.
Step 2: Generously Season the Steak
Season the steak liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme will further elevate the flavor.
Step 3: Sear for a Crisp Crust
Heat a cast-iron skillet on high until it’s extremely hot. Add a bit of oil and sear the steak for about 3–4 minutes on each side until a crust forms.
Step 4: Cook to Your Desired Doneness
Transfer the steak to a preheated 400°F oven or continue cooking on the grill. Use a meat thermometer to check for desired doneness. Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
Step 5: Allow the Steak to Rest
Let the steak rest for 10–15 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier steak.
Step 6: Slice and Enjoy
Slice against the grain and serve with sides. The tenderness and flavor will remind you why tomahawk steak is a worthy indulgence.
For more cooking tips, explore our complete steak guide.
Advanced Cooking Tips for Tomahawk Steak
If you’re ready to enhance your tomahawk steak experience, consider these advanced techniques:
- Reverse-Sear Method: This involves slow-cooking the steak at a low temperature before searing it at high heat, creating even doneness and a perfect crust.
- Smoking: Using a smoker adds a unique flavor to the tomahawk, enhancing the bone’s influence on taste.
- Herb Butter Basting: Basting with garlic, herbs, and butter during cooking brings added richness.
For more advanced steak techniques, check out our advanced steak tips.
How to Store Tomahawk Steak
Although tomahawk steak is best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to store leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn; it will last up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Avoid microwaving as it can toughen the meat. Instead, reheat in the oven at 250°F until warmed through.
For more storage advice, see our steak storage guide.
Nutritional Value of Tomahawk Steak
Tomahawk steak is packed with protein, iron, and essential vitamins. Here’s a breakdown for an 8-ounce portion:
- Calories: 850 kcal
- Protein: 50g
- Fat: 60g
- Iron: 25% of daily value
- Vitamin B12: 35% of daily value
While high in fat, tomahawk steak offers valuable nutrients, making it a rich treat to enjoy on occasion.
FAQs About Tomahawk Steak
Q: Why is tomahawk steak so expensive?
A: The high price is due to the large size, unique bone-in presentation, high-grade beef quality, and labor-intensive preparation.
Q: What’s the best way to cook a tomahawk steak?
A: You can grill, pan-sear, or roast the steak. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check for desired doneness.
Q: Can I cook a tomahawk steak without a grill?
A: Absolutely! You can achieve great results by searing it in a cast-iron skillet and finishing it in the oven.
For more FAQs on steak, check our FAQ page.
Conclusion
In summary, the reasons why tomahawk steak is so expensive stem from its large size, distinctive bone-in look, premium quality beef, and labor-intensive preparation process. Its impressive flavor, texture, and presentation make this steak a luxurious choice for those who appreciate high-quality meat.