How to Grill a Tomahawk Steak on Big Green Egg
Are you ready to take your grilling skills to the next level? In this article, we will show you how to grill a mouthwatering tomahawk steak on your Big Green Egg.
With its impressive size and rich marbling, the tomahawk steak is perfect for those special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself. Follow our step-by-step instructions to choose the perfect steak, prepare your grill, season it to perfection, and achieve that ideal grill temperature.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with the juiciest, most flavorful tomahawk steak they’ve ever tasted. Let’s get grilling!
Table of Contents
Choosing the Perfect Tomahawk Steak
You’ll want to make sure you choose the perfect tomahawk steak for grilling on your Big Green Egg. Selecting the best cut is crucial, as it will greatly impact the outcome of your meal. Look for a tomahawk steak that has a thick rib bone, ideally around 6 to 8 inches long. This bone gives the steak its distinctive ‘handle’ and adds flavor to the meat as it cooks.
When it comes to the meat itself, choose a steak that is well-marbled with fat. This marbling ensures a tender and juicy steak, as the fat melts during cooking, infusing the meat with flavor and moisture.
To ensure the perfect tomahawk steak, it is important to employ the right cooking techniques. Start by seasoning the steak generously with salt and pepper, allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. Preheat your Big Green Egg to a high temperature, around 500°F, and sear the steak for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. This will create a beautiful crust and seal in the juices.
Afterwards, reduce the heat to around 350°F and continue grilling the steak for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing, to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Preparing the Big Green Egg for Grilling
First, make sure to properly set up your grill for optimal grilling conditions. Here are three important steps to follow:
-
Preheating instructions: Before you start grilling, it’s crucial to preheat your Big Green Egg. This helps ensure even cooking and seals in the juices of your tomahawk steak. Start by removing the cooking grid and placing the charcoal in the firebox. Light the charcoal using natural fire starters or an electric starter. Once the charcoal is lit, close the lid and open the bottom draft door and top vent to allow for proper airflow. Let the grill preheat for about 15-20 minutes or until the temperature reaches around 500°F.
-
Cleaning and maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance of your Big Green Egg is essential for optimal performance. After each use, remove the ashes from the firebox and clean the cooking grid with a brush. For a deeper clean, remove the cooking grid and use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the interior and exterior of the grill. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry before reassembling.
Seasoning the Tomahawk Steak
To enhance the flavor and tenderness, it’s important to season your tomahawk steak with a blend of spices and herbs. There are various marinating methods you can use to infuse the meat with delicious flavors.
One option is a dry rub, which consists of mixing together different spices and herbs and rubbing them onto the steak. Some popular spice blend options include a simple mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or a more complex blend with paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and dried herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Another marinating method is using a liquid marinade. This involves combining different ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and various herbs and spices to create a flavorful mixture. You can let the steak sit in the marinade for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
No matter which marinating method you choose, make sure to evenly coat the tomahawk steak with the spice blend or marinade. This will ensure that every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
Achieving the Ideal Grill Temperature
Make sure your thermometer is calibrated correctly to ensure you achieve the ideal temperature for grilling. There’s nothing worse than thinking your grill is hot enough, only to find out later that it wasn’t.
Here are three tips to help you achieve the ideal grill temperature:
-
Regular grill maintenance: Before you start grilling, make sure to clean your grill grates and remove any built-up grease or residue. This will help ensure even heat distribution and prevent any unwanted flare-ups. Additionally, check for any leaks in your gas grill’s hoses and connections, as these can affect the temperature control.
-
Charcoal selection: If you’re using a charcoal grill, choosing the right charcoal is essential for achieving the ideal temperature. Hardwood lump charcoal is a popular choice among grill enthusiasts due to its ability to burn hotter and longer compared to briquettes. It also imparts a smoky flavor to your food. Remember to use enough charcoal to create a consistent bed of coals for even heat distribution.
-
Monitor the temperature: Use a reliable thermometer to monitor the temperature of your grill. For most grilling recipes, a medium-high heat of around 375-450 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Adjust the air vents or gas burner controls to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Grilling the Tomahawk Steak to Perfection
When it comes to grilling the perfect tomahawk steak, two key factors to consider are cooking time and temperature, as well as whether to use a marinade or a dry rub.
The cooking time and temperature will determine the doneness and tenderness of the steak.
The choice between a marinade or dry rub will add flavor and enhance the overall taste.
Cooking Time and Temperature
The ideal cooking time and temperature for a tomahawk steak on the Big Green Egg is 400°F for about 20 minutes per inch of thickness, resulting in a perfectly juicy and tender steak.
To achieve the best results, follow these three cooking techniques:
-
Preheat the Big Green Egg: Start by preheating your grill to 400°F. This ensures even heat distribution and helps seal in the juices of the steak.
-
Monitor the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare doneness, aim for 130-135°F. Cooking the steak to the desired temperature ensures a tender and flavorful outcome.
-
Rest and Serve: Once the tomahawk steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak. Serve and enjoy!
Marinade or Dry Rub?
Using a marinade or dry rub can enhance the flavor of your steak. When deciding between the two, it ultimately comes down to your personal flavor preferences.
A marinade is a liquid mixture that you soak your steak in, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. It can consist of various ingredients like herbs, spices, oils, and acids like vinegar or citrus juice.
On the other hand, a dry rub is a mixture of herbs, spices, and seasonings that you sprinkle onto the surface of the steak. It forms a tasty crust when grilled.
The advantage of a marinade is that it tenderizes the meat while infusing it with flavor. However, a dry rub creates a delicious, concentrated flavor on the exterior of the steak.
Ultimately, the choice between a marinade or dry rub depends on your personal taste preferences.
Resting and Serving the Tomahawk Steak
When it comes to serving a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak, there are a few key points to keep in mind.
First, the resting time after grilling is crucial to allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to reach its optimal tenderness.
Next, the carving and presentation of the steak can make all the difference in creating an impressive and appetizing dish.
Resting Time Importance
Don’t underestimate the importance of letting your tomahawk steak rest before slicing into it. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. Here are three benefits of letting your meat rest before serving:
-
Juiciness: Resting allows the juices that have been forced to the center of the steak during cooking to evenly distribute throughout the meat. This ensures every bite is succulent and moist.
-
Enhanced Flavor: As the steak rests, the flavors become more concentrated. This intensifies the taste and elevates the overall dining experience.
-
Improved Texture: Resting allows the proteins in the meat to relax, resulting in a more tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also gives the steak time to cool down slightly, preventing the loss of juices when you cut into it.
Carving and Presentation
Carving the meat for presentation is an important step in showcasing the delicious flavors and textures of a well-rested tomahawk steak. To ensure you make the most of this impressive cut, it’s crucial to master the right carving techniques.
Start by locating the bone and make a deep cut along its length, separating it from the meat. Then, slice the meat against the grain into thick, juicy pieces. This will ensure tenderness and allow the flavors to shine.
When it comes to plating, you have endless possibilities. Consider arranging the slices artfully on a wooden board, garnishing with fresh herbs, or pairing with colorful roasted vegetables. Remember, the presentation should be as enticing as the taste, so let your creativity guide you.
Accompaniments and Garnishes
Now that you’ve mastered the art of carving and presenting your perfectly grilled tomahawk steak, it’s time to think about the accompaniments and garnishes that will complete your culinary masterpiece. Here are three ideas to take your meal to the next level:
-
Side Dishes: Consider serving your tomahawk steak with a variety of delicious sides. Classic options like garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables are always a hit. For a more adventurous twist, try grilled asparagus or creamy truffle mac and cheese. The key is to choose dishes that complement the rich flavors of the steak without overpowering it.
-
Plating Techniques: When it comes to presentation, don’t be afraid to get creative. Arrange your side dishes in an artful manner around the steak, using different heights and textures to create visual interest. You can also garnish the plate with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a pop of color. Remember, a well-plated dish is not only pleasing to the eye but also enhances the overall dining experience.
-
Sauces and Condiments: Elevate your tomahawk steak by offering a selection of flavorful sauces and condiments. Classic choices like béarnaise or chimichurri are always a crowd-pleaser. Additionally, you can create your own signature sauce using ingredients like bourbon, garlic, or horseradish to add a unique twist to the meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grilling a tomahawk steak on a Big Green Egg is a delicious and satisfying experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection.
From choosing the right steak to seasoning it and achieving the ideal grill temperature, every step is crucial for a successful outcome. Remember to let the steak rest before serving, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a tender and flavorful steak.
Enjoy your mouthwatering tomahawk steak!