The tomahawk pork chop is a beautiful cut of meat that tastes even better than it looks. Because their long rib bones stick out, they really do look like little tomahawk axes. Tomahawk chops are fun to look at and taste great, but when cooked right, they are the most flavorful and tender pork you can find.
As a food blogger and home cook, I adore whipping up these special pork chops. The key is using the right techniques to achieve chops that are juicy, tender and packed with flavor every time. In this article, I’ll share my foolproof method for oven-baking incredible tomahawk pork chops from start to finish. Let’s get cooking!
Selecting Your Tomahawk Pork Chops
You can find tomahawk pork chops at higher-end grocery stores, butcher shops or online meat delivery services. When selecting your chops, keep these tips in mind:
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Thickness – Look for chops that are at least 1-inch thick, preferably bone-in. The bone helps keep them moist.
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Marbling – Opt for chops with ample fat marbling throughout to ensure tenderness and prevent drying out
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Color – Choose chops that are pale pink with white fat streaks rather than dark red
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Weight – Tomahawk chops are usually around 8-16 ounces each. Buy according to your serving needs.
I suggest letting the chops sit out for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking them. This will help them cook more evenly.
Preparing and Seasoning the Chops
If I want the meat to taste its best, I like to make a quick marinade before I bake my tomahawk chops. Here’s how:
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Pat the chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Brush lightly with olive oil – this helps the seasoning stick.
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Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper and spices like garlic, rosemary, thyme etc.
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Allow to marinate for 20-30 minutes before baking.
You can also use a pre-made dry rub mixture or wet marinade if you’re short on time. The key is thoroughly coating the chops in flavor.
Baking Tomahawk Pork Chops to Perfection
With your chops fully prepped and marinated, it’s time to bake them up right. Follow these steps:
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Preheat oven to 375°F to start. This temperature prevents overcooking.
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Place chops on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
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Bake for 25-35 minutes depending on thickness. Flip halfway through.
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Track temperature with a meat thermometer until it reaches 135°F for medium doneness.
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Rest chops for 5-10 minutes before serving. This redistributes juices.
The bone-in chops should cook a bit quicker than boneless. Just keep an eye on them and track temp.
Adding Flavor With Rubs, Glazes and Sauces
While basic salt and pepper delivers delicious results, there are so many options for topping your tomahawk pork chops and taking the flavor up a notch. Consider:
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Dry rubs – Smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic, onion, cumin etc.
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Wet marinades – Soy sauce, balsamic, garlic, herbs, oil
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BBQ sauces and glazes – Honey mustard, bourbon peach, cherry chipotle
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Compound butters – Herb, lemon, bacon, blue cheese, chili lime
Get creative and find flavor combinations you love on these chops!
Handling Super Thick Tomahawk Chops
If you’re working with extra thick tomahawk chops over 2 inches, some adjustments are needed. Very thick chops run the risk of undercooking in the middle before the exterior overcooks. Here are some tips:
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Sear before baking – Brown chops in a hot pan before transferring to the oven.
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Lower oven temp – Drop temp to 300°F-325°F to gently finish cooking.
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Cook longer – Very thick chops may need 45 mins – 1 hour to reach temp.
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Tent with foil if browning too quickly to prevent overcooking exterior.
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Rest longer – Let extra thick chops rest 10+ minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Up Your Perfectly Cooked Tomahawk Chops
Tomahawk pork chops deserve some tasty sides and sauces. Here are some of my favorites:
- Mashed or baked potatoes
- Roasted vegetables – Brussels sprouts, carrots, asparagus
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Rice pilaf or roasted sweet potatoes
- Homemade applesauce or cranberry compote
- Mustard cream pan sauce – so easy to make!
Get creative with your pairings. The flavors of the side dishes can complement different seasonings used on the chops.
Common Questions About Cooking Tomahawks
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Can you grill tomahawk pork chops? Yes! Grilled chops are amazing. Grill over medium high heat for best results.
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Do you need to rest tomahawk chops after cooking? Yes, resting for at least 5 minutes allows juices to redistribute so the meat stays tender and moist.
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What if my chop is undercooked? Pop it back into a 400°F oven for 2-3 minutes until it reaches the proper internal temp.
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How do I prevent dried out tomahawk chops? Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer and don’t cook at too high of heat. Some moisture loss is normal.
Mastering Tomahawk Pork Chops
Follow my tips and you’ll be able to bake extraordinarily juicy, tender and flavorful tomahawk pork chops at home. Here’s a quick recap:
- Choose 1-inch thick chops with marbling
- Prep chops with a tasty marinade
- Bake in 375°F oven until 135°F internal temp
- Allow chops to rest before slicing and serving
- Pair with delicious side dishes and sauces
