How to cook a tomahawk steak in the oven and finish it in a pan

Cook a thick tomahawk with controlled oven heat and a final sear, allowing for bone size and steak thickness.

A tomahawk is a rib steak with a prominent bone. The bone creates an impressive presentation, but the thickness of the meat determines the cooking method. A large steak often benefits from gentle oven cooking followed by a final sear.

Check your equipment

Make sure the steak fits your roasting rack and that you can sear the meat safely without the bone tipping the pan. A clean digital thermometer is far more useful than a fixed minutes-per-side rule. Defrost thoroughly if necessary and blot the surface dry.

Use gentle heat first

For an intact whole-muscle steak, preheat to approximately 100–110°C fan. Season, place on a rack over a tray, and monitor the thickest part away from the bone. Aim several degrees below your chosen final doneness because searing and resting add heat.

For a medium finish, about 55°C before searing can be a starting point, aiming towards roughly 60–63°C after finishing. These are culinary doneness targets, not a thorough-cooking safety standard.

Sear every exposed surface

Heat a suitable heavy pan, add a little high-temperature cooking oil and brown both broad sides and accessible edges. Avoid burning butter in a very hot pan; add it towards the end if you want to baste.

This lower-doneness approach is only appropriate for intact beef with the outside fully seared. Follow label directions for mechanically tenderised, rolled or otherwise processed meat. People advised to avoid undercooked meat should choose thorough cooking.

Rest, carve and share

Rest briefly, then remove the bone and slice across the grain. Serve on a warm plate with the juices. Keep the first attempt simple: good seasoning and careful temperature checks do more than a complicated sauce.

Explore the Malpas Farm Shop range
35oz Shortbone Tomahawk Steak
https://www.malpasfarmshop.co.uk/product-page/42-oz-goliath-shortbone-tomahawk-steak

Illustrative serving or preparation suggestion. Presentation and accompaniments may vary.