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Today we’re going to take a closer look at cowboy ribeye vs tomahawk—probably the best steak.
And at the end, you’ll know which one reigns supreme in terms of flavors, texture, size, cooking time, and many more. You’ll surprise by how much these steaks have in common and shocked by their distinctive difference.
For instance, The tomahawk is sometimes called the cowboy steak or cowboy ribeye. Even at that, they’re not the same cut of meat. The Tomahawk has a long, frenched bone. Meanwhile, A cowboy ribeye has a short, frenched bone.
Both are rivals for consumers, and we have piled up some differences between these two steaks to help you make an informed decision on which steak you should get.
What Is Cowboy Ribeye?
A Cowboy Steak—aka a Bone-In Ribeye is an impressive variation of the classic steakhouse favorite.
The Cowboy Steak is a tender cut of beef from the Rib Primal region just under the front section of the backbone.
And it is incomplete without the frenched bone.
Whether you choose to saute or grill it—it’s sure to please!
In addition, Cowboy Steak is known for its unique marbling and fat content, which gives it a distinct and succulent flavor and extra tenderness.
Cowboy Ribeye is often served with a sweet glaze or barbecue sauce on top, creating a delicious treat that will have you coming back for more!
What Is Tomahawk?
The tomahawk is a ribeye beefsteak from a cow’s fore-rib section with at least five inches of rib bone attached.
It is sometimes called “bone-in-ribeye” or “tomahawk chop,” It has a large bone with an enormous inter-muscular fat packed with flavor.
This cut of meat is not only juicy and flavorful but also tender and well-marbled-decorated.
Cowboy Ribeye Vs Tomahawk
Honestly, there isn’t much left to talk about these steaks.
Their primary difference is all about the bone. Flavor, region, and texture-wise, cowboy ribeye and tomahawk are like identical twins.
Both steaks are premium beef cut from the cow’s rib section. They both have flavor-enhancing marbling and fat content. However, Tomahawk has a milder flavor than Cowboy Ribeye, and it has less fat.
Meanwhile, Cowboy Ribeye is a little more flavorful than Tomahawk, but it still has no unique characteristics.
Now that’s out of the way; a cowboy has a much shorter bone than a tomahawk steak, with about 5 to 8 inches of bone sticking out of the meat.
The Tomahawk also tends to be thicker on the side, with about 2 inches — affecting the cooking time.
Therefore, Tomahawk steak is more likely to be expensive than cowboy steak considering its huge bone that contributes to its flavors and thicker meat.
Are Tomahawk Steaks Worth It?
Tomahawk steaks, indeed, cost more than regular steaks.
Only sometimes, the price is worth it because its large size is highly versatile: grill them, broil them, or pan-fry them—the endless options.
Aside from that, they have such large bones and lots of marbling (fat); the result is a steak that’s perfectly charred and flavorful when grilled.
And when cooked on medium-rare to medium doneness (135°F), it gives you a nice crust on the outside while leaving the interior juicy and tender, perfect for dropping jaws.
What’s The Most Expensive Steak?
The most expensive steak in the world is, not surprisingly, a Japanese A5 Wagyu or Wagyu tomahawk steak. It is also called the Papi Steak.
The Wagyu of cattle is a scarce breed of cow raised in Japan for centuries.
They tend to be black, but they can also be red.
Wagyu tomahawk steak is the most expensive because it’s the highest quality.
It is known for its high-fat content, which means more marbling goes into the meat and makes it taste better.
It also means that each bite of Wagyu tomahawk steak is full of flavor.
Wagyu meats are raised in Japan and are known as Kobe beef or Matsusaka beef.
These cows are given only the best feed and have few antibiotics or growth hormones.
They live a life of luxury and are then slaughtered at only three years old so that they have time to develop into top-notch meat.
Other expensive steaks in line are:
- Kobe Beef
- Hida-Gyu
- Maezawa beef steak
- Hitachi-Gyu
- Sendai Wagyu
- Hokkaido
- Omi Beef
- American Wagyu Ribeye
How Many People Will A Tomahawk Steak Feed?
Tomahawk steaks weigh between 30 and 45 ounces, are nearly 2 inches thick, and include a long bone—the signature “handle”—that led to the name.
This large steak can be easily prepared at home and will be enough to feed two adult men.
What Can You Serve Cowboy Ribeye With
Here are some ideas about what pairs well with Cowboy Ribeye:
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Mushrooms Bordelaise
- Macaroni and Cheese With Bacon
- Duck Fat Fries
- Classic Popovers
- Classic Wedge Salad
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes
- Roasted Whole Artichokes
- Cauliflower Cheese Bread
- Spicy Seasoned Baked French Fries
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Onion Rings
- Easy Parisian Potatoes
- Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
- Braised Belgian Endives
- Instant Pot French Onion Soup
- Cheesy Muffin Tin Potato Stacks
- Roasted Broccoli Rabe
- Toasted Garlic Bread
- Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- French Green Vegetable Gratin
What Can You Serve With Tomahawk?
We know you’re looking for a way to serve your Tomahawk with the best flavor and texture.
Here are some recommendations we have tried:
- Roasted Potatoes
- Grilled Asparagus
- Corn on the Cob
- Baked Beans
- Mashed Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Coleslaw
- Broccoli Salad
- Potato Salad
- Pasta Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Kale Salad
- Quinoa Salad
- Farro Salad
Conclusion
Why not splurge on either steak if you want to enjoy a great steak and don’t mind paying for it?
The real dilemma isn’t which one of these steaks is better—how to make the most of both.
You can choose between both at the expense of the other.
Yes, you can pick a size and stick with it, but why?
Work smarter, not harder, and get some of the best of both worlds.
