Nothing shows off your culinary prowess quite like a succulent Tomahawk Prime Rib Roast. If you’re looking for an impressive yet incredibly delicious centerpiece to serve during special occasions or on the holidays, this smoked version of a prime rib roast is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Far from ordinary and nuanced with complex flavor, cooked right its layers of tender meat will make you look like a master chef in the kitchen—even if you’ve never cooked roast before! In this blog post we’ll walk through how to prep, season, smoke and ultimately carve up what will be your best roasted entree ever.
What is a tomahawk prime rib roast?
A tomahawk prime rib roast, also known as a “cowboy steak” or a “spinalis dorsi”, is a large and tender cut of beef that comes from the top section of the rib primal. This succulent and flavorful cut is prized by chefs and home cooks alike for its rich flavor, tender texture, and impressive presentation. Because it is a relatively expensive cut, cooking a smoked tomahawk prime rib roast requires careful preparation and attention to detail to ensure that the meat is cooked perfectly and presents beautifully when served.
How do I cook a tomahawk prime rib roast?
There are a variety of different methods that you can use to cook a tomahawk prime rib roast, including roasting, broiling, grilling, and smoking. When cooking a smoked tomahawk prime rib roast, it is important to start by seasoning the meat thoroughly with salt and other seasonings or marinades of your choosing. You will then need to prepare your smoker and set it up for indirect heat at a low temperature (around 200-225 degrees F). Once the smoker is ready, you can place the roast in the smoker, close the lid cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees F. Carve the smoked tomawk prime rib roast and serve immediately.
What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a rib roast?
Some common mistakes that people make when cooking a tomahawk prime rib roast include overcooking or undercooking the meat, failing to let it rest adequately before serving, and using improper carving techniques. Many people also tend to use high heat or other overly aggressive cooking methods that can dry out the meat, resulting in less flavorful and juicy cuts.
To avoid these common mistakes when cooking a tomahawk prime rib roast, you should always start with high-quality, grass fed meat that has been properly trimmed and prepared. You should then take care to follow a method or recipe that provides consistent heat and prevents overcooking the meat, such as roasting at a low temperature for an extended period of time.
In addition, it is important to let your roast rest for at least 10-15 minutes after cooking, in order to allow the juices to redistribute and produce a more tender and juicy cut. When it comes to carving the meat, you should use a sharp, thin-bladed knife or carving fork to carefully and smoothly slice the meat from the bone. You should also be sure to use a large cutting board or serving platter that will comfortably hold the entire cut of meat, basting it with your favorite sauce or gravy during cooking and before slicing. Finally, you should avoid using high heat or other aggressive cooking methods that can dry out the meat, as this will result in less flavorful and juicy cuts.
How do I know when a rib roast is done?
One of the best ways to tell when a tomahawk prime rib roast is done is to use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of at least 135 degrees F. You can also test for doneness by prodding the meat with a fork or gently pressing on it, in order to see if it is tender and pink.
If you are using a method like roasting at a low temperature for an extended period of time, be sure to set your oven to 325 degrees F and cook the roast for an additional 20-30 minutes per pound, or until it reaches the desired temperature. You should also be sure to baste the meat with your favorite sauce or gravy throughout cooking in order to add moisture and flavor.
What are some good side dishes for a tomahawk prime rib roast?
Some good side dishes for a tomahawk prime rib roast can include roasted or mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables like green beans or Brussels sprouts, and a rich gravy to help baste the meat as you carve it. You can also use some fresh herbs or spices to complement the flavors in your cut of meat, such as sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
In addition, some people like to serve a variety of mustards, sauces, or gravies with their tomahawk prime rib roast. This can include a rich demi-glace or au jus for basting the meat as you carve it, as well as a classic red wine or balsamic reduction. Some people also like to serve a variety of sauces or condiments, like horseradish cream, hot sauce, or chimichurri.
These can include bread rolls or buns for making sandwiches, or a selection of fresh salads and other light bites to accompany your meal. You can also use some simple sauces or condiments like ketchup, mustard, horseradish, and mayonnaise to add even more flavor and variety to your meal.
What are the best cooking methods for a tomahawk prime rib roast?
There are a number of different cooking methods that you can use to prepare a tomahawk prime rib roast, depending on your personal preferences and the cut of meat you have purchased.
One of the most popular methods for cooking a tomahawk prime rib is roasting, which involves preheating the oven to 325 degrees F. You should then place your roast on a rack in an open pan, and baste it with a combination of your favorite sauce, pan drippings, or a simple salt and pepper mixture.
You can also use a method like grilling in order to create an evenly seared and tender cut of meat. In this case, you should set the grill to medium-high heat and cook the tomahawk prime rib roast over indirect heat, turning it occasionally and basting with your favorite sauce or gravy.
Another popular cooking method for this cut of meat is to sear it in a pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat, before then transferring it to the oven to finish cooking at a low temperature like 275 degrees F. You should be sure to baste the meat with a combination of your favorite sauce and pan drippings throughout cooking.
In addition, you can also consider using a slow-cooker or sous vide machine to prepare a tomahawk prime rib roast. This can be done by searing the meat in a pan on the stovetop before adding it to the slow-cooker, or by sealing it in a vacuum-sealed bag before placing it in the water bath of a sous vide machine.
Whichever cooking method you choose, be sure to monitor the internal temperature of your meat using an instant-read thermometer and remove it from heat when it reaches the desired level of doneness. You should also be sure to baste the meat with your favorite sauce or gravy throughout cooking in order to keep it moist, juicy, and flavorful.
How do you carve a tomahawk prime rib roast?
The first step in carving a tomahawk prime rib roast is to remove any excess fat and gristle from the surface of the meat. You should then position your carving knife just above the bone that runs along one side of the roast, and follow it towards the end in order to remove a large, single-thick piece of meat from the cut.
In addition, you can also remove any smaller bones that may be present in the meat and use them as an additional serving tool for your meal. This can be done by holding the bone in one hand and gently pressing it against the meat in order to help carve it, then using the sharpened end of the bone as a knife.
What should you serve with a tomahawk prime rib roast?
There are many different side dishes that you can serve with a tomahawk prime rib roast, based on your personal tastes and what types of flavors you enjoy. Some popular options include:
Potatoes – These can be served roasted, mashed, fried, or in other ways as a side dish for the roast.
Roasted vegetables – This can include carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, corn on the cob, and many other types of vegetables that are typically roasted.
Rice – This can be cooked to accompany the meat in a variety of ways, including risotto, pilaf, or as a simple side dish.
Pasta – This can be served in a variety of different ways with the meat, such as with a creamy sauce or an oil-based sauce.
Bread – This can be used to sop up any leftover juices from the roast and is a popular accompaniment.
Salad – This can be served as a side dish or as a main course in its own right, depending on what types of ingredients you include in it. Some popular options include green salads, pasta salads, and fruit salads.
Smoked Tomahawk Prime Rib Roast Receipt
Ingredients:
2lb tomahawk prime rib roast, trimmed of excess fat
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup beef stock
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup olive oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or dutch oven, combine the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, beef stock, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl, toss together the breadcrumbs and olive oil until evenly coated.
4. Spread the breadcrumb mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Brush the tomahawk prime rib roast all over with some of the cooking liquid from the vegetables, then place it in a roasting pan and roast for 1 1/2 – 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 125 degrees F.
6. Remove the roast from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving with the cooked vegetables and a sprinkling of breadcrumbs on top. Enjoy!
The holidays are a great time to try new recipes and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. This smoked tomahawk prime rib roast is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday meal. The savory, smoky flavor of the meat pairs perfectly with traditional holiday sides like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. And best of all, this recipe is relatively simple to follow, even for beginner cooks. So make sure to add this dish to your holiday menu this year!
