How to Cook a Tomahawk Steak on A Pellet Grill
Cooking a delicious and juicy tomahawk steak is a must-try for any grill enthusiast. The perfect way to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a mouth-watering meal. But have you ever considered cooking this ultimate steak on a pellet grill? If not, you’re missing out on an amazing dining experience. Pellet grills are versatile and make grilling meat easy and convenient.
In this blog, we will guide you on how to cook the perfect tomahawk steak on a pellet grill, from prepping the steak to seasoning it and cooking it to perfection. Get ready to impress your taste buds with succulent and rich flavors!
Table of Contents
1. Prep the Tomahawk Steak
Are you ready to show off your culinary skills with a mouth-watering tomahawk steak cooked on a pellet grill? Well, first things first, let’s start with preparation! A tomahawk steak is a large, thick cut of meat, so ensure it’s fully defrosted and at room temperature. Use a paper towel to pat the steak dry and remove any excess moisture. Then, using a sharp knife, trim off any excess fat or sinew along the edges of the meat, leaving a thin layer of fat on the top for flavor and moisture. Seasoning is essential for bringing out the steak’s full potential, so sprinkle some coarse salt and pepper on both sides and let it sit for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. By properly prepping your tomahawk steak, you are one step closer to grilling perfection!
2. Preheat the Pellet Grill
Now that you’ve prepped your delicious Tomahawk steak, it’s time to prepare the pellet grill for cooking. Make sure to set the temperature to 225°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. This will ensure that your grill is hot and ready to go when you’re ready to cook.
For the best flavor, consider using the Super Smoke option if available on your pellet grill. This will infuse your steak with that perfect smoky goodness.
It’s essential to make sure your grill is evenly heated, so preheat on high before placing the steak on the hottest part of the grill. Sear both sides for 1-2 minutes, then move to the medium, ash-covered coals to continue cooking.
While the meat rests, remember to increase the temperature of the pellet grill to 450 degrees. This will allow for a perfect sear when you return the steak to the grill for those final few minutes.
Remember to always pat your steak dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior. By preheating your pellet grill properly, you’ll achieve that perfect char on your Tomahawk steak that everyone will be talking about.
3. Season the Steak
Now that you have prepped the magnificent tomahawk steak and preheated the pellet grill, it’s time to season it to perfection. Seasoning is one of the most important steps in getting great flavor in your steak. Liberally apply a 50/50 blend of salt and pepper on all sides and edges of the steak. Don’t forget to sprinkle a bit of paprika and garlic to give it that extra flavor kick.
After you have seasoned your steak, let it sit for a few minutes to give the meat time to absorb the seasoning. This step will help the flavors infuse into the meat, making it even more delicious.
Once you’ve let the steak sit, it’s time to sear it. This can be done on a separate grill or using the sear function on your pellet grill. The goal of searing is to form a nice crust on the surface of the steak, so it’s important to make sure your grill is hot enough.
With the searing complete, it’s time to place the steak on the grill to continue cooking. Monitor the internal temperature using a thermometer to ensure that it reaches your desired level of doneness. This can take up to an hour or more, depending on the thickness of the steak.
Once the steak’s internal temperature reaches 105 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices in the steak to redistribute, making it even more tender and flavorful. Finally, carve and serve the steak to your guests, and relish in the satisfaction of nailing the perfect tomahawk steak on your pellet grill.
4. Sear the Steak
Now it’s time to give your Tomahawk Steak that perfect sear. Preheat your pellet grill to high heat or 450°F. Once your grill is hot, place the seasoned steak on the hottest part of the grill grates and close the lid. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes until a brown crust has formed.
After that, turn the steak over and repeat the same process on the other side. Make sure to sear the sides of the steak as well to get an even sear. Don’t forget to use tongs to avoid puncturing the meat and losing those precious juices.
Searing locks in the flavors and juices in the steak, giving it a delicious crust on the outside while keeping it juicy and tender inside.
At this point, the internal temperature of your Tomahawk should be around 115-120°F. Remember, the ultimate goal is to reach an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.
Once you’ve achieved the perfect sear, it’s time to move the steak to a cooler part of the grill and let it finish cooking until it reaches your desired internal temperature. This is called the reverse-sear method and it ensures that the steak is cooked evenly throughout.
Now that your Tomahawk Steak is perfectly seared, it’s time to rest it for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender steak.
While you’re waiting, you can add some final touches such as brushing the steak with garlic butter or sprinkling some fresh herbs on top.
Once the steak has rested, it’s ready to be carved and served. Cut against the grain into thick, juicy slices, and enjoy with your favorite sides.
By following these steps, you’ll impress your family and friends with a perfectly cooked and delicious Tomahawk Steak that is sure to be the star of your next BBQ.
5. Place the Steak on the Grill
Now that you’ve prepped your Tomahawk Steak and preheated your pellet grill, it’s time to get things cooking! Start by oiling the grates to prevent sticking. Then, carefully place the steak on the hot grill grates, making sure to avoid the bones if possible. Close the lid and let it cook for about 45 minutes, flipping midway through. Keep an eye on the internal temperature with a probe thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remember, every grill is different so adjust your cook time accordingly. Once you’ve reached your target temperature, remove the steak from the grill and give it a little rest before carving into it. Your perfectly cooked Tomahawk Steak is now ready for your enjoyment!
6. Monitor the Internal Temperature
Now that you’ve placed your seasoned Tomahawk steak on the preheated pellet grill, it’s time to monitor the internal temperature. This is a crucial step to ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired doneness. The internal temperature should be at least 135 degrees Fahrenheit for a medium-rare steak.
Using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the steak without touching the bone. Make sure to check the temperature regularly and flip the steak as needed to ensure even cooking. It’s important to not rely solely on the cooking time as grill temperatures can vary.
As the temperature gets closer to your desired doneness, keep an eye on it and be sure not to overcook the steak. Remember, it’s always better to pull the steak off the grill a few degrees before it reaches your desired temperature as the steak will continue to cook and the temperature will rise even when off the heat.
By monitoring the internal temperature, you can ensure that your Tomahawk steak is cooked to perfection every time. Now that you’ve mastered the technique, it’s time to let your steak rest, carve it up, and enjoy a delicious meal.
7. Rest the Steak
Now that your tomahawk steak is perfectly cooked, it’s time to let it rest. This step is critical to ensuring that all of the delicious juices stay inside the steak instead of running out onto your plate.
To rest your steak, remove it from the grill and lightly tent it with aluminum foil for about 10 minutes. This will allow the temperature to even out and the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
While the steak is resting, take a few moments to prepare any sides or sauces you plan to serve with it. Maybe whip up a compound butter or a herbaceous chimichurri sauce to add even more flavor to your already incredible steak.
When your steak has finished resting, remove the foil and get ready to carve. Take your time and cut against the grain for the most tender and juicy slices.
Now that you’ve followed all of these steps, you’re ready to enjoy your perfectly cooked tomahawk steak. Savor every bite, and bask in the glory of your delicious creation. Congratulations!
8. Final Touches
Now that your tomahawk steak is perfectly cooked and resting, it’s time to add the final touches. Start by brushing the steak with melted butter or olive oil to add flavor and shine. Next, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
If you want to elevate your tomahawk steak even further, try adding a topping like a gremolata, chimichurri, or blue cheese butter. Simply mix your desired toppings in a bowl and spoon over the steak before serving.
To truly impress your guests, serve your tomahawk steak on a wooden cutting board with steak knives and any additional sides you may have prepared. And don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of your favorite red wine to accompany your perfectly cooked steak.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully cooked a tomahawk steak on a pellet grill! Now it’s time to carve and enjoy your masterpiece.
9. Carve and Serve
Now that your tomahawk steak has rested, it’s time to carve and serve it. Using a sharp knife, slice against the grain in thin, even pieces. This will ensure each bite is tender and full of flavor.
Arrange the slices on a platter and garnish with your favorite herbs or seasonings for added flare. Serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a loaded baked potato.
As you savor each bite, appreciate the delicious flavor and juiciness that comes with cooking a tomahawk steak on a pellet grill. You’ve done an excellent job, and your guests are sure to be impressed with your culinary skills! Enjoy!
10. Enjoy Your Perfectly Cooked Tomahawk Steak
Now that you’ve followed the previous steps to properly prepare and cook your tomahawk steak on a pellet grill, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! As you remove the steak from the grill, allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Once the steak has rested, it’s time to carve and serve. To do this, simply locate the bone and cut along the sides to separate it from the meat. Then, slice the meat against the grain into your desired thickness of slices.
As you take your first bite of the perfectly cooked tomahawk steak, savor the flavors and textures that come with each delicious bite. The smoky undertones from the pellet grill, the tender meat, and the crispy crust all come together to create a mouthwatering experience.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy your deliciously perfect tomahawk steak. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it solo, you know that you’ve done the necessary steps to ensure the best possible outcome. Cheers to a job well done and a steak well-deserved!