By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026

Perfectly seared beef steak on a hot BBQ grill

Photo by Mohamed Olwy on Pexels

Quick Answer

BBQ Tomahawk Steak for 4-5 min/side (sear), then indirect 20-30 min at Sear: 260°C+ (500°F+), then indirect: 120-135°C (250-275°F). Internal temp: 54-57°C (130-135°F) medium-rare. Rest for 10-15 minutes.

Tomahawk Steak BBQ Overview

The tomahawk is a bone-in ribeye with the full rib bone left on — essentially a ribeye on a handle. Because it's so thick, use the reverse sear: cook over indirect heat first to bring the internal temp up slowly, then finish with a blazing hot sear. The bone acts as a heat shield, keeping the meat near it more rare.

Cook Time

4-5 min/side (sear), then indirect 20-30 min

Temperature

Sear: 260°C+ (500°F+), then indirect: 120-135°C (250-275°F)

Internal Temp

54-57°C (130-135°F) medium-rare

Rest Time

10-15 minutes

Thickness

5-6cm (with bone)

How to BBQ Tomahawk Steak — Step by Step

  1. Prep: Bring to room temperature 20-30 minutes before cooking. Season or marinate as desired.
  2. Preheat: Get your BBQ to Sear: 260°C+ (500°F+), then indirect: 120-135°C (250-275°F). Clean and oil the grate.
  3. Cook: Grill for 4-5 min/side (sear), then indirect 20-30 min. Use a meat thermometer — target 54-57°C (130-135°F) medium-rare.
  4. Rest: Rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you BBQ tomahawk steak?

BBQ tomahawk steak for 4-5 min/side (sear), then indirect 20-30 min at Sear: 260°C+ (500°F+), then indirect: 120-135°C (250-275°F). Internal temperature should reach 54-57°C (130-135°F) medium-rare.

What temperature should tomahawk steak be when cooked?

The internal temperature for tomahawk steak should reach 54-57°C (130-135°F) medium-rare. Use a digital meat thermometer for accuracy.

How long should tomahawk steak rest after BBQ?

Rest tomahawk steak for 10-15 minutes after removing from the BBQ. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier result.

Related BBQ Guides

Sources & References

1
Guga Foods (YouTube)
Premium beef experiments — dry ageing, wagyu, and creative steak techniques.
Video
2
Serious Eats
Kenji Lopez-Alt's food science approach to grilling the perfect steak.
Reference
3
Weber Grill Skills
Australia's most popular grill brand — guides for every cut and cooking method.
Manufacturer
4
AmazingRibs.com
The science of BBQ — temperature guides, techniques, and recipes backed by food science.
Reference