Tomahawk pork chops are an impressive and delicious cut of meat that every home cook should try. With their huge size and signature long bone, they look incredibly rustic yet taste absolutely amazing when cooked properly
Cooking tomahawk chops in the oven results in meat that is juicy, tender and full of flavor While searing them first on the stovetop adds a nice crisp crust, finishing them off with gentle oven heat ensures they turn out perfectly cooked
Follow this simple guide to learn how to cook incredible tomahawk pork chops in the oven every time.
Picking the Right Tomahawk Pork Chops
You want to start with high-quality, thick cut chops to ensure the best results. Here’s what to look for:
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Thickness – Choose chops that are at least 2 inches thick. Thinner cuts will dry out in the oven.
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Marbling – Opt for chops with good marbling throughout for enhanced moisture and flavor.
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Freshness – Select chops that look fresh, avoiding any with discoloration or dry edges.
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Weight – For oven cooking, chops weighing around 1 pound each are ideal. Go slightly under or over if needed.
When shopping, pick the biggest, meatiest chops available for the ultimate tomahawk presentation.
Prepping Tomahawk Pork Chops for the Oven
Before cooking, do a little prep work to help the chops turn out perfectly:
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Trim – Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat or sinew.
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Pat Dry – Blot the chops with paper towels to remove moisture. This aids browning.
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Season – Generously season both sides with salt, pepper and any other spices desired.
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Sit – Let seasoned chops rest for 15-30 minutes so flavors penetrate the meat.
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Marinate – Consider marinating for added flavor. A simple olive oil, garlic and herb marinade works great.
With prep complete, it’s time to start cooking these impressive chops.
Searing Tomahawk Pork Chops on the Stovetop
Searing the chops first builds a flavorful, caramelized crust before they finish cooking in the gentler oven heat.
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Heat oil – Add just enough oil to lightly coat the pan bottom. Use an oil with a high smoke point.
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Get pan hot – Heat the pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Use a heavy pan like cast iron.
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Add chops – Gently lay the chops in the pan. Make sure they aren’t touching.
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Don’t move – Let chops sear undisturbed until a nice crust forms, about 3-4 minutes.
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Flip – Carefully flip chops and sear second side another 3-4 minutes.
A good sear adds tons of flavor. Now it’s time to finish in the oven.
Oven Roasting Tomahawk Pork Chops
The oven’s ambient heat gently cooks the chops while keeping them incredibly moist and tender.
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Preheat oven – Preheat to 400°F. This high temp continues cooking the crust.
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Add chops to oven – Transfer entire pan with seared chops straight to the oven.
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Roast – Roast approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness.
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Check temperature – Meat thermometer should read 135°F for slightly pink chops.
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Rest – Let chops rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
And that’s all it takes for oven-cooked tomahawk chops with an enviable sear and perfect doneness edge to edge.
Common Questions About Cooking Tomahawks in the Oven
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Should I brine the chops?
Brining helps retain moisture, but isn’t necessary. Salt and pan searing also keep them juicy.
What temperature should the oven be?
Aim for 400°F to quickly cook the exterior while gently roasting the interior.
How long should I cook them?
Around 10-15 minutes usually achieves 135°F internally. Thickness impacts cook time.
Can I grill them instead?
Yes, grilling over direct high heat also works well. Get a good sear and cook to 135°F.
What is the best wood to smoke them with?
Fruit woods like apple and cherry add sweet, mild flavor. Hickory and oak work well too.
What sides go well with tomahawks?
Sides like roasted veggies, creamy mashed potatoes and fresh greens pair nicely.
Can I cook them sous vide?
You certainly can. Sear first, then cook 1-2 hours in 135°F water for tender chops.
Serving Up Perfect Oven-Roasted Tomahawk Pork Chops
Tomahawk chops gain incredible depth of flavor when roasted in the oven after an initial stovetop sear. Follow these tips:
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Select big, thick, high-quality chops – about 2 inches thick.
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Generously season chops before searing to add flavor.
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Sear chops first in a hot pan to develop a browned crust.
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Finish in a 400°F oven until chops reach 135°F internally.
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Allow chops to rest before slicing and serving with delicious sides.
When properly cooked using this simple method, tomahawk pork chops turn out unbelievably moist, tender and packed with juicy flavor in every bite.