Tomahawk Steak with Charred Shallot Compound Butter
A showstopping tomahawk steak served with a rich, savory charred shallot compound butter. It’s bold, flavorful, and perfect for special occasions or backyard grilling.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Bring to room temp + Resting45 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: tomahawk steak with compound butter
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 843kcal
For the Charred Shallot Compound Butter
- 4 medium shallots peeled and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 thyme sprigs
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 stick, softened
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt or to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
Make the Compound Butter
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Toss the halved shallots in olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh thyme sprigs and roast on a sheet pan or small cast iron for 20 to 25 minutes, until caramelized and soft.
Let shallots cool slightly, then add to a food processor along with the softened butter, chopped chives, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
Blend to form the compound butter, then transfer to a bowl and chill until ready to use.
Make the Tomahawk Steak
Bring the steak to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and pepper or your desired steak seasoning.
Preheat a cast-iron skillet in a wood-fired oven or conventional oven set to 425°F. If using a stovetop, heat the skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
Once the skillet is hot, sear the fat cap for a minute to render some of the fat, then lay the steak flat and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms.
After searing, continue cooking the steak in the oven (or in the hot pizza oven) for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
When ready to serve the steak off the bone and into slices and season with flakey sea salt and charred shallot butter over the top.
- Bring meat to room temperature: Take the steak out of the fridge at least 30–60 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Keep the steak dry: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good crust.
- Air-dry overnight (if possible): For the best sear, place the steak uncovered on a wire rack in the fridge the night before to let the surface dry out.
- Season generously: This is a thick cut of meat, so don’t be shy with the salt and pepper or any steak seasoning you use.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the steak rest at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat flavorful and tender.
- (Steak will rise 5–7°F as it rests)
- Doneness Guide:
- Rare: 120°F
- Medium-rare: 125–130°F
- Medium: 135–140°F
Calories: 843kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 58g | Fat: 67g | Saturated Fat: 33g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 28g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 234mg | Sodium: 333mg | Potassium: 855mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 809IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 5mg