What is a Tomahawk?
A Tomahawk Beef Cut is a premium cut of beef sourced from the ribeye, one of the most tender and marbled parts of the cow. The main characteristic of tomahawk meat is the ribs that are still attached to the cut, usually cut long to represent a tomahawk axe (a traditional Native American weapon), which gives the cut its name.
Tomahawk cuts have a very attractive appearance and are often served in large portions. The long ribs not only add aesthetic value to the presentation, but also provide more depth of flavor as they help retain the juiciness and aroma of the meat during the cooking process.
In most cases, tomahawk meat is usually cooked by grilling or roasting over an open flame to achieve a crisp texture on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. Due to its large size and the presence of bones, it is often considered a special dish and served on special occasions.
Why is Tomahawk a Premium Cut of Meat?
In a culinary context, the term “tomahawk” refers to a type of beef cut that is considered a premium cut. Tomahawk steak is a cut taken from the ribeye section of the cow, but with the ribs left long and encased in the meat. This cut has a distinctive shape, similar to a traditional axe (tomahawk), which makes it visually appealing.
Some of the reasons why Tomahawk steak is considered a premium meat include:
- Meat Quality: Tomahawk steak is taken from the ribeye, which is known to be one of the most succulent and tender parts of the cow. It has high marbling (intramuscular fat), which gives it a rich flavor and tender texture.
- Size and Appearance: Tomahawk steaks are typically large in size, often reaching 1.2 to 2 kg or more. The long bones and dramatic appearance add a sense of luxury and distinction, making it a popular choice for special occasions or in high-end restaurants.
- Texture and Flavor: The rich marbling of the tomahawk steak gives it a deep flavor and a very tender texture when cooked. This meat is ideal for cooking with methods such as grilling or roasting to retain the natural flavor and succulence of the meat.
- Exclusivity: Due to the size and quality of this cut of meat, Tomahawk steak is not always widely available in all restaurants or butcher shops. This cut is often offered at premium restaurants or as part of a specialty menu, adding to the sense of exclusivity.
For these reasons, Tomahawk steak is often priced higher and is considered one of the most premium cuts of meat among meat lovers.
Different Types of Premium Beef Cuts
Here are some types of premium beef cuts that are commonly available in the market and pretty easy to find, these cuts are popular enough for food lovers:
Wagyu
- Kobe Beef: Known as one of the most expensive and tender beef in the world, Kobe beef is a type of Wagyu beef from Japan that has a very high marbling (intramuscular fat), giving it an amazing flavor and a very tender texture.
- Matsusaka and Omi Beef: Two other types of Wagyu from Japan, also known for their exceptional marbling and deliciousness.
Ribeye
- Ribeye Steak: Taken from the rib section of the cow, this cut is known for its high fat marbling, which makes it very juicy and full of flavor.
- Tomahawk Steak: A variant of the ribeye with long ribs still attached, adding a dramatic presentation and rich flavor.
Tenderloin (Fillet Mignon)
- Tenderloin: Known as the most tender part of the cow, the tenderloin has a smooth texture and little fat, making it a top choice for premium steaks.
- Chateaubriand: A large cut from the center of the tenderloin, often served as a fancy steak dish for two or more people.
Porterhouse
- Porterhouse Steak: A combination of tenderloin and striploin, this cut offers two different textures in one large cut. The tenderloin provides tenderness, while the striploin provides a stronger flavor.
T-bone
- T-bone Steak: Similar to a porterhouse, but with a smaller tenderloin section. This cut is notable for the “T”-shaped bone that separates the tenderloin and striploin.
Striploin (New York Strip)
- New York Strip: This cut is taken from the loin of the cow and has a strong flavor with less marbling than the ribeye, but is still very tender.
Sirloin
- Top Sirloin: Cut from the back of the cow, sirloin offers a balance of strong flavor and a fairly soft texture. Often used for premium steaks at a more affordable price.
Brisket
- Brisket: Although usually prepared with slow-cooking methods such as barbecue or braising, a properly cut brisket can be a very tender and delicious meat dish.
Flank
- Flank Steak: Taken from the belly of the cow, flank steak has a chewier texture, but if cooked and sliced properly, this cut can be very flavorful.
Short Ribs
- Short Ribs: Cut from the lower part of the rib cage, short ribs have a rich flavor and are usually slow-cooked to produce a very tender and flavorful meat.
Picanha
- Picanha: A cut of meat from the top of a cow’s rump, popular in Brazil and often served in churrascarias. It has a thick layer of fat on top that adds flavor when grilled.
These cuts of meat are known for their high quality and are often served in fine restaurants or sold at premium prices in meat markets. Each has unique flavor and texture characteristics, making them a favorite among meat lovers.
Premium Beef Cut Supplier
Happy Farm Bali is a premium beef cut supplier based in Bali, Indonesia. They are known for providing high-quality beef that is carefully selected to ensure tenderness, flavor, and superior quality. Happy Farm Bali prioritizes cleanliness standards and hygienic processing so that each cut of meat produced is of consistent quality. In addition, they also focus on sustainable farming practices, ensuring that the cows are well cared for and treated ethically. With this commitment to quality and service, Happy Farm Bali has become a top choice for fine dining restaurants, five-star hotels, and consumers looking for premium beef in Bali.
