Tomahawk pork chops are a specialty cut of meat not many think to buy. You may have even seen it in the store, thought it looked different, and then ignored it. However, they are very tasty and should be on your next menu! What’s even better is that they are really simple to make! Here’s how to cook a tomahawk pork chop the right way.
Tomahawk pork chops are an impressive cut of meat that look great and taste even better when cooked properly. With their long bone resembling the handle of a tomahawk axe these thick ribeye chops are full of flavor. While grilling is a popular cooking method baking these beauties in the oven can yield incredibly moist, tender and delicious results.
This step-by-step guide will teach you everything you need to know to cook perfect tomahawk pork chops in the oven every time,
Choosing the Right Tomahawk Pork Chops
The first step is selecting the right tomahawk chops at the store Here’s what to look for
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Thickness: Go for chops that are at least 2 inches thick. This thickness ensures the interior stays nice and juicy while the exterior gets perfectly seared.
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Bone-in: The bone adds tremendous flavor and helps the meat retain moisture during cooking. Boneless chops won’t have the same effect.
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Marbling: Opt for chops with ample marbling or fat running through the meat. The fat bastes the chop from the inside out as it renders, making it incredibly flavorful and tender.
Following these guidelines will set you up for pork chop success.
Pre-Cooking Prep
Before the chops go in the oven, proper preparation is key:
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Let meat sit at room temperature: Take the chops out of the fridge and let them sit for 30 minutes. This allows them to cook more evenly later on.
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Dry the chops: Pat the chops completely dry with paper towels. Dry meat will brown better than wet meat.
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Generously season: Rub the chops all over with salt, pepper and any other desired seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. Let them sit to really absorb the flavors.
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Refrigerate overnight: For ultimate flavor, tightly wrap seasoned chops and refrigerate overnight. This gives time for seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat.
Following this prep will take your oven-baked chops to the next level.
Step-by-Step Oven Cooking Method
Now it’s time to cook these beauties. Follow these simple steps:
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Preheat oven to 400°F: Use a high temp to get a good initial sear.
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Heat oil in oven-safe pan: Coat the bottom of a heavy pan or cast iron skillet with oil and heat over medium-high stove top heat.
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Sear chops: Place chops in hot pan and sear until a nice crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side.
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Transfer to oven: Move pan to preheated oven and bake until done, about 10-15 minutes.
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Check temperature: Pork should reach 145°F internally. Use a meat thermometer to be sure.
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Rest before serving: Let chops rest 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Follow this straightforward process for mouthwateringly delicious oven-baked tomahawk pork chops every time.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
To ensure your tomahawk chops turn out perfectly moist and tender, reference these oven cooking guidelines:
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2-inch thick chops
- Sear: 2-3 minutes per side
- Oven cook: 10-15 minutes
- Minimum internal temperature: 145°F
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1.5-inch thick chops
- Sear: 2 minutes per side
- Oven cook: 8-12 minutes
- Minimum internal temperature: 145°F
Investing in a good digital meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. Cook chops in a 375°F oven until they reach the target internal temperature for your desired level of doneness.
Handy Tips for the Best Results
Follow these handy tips for flawlessly cooked tomahawk pork chops every time:
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Pat chops very dry before searing to help form a nice crust
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Use a heavy pan like cast iron to sear chops thoroughly on the stove top
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Preheat oven well before baking chops to ensure even cooking
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Let chops rest after baking so juices can reabsorb into the meat
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Use leftover pan drippings to make a flavorful au jus sauce
Mastering these simple techniques will help you achieve the perfect oven-baked tomahawk pork chops.
Serving Suggestions
Tomahawk pork chops deserve some delicious accompaniments. Here are some mouthwatering ideas:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Sauteed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Salad with vinaigrette
- Baked apples, pears or peaches
Pair your oven-baked chops with a couple of these options for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking impressive tomahawk pork chops in the oven is easy when you follow this simple step-by-step guide. Choosing the right thickness bone-in chops, properly preparing them, searing followed by oven baking, monitoring temperature, and letting them rest are the keys to success. Master this cooking method and you’ll be able to serve tender, juicy and flavorful chops anytime. A perfect oven-baked tomahawk chop meal is now at your fingertips.
Prepare your pork chops
Start by patting your pork chops dry with your paper towel. Make sure to pat both sides of the pork dry. After you have dried the pork chops, apply your dry rub to both sides of the pork chops. Cover and let them sit for 30 minutes until you cook them. While these are sitting, preheat the oven to 400°.
What to Serve With a Tomahawk Pork Chop
It can be important to find the right side for a new cut of meat when cooking it. Although coleslaw might go well with pulled pork, it wouldn’t go so well with steak. With a tomahawk pork chop, it will depend on how you prepare it. I think you should serve this recipe with potatoes, rice, air fryer home fries, or even a good vinaigrette salad. There is also rich pasta that you could choose, like alfredo or pasta with red sauce.
- 4 Tomahawk Pork Chops
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup badia all purpose seasoning
- 2 tablespoons garlic salt
- 4 teaspoons butter
- Paper towels
- Frying Pan
- Deep cookie sheet or baking pan
- Meat Thermometer
Tomahawk Pan Seared Pork Chops 1
FAQ
What temperature do you cook pork tomahawks in the oven?
How long to cook tomahawk in the oven?
Is it better to cook pork chops at 350 or 400?
What’s the difference between pork chop and tomahawk?
How long do you cook a tomahawk Pork Chop?
If baking in the oven, sear the chop on high heat on one side and then transfer to a preheated oven at 400°F for about 6-10 minutes. Once cooked, it is important to let the Tomahawk Pork Chop rest before slicing into it. This allows the meat fibers to relax and retain their juiciness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F after resting.
How do you cook Tomahawk pork?
Unwrap the rack of tomahawk pork chops and place them in a baking dish. I like to add onion, carrots. garlic and celery, to the dish with a cup of water before adding pork. I do this with any roasted meat. It helps flavor the drippings and keeps the roast off the bottom of the pan, which allows the heat to flow more completely around the pork.
Can you cook individual Tomahawk chops?
Tomahawk chops can be treated like any other pork chop if you cut them into individual chops. Just think of them as the King of Pork Chops. These are some other ideas for cooking Individual tomahawk chops. Adding your favorite topping or sauce is a great way to change up how you serve these chops.
How long do you marinate Tomahawk pork chops?
A: It is recommended to marinate the tomahawk pork chops for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and makes it more tender. Q: How do I cook tomahawk pork chops in the oven? A: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by searing the pork chops in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side.