There are few meals as impressive as a perfectly cooked Grilled Tomahawk Ribeye Steak. With its long bone, incredible marbling, and bold beef flavor, the tomahawk ribeye is a true centerpiece that brings the steakhouse experience right to your backyard grill.

This impressive cut is essentially a thick-cut ribeye with the rib bone left attached, creating a beautiful presentation while adding extra flavor during cooking. The combination of high-heat grilling, simple seasoning, and a buttery herb finish creates a steak with a smoky crust, juicy interior, and unforgettable flavor.

While the tomahawk steak may look intimidating, the cooking process is surprisingly simple. With the right technique, you can achieve a perfectly grilled steak with a caramelized exterior and a tender, medium-rare center.

Perfect for celebrations, weekend grilling, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests, this Grilled Tomahawk Ribeye Steak is the ultimate steak lover’s meal.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Tomahawk Ribeye Steak

This recipe delivers everything you want from a premium steak.

Incredible Flavor

The natural marbling of the ribeye creates a rich, buttery taste that becomes even better when grilled.

Beautiful Presentation

The long bone and impressive size make this steak a stunning centerpiece.

Smoky Grilled Crust

High heat creates a flavorful crust with delicious charred grill marks.

Tender and Juicy Interior

The reverse-sear method helps cook the steak evenly while keeping it incredibly juicy.

Perfect For Special Occasions

Serve this steak for:

Backyard gatherings
Father’s Day dinners
Holiday celebrations
Anniversary meals
Weekend grilling events

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple recipe focuses on highlighting the natural flavor of the steak.

Main Ingredient

Tomahawk Ribeye Steak

1 large tomahawk ribeye steak (2½–3½ pounds, about 2–3 inches thick)

Choose a steak with excellent marbling for the best flavor and tenderness.

Steak Seasoning Ingredients

Kosher Salt

Enhances the natural beef flavor.

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Adds a bold peppery finish.

Garlic Powder

Adds savory depth.

Olive Oil

Helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.

Garlic Herb Butter Ingredients

Unsalted Butter

Creates a rich finishing sauce.

Fresh Garlic

Adds bold aroma and flavor.

Rosemary

Provides a classic steakhouse herb flavor.

Thyme

Adds earthy freshness.

Parsley

Adds brightness and color.

Lemon Zest (Optional)

Adds a fresh contrast to the rich steak.

How To Make Grilled Tomahawk Ribeye Steak

Step 1: Prepare The Steak

Remove the tomahawk steak from the refrigerator:

1–2 hours before grilling

A thick steak cooks more evenly when it is not ice cold.

Pat the steak completely dry with paper towels.

Brush lightly with olive oil.

Season generously on all sides with:

Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder

Make sure the seasoning covers the entire surface.

Step 2: Prepare The Garlic Herb Butter

In a bowl, combine:

Softened butter
Minced garlic
Chopped rosemary
Chopped thyme
Fresh parsley
Lemon zest (optional)

Mix until smooth.

Set aside for serving.

Step 3: Prepare The Grill

Preheat your grill with two heat zones:

High Heat Zone

For creating the crust.

Low Heat Zone

For slow cooking the inside.

The reverse-sear method works best for thick tomahawk steaks because it allows even cooking.

Step 4: Slow Grill The Steak

Place the tomahawk steak on the cooler side of the grill.

Close the lid.

Cook until the internal temperature reaches:

Rare: 120°F
Medium Rare: 125°F
Medium: 135°F

This usually takes around:

45–60 minutes

depending on thickness and grill temperature.

Flip occasionally for even cooking.

Step 5: Sear Over High Heat

Move the steak to the hottest part of the grill.

Sear for:

1–2 minutes per side

until a deep golden crust forms.

Sear the edges as well, especially the fat cap.

This creates the signature grilled flavor and beautiful appearance.

Step 6: Add Garlic Herb Butter

Remove the steak from the grill.

Place a generous amount of garlic herb butter over the top.

The heat from the steak will melt the butter into the surface.

Step 7: Rest Before Slicing

Allow the steak to rest for:

10–15 minutes

Cover loosely with foil.

Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Slice against the grain and serve.

Steak Temperature Guide

For the perfect tomahawk ribeye:

Rare: 125°F (52°C)
Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C)
Medium: 145°F (63°C)
Medium Well: 150°F (66°C)
Well Done: 160°F (71°C)

For the best texture, medium rare is the most recommended.

Tips For The Best Grilled Tomahawk Steak

Use A Meat Thermometer

A thick steak can be difficult to judge by appearance alone.

Season Generously

Large cuts of meat need enough seasoning to flavor the entire steak.

Let The Steak Rest

Skipping resting can cause valuable juices to escape.

Don’t Overcook The Steak

Tomahawk ribeye is prized for its tenderness. Medium rare preserves the best texture.

Slice Properly

Cut against the grain for the most tender bites.

What To Serve With Grilled Tomahawk Ribeye Steak

This impressive steak pairs beautifully with classic steakhouse sides.

Loaded Baked Potatoes

A perfect match for grilled beef.

Grilled Vegetables

Try:

Asparagus
Corn
Peppers
Zucchini

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Perfect with melted herb butter.

Creamed Spinach

A traditional steakhouse favorite.

Grilled Mushrooms

Earthy flavors complement the beef.

Fresh Salad

Adds freshness and balance.

How To Store Leftover Tomahawk Ribeye Steak

Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to:

3 days

To reheat:

Warm gently in a skillet over low heat.
Add a little butter.
Avoid high temperatures.

You can also enjoy sliced leftovers in:

Sandwiches
Salads
Wraps
Pasta dishes

Delicious Ways To Use Leftover Tomahawk Steak

Transform leftovers into new meals:

Steak sandwiches
Steak tacos
Breakfast hash
Steak salads
Loaded fries
Beef pasta

The smoky grilled flavor makes leftovers incredibly delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a tomahawk steak different from a ribeye?

A tomahawk is a ribeye steak with a long rib bone left attached, creating a dramatic presentation.

Can I cook tomahawk steak only over direct heat?

Yes, but because it is very thick, the outside may cook faster than the inside. A reverse sear gives better results.

How long should I grill a tomahawk steak?

Cooking time depends on thickness, but most thick tomahawk steaks take around 45–60 minutes before searing.

Can I cook this steak in the oven?

Yes. Use the reverse-sear method in the oven and finish with a hot pan sear.

Should I marinate tomahawk steak?

Usually no. High-quality ribeye has enough natural flavor and only needs seasoning.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Tomahawk Ribeye Steak is the ultimate steak experience, combining bold beef flavor, smoky grill marks, and a rich garlic herb butter finish. The impressive presentation and incredible tenderness make it perfect for unforgettable meals.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying premium steak at home, this recipe delivers steakhouse-quality results.

Fire up the grill, carve that beautiful tomahawk, and enjoy a legendary steak dinner filled with flavor, tenderness, and unforgettable moments.