There are few steaks bigger or badder than the Tomahawk ribeye. This cut is full of flavor and Traeger Pro Team Member Matt Pittman knows how to do it best. He’s teaching his steak secrets in BBQ classes across the country and has shared some of his tips and tricks in this how-to guide. Make dinner epic with the perfect reverse seared Tomahawk. Trying out our tips on your Traeger? Share your Tomahawk photos on social media with #TraegerGrills.

STEAK SELECTION

Not all beef is created equal. Using a higher-grade, quality steak will make all the difference when it comes to taste. While some steaks may be cheaper, you don’t always know if the cattle have been treated with hormones or antibiotics, so it’s important to source your beef from somewhere you trust.

TOMAHAWK PREP

Like other steaks, Tomahawks don’t require a ton of prep work. You shouldn’t have to do much or any trimming since the butcher should have taken care of that for you. Next it comes down to seasoning your steak just right. Make sure to give yourself enough time to season the Tomahawk properly and let it get to room temp from the fridge before you start cooking.

PREPARATION

1. When ready to cook, set your Traeger to 225. If using a WiFIRE ®-enabled grill, turn on Super Smoke mode.

2. Apply a liberal coat of kosher salt to all sides of the steak. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for one hour. After an hour thoroughly rinse all salt off the steak and pat completely dry.

3. Liberally season the steak with Holy Cow BBQ Rub on both sides. Then flip the steak and apply rub to the other side.

4. Place the steak directly onto the cooking grate. Don’t touch it, flip it, or spritz it. Just leave it. Cook the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 120 degrees F. This should take 45 minutes or so depending on the thickness.

5. Pull your steak off the grill and let it rest 10 minutes while lightly tented with aluminum foil.

6. Place a cast iron skillet or griddle on the grill grate. Increase the temperature of your Traeger to 450 degrees F (500 degrees F if using a WiFIRE ®-enabled grill). Allow it to get as hot as possible.

7. Place the steak on the hot cast iron.

Tip from Matt: You can put an oil with a high smoke point (such as canola oil) or butter in the skillet if you wish, but a dry griddle is fine.

8. Sear the steak for 1 minute. Flip it and sear the other side for 1 minute. Doing this should bring your steak to no more than 130 degrees F internal temperature.

9. Pull the steak off the grill and top it with a heavy amount of butter. The steak will continue to cook another 5 – 7 degrees due to carryover cooking while the butter melts over it. We are targeting 130 – 135 degrees F internal temperature which is a perfect medium-rare.

10. Allow the steak to rest 10 minutes. Slice and enjoy!

Now you’ve mastered your new favorite steak. Make this Tomahawk for a special occasion to celebrate in smokin’ style. Looking for more of Matt’s recipes or want to search the entire Traeger recipe arsenal? Check out all of our wood-fired recipes.

Learn more about Matt’s passion for BBQ and story.

Keep up with what’s happening at Meat Church by following Matt on Instagramand if you want to sharpen your BBQ skills with Matt or one of our other Traeger pitmasters, sign up for a Traeger Shop Class near you.