Cowboy Steak vs Tomahawk: 9 Differences You Need to Know

A good steak is the cornerstone of any great meal.

But with all the different steak types, it can take time to know which is right for you.

Two of the more popular choices are cowboy steak and tomahawk steak.

These steaks come from the ribeye area of the cow and are known for being well-marbled and full of flavor.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at two popular types of steak: cowboy steak and tomahawk steak. 

We’ll explore where they come from, how they’re Cut, and how to cook them perfectly.

You’ll have all the information you need on these two delectable steaks by the time this article is over.

What is a Cowboy steak?

Cowboy steak is a bone-in ribeye steak that gets its name from its long bone handle.

It’s a boneless cut of meat that is well-marbled and full of flavor, which means it has a higher fat content.

This makes it a more forgiving cut of meat when cooking, as there is less chance of ruining it by overcooking.

That fat content results in a juicier, more flavorful steak, which makes it a good choice if you’re looking for a juicy, tender steak that is easy to eat.

Because of its thickness, cowboy steak is best cooked using a dry-heat method, such as grilling, broiling, or pan-frying.

What is a Tomahawk steak?

Tomahawk steak is a type of ribeye that is attached to the bone.

Tomahawk steak gets its name from its distinctive bone shape, resembling a Tomahawk ax.

This bone is the longissimus dorsi, which runs along the length of the cow’s back. 

This steak is also well-marbled, which means it has a higher fat content.

The bone adds flavor to the steak and also helps to keep it juicier during cooking.

Tomahawk steaks are usually about 1.5 to 2 inches thick and are best cooked using a slower cooking method, such as grilling or broiling, so the meat has time to reach its desired level of doneness without drying out. 

What are the differences between Cowboy steak and Tomahawk

There are several alternatives to pick from when it comes to steak.

Two of the more popular choices are cowboy steak and tomahawk steak.

So, what sets these two steaks apart?

1. The Shape

The main difference between cowboy steak and tomahawk steak is their shape. 

Cowboy steaks have a long bone handle, while tomahawk steaks have a shorter bone handle that resembles a hatchet or tomahawk.

2. The Size

Cowboy steaks are generally smaller than tomahawks.

This is because cowboy steaks are cut from the rib eye, a smaller section of the cow than the rib primal.

As a result, tomahawks tend to be more expensive than cowboy steaks.

3. The Color

Tomahawk steaks tend to be red, while cowboy steaks are brown.

This is due to the differences in the amount of marbling between the two cuts of steak.

Tomahawk steaks have more marbling, which means they have more fat.

4. The Amount of Marbling

One of the main differences between cowboy steak and tomahawk is the amount of marbling in the meat. 

Marbling, the term for the fat streaks that run through the flesh, is frequently a sign of taste and juiciness.

Cowboy steak will typically have less marbling than the tomahawk, meaning it will be a leaner piece of meat.

On the other hand, Tomahawk will have more marbling running through it, which means it will be a more flavorful and juicy steak. 

5. The Fat content

The extra marbling in tomahawk steaks also means they have a higher fat content than cowboy steaks.

However, this also makes them a less healthy option.

While some people prefer the taste of fatty steak, others find it too rich. 

If you’re watching your fat intake, cowboy steak is the better option.

6. The Amount of Bone

Another difference between cowboy steak and tomahawk is the amount of bone left on the cut.

As its name implies, cowboy steak has a long bone left attached to one side of the meat.

This gives the steak a rustic appearance.

Tomahawk steaks also have a bone attached but are much shorter in length. 

The presence (or lack thereof) of bone can also affect cooking time, with steaks that have bones taking longer to cook through. 

7. Taste

Both cowboy and tomahawk steaks are delicious, but they do have different flavors.

Tomahawk steaks have a richer, more intense flavor due to the higher fat content. 

Cowboy steaks have a cleaner, more beefy flavor.

8. Cooking method

Another difference between these two steaks is the way they’re cooked.

Cowboy steaks are typically pan-fried or grilled, while tomahawks are often roasted in the oven.

Cowboy steaks have a richer flavor, while tomahawks are a bit more mild-tasting.

9. Uses

Both cowboy and tomahawk steaks are great for a variety of dishes.

Cowboy steak is often used in stir-fries or fajitas, while tomahawk steak is perfect for a special occasion dinner.

Cowboy steak vs Tomahawk: Are they the same?

Both cowboy steak and tomahawk steak are excellent choices when looking for a delicious, juicy steak.

However, before making your purchase, you should be aware of a few significant distinctions between these two forms of meat.

Cowboy steaks are boneless, which makes them easier to cook and eat.

The main difference between cowboy steak and tomahawk steak is their shape. 

Cowboy steaks have a long bone handle, while tomahawk steaks have a shorter bone handle that resembles a hatchet or tomahawk.

Tomahawk steaks are more expensive than cowboy steaks due to their larger size. 

They also have a higher fat content, which some people prefer for the taste.

More fat means more flavor, which is why tomahawk steaks tend to be more flavorful than cowboy steaks.

When it comes to cooking, cowboy steaks are typically pan-fried or grilled, while tomahawks are often roasted in the oven.

So, what’s the verdict?

When it comes down to it, both cowboy steak and tomahawk are excellent cuts of meat that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

However, depending on your preferences, one may be a better option for you than the other.

If you’re looking for a juicy, tender steak with rich flavor, then cowboy steak is the way to go.

However, if you’re looking for a milder-tasting steak still packed with flavor, then tomahawk steak is a good option.