Have you ever seen a tomahawk steak? It’s a big, fancy steak with a long bone that sticks out, looking like the handle of a tomahawk axe. It stands out on any dinner table because of its size and shape. But how many tomahawk steaks come from just one cow?
In this article, we’ll answer that question. We’ll explain how butchers get tomahawk steaks from a cow and why this steak is so special. You’ll also learn what makes the tomahawk steak different from other steaks. If you want to know more about this steak, you can read about the tomahawk ribeye steak here.
What Is a Tomahawk Steak?
A tomahawk steak is a large piece of meat from the rib area of a cow. Butchers call it a tomahawk because they leave a long bone attached to the steak, making it look like a tomahawk axe. The butcher cleans the bone so it looks neat. This process, called frenching, gives the steak a polished appearance. The meat itself has marbling, which is the fat in the meat that melts while cooking, making the steak juicy and flavorful.
Many people love tomahawk steaks because they taste great and look impressive. If you’re looking to try one, you can find Wagyu tomahawk steaks at Snake River Farms.
Where Does the Tomahawk Steak Come From?
The tomahawk steak comes from the rib primal section of the cow. This area is near the cow’s backbone, where the ribs are located. Cows have 13 pairs of ribs, but butchers only use some of these ribs for tomahawk steaks. The bigger ribs in the middle of the cow, usually ribs 6 through 12, work best for making this type of steak.
Since the tomahawk steak comes from the same section as the ribeye, it has similar flavors and tenderness. However, the tomahawk stands out because it has the long bone attached, adding to its size and presentation. For high-quality tomahawk steaks, check out Porter Road.
How Many Tomahawk Steaks Can You Get from One Cow?
Now, let’s get to the main question. How many tomahawk steaks can one cow provide? The number depends on the cow’s size and how the butcher cuts the steaks. On average, a cow can yield 12 to 16 tomahawk steaks.
Here’s why:
1. Number of Ribs
- Cows have 13 pairs of ribs, but butchers usually use ribs 6 through 12 for tomahawk steaks.
- You can get about 6 or 7 tomahawk steaks from each side of the cow, depending on how the butcher cuts them.
2. Size of the Cow
- Larger cows can give bigger steaks. Breeds like Angus and Wagyu often produce more meat, which leads to larger tomahawk steaks.
- Bigger cows mean more meat, so a larger cow can produce more substantial steaks.
3. Cut Thickness
- Butchers can cut tomahawk steaks thick or thin, depending on what the customer wants.
- Thicker steaks mean fewer tomahawk steaks from each cow, while thinner steaks result in more cuts but with less meat per steak.
The Butcher’s Role in Cutting Tomahawk Steaks
The way a butcher cuts the steaks affects how many tomahawk steaks a cow can produce. A skilled butcher knows how to cut around the ribs and leave the long bone intact, which gives the tomahawk steak its iconic shape.
The butcher also cleans the bone in a process called frenching. This step takes time and skill, as it involves trimming the fat and meat off the bone to make the steak look neat and polished. Butchers can also decide how thick to cut the steaks, which influences how many tomahawk steaks they can make from one cow.
Different butchers might cut thicker steaks for bigger, juicier meals, while others might cut thinner steaks to get more out of the cow. Either way, a skilled butcher helps maximize the number of steaks from each cow.
Why Is the Tomahawk Steak So Special?
People often see the tomahawk steak as a luxury cut of meat, and here’s why:
- Size: The tomahawk steak is large, often much bigger than other steaks. It can easily feed two or more people, and the long bone adds to the weight.
- Look: The bone gives the tomahawk steak a unique and impressive appearance. It’s often served at special dinners or events because it looks so fancy.
- Flavor: The tomahawk steak comes from the ribeye part of the cow, known for its marbling. The fat melts into the meat while cooking, making the steak incredibly juicy and tasty.
Because of these factors, the tomahawk steak is more expensive than other steaks. But if you want something impressive and delicious, the tomahawk steak is worth it.
How Does the Size of the Cow Affect the Number of Tomahawk Steaks?
The size of the cow plays a big role in how many tomahawk steaks it can produce. Larger cows have bigger rib sections, which means the butcher can make larger steaks. Breeds like Wagyu and Angus are known for their size and the quality of their meat. These cows are often raised for their rich marbling, which makes their steaks even more flavorful.
Larger cows also have bigger bones. For the tomahawk steak, the size of the bone is important because it’s part of what makes the steak so special. Bigger bones mean bigger steaks, and that’s one reason why Wagyu and Angus tomahawk steaks are so popular in high-end restaurants.
FAQs About Tomahawk Steaks
Where does the tomahawk steak come from?
The tomahawk steak comes from the rib primal section of the cow. Butchers cut it from the ribeye, and they leave the long rib bone attached to the meat, giving the steak its signature look.
How many tomahawk steaks can you get from one cow?
On average, you can get between 12 and 16 tomahawk steaks from one cow, depending on the size of the cow and how the butcher cuts the steaks.
Why is the tomahawk steak more expensive than other steaks?
The tomahawk steak costs more because of its size, the long bone, and the extra work required to clean and prepare it. It’s a luxury cut that’s often served at special occasions.
Does the size of the cow affect how many tomahawk steaks it can produce?
Yes, larger cows have bigger rib sections, which means they can provide more and larger tomahawk steaks. Breeds like Wagyu and Angus are known for producing bigger and better steaks.
Conclusion
So, how many tomahawk steaks can you get from a cow? Typically, one cow can yield between 12 and 16 tomahawk steaks. The number depends on the size of the cow, the butcher’s skill, and how thick the steaks are cut.
The tomahawk steak is special because of its size, flavor, and the long bone that makes it stand out. It’s more expensive than other steaks, but many people find it worth the cost, especially for special occasions.
If you’re looking to try one of these steaks, check out Wagyu tomahawk steaks at Snake River Farms or grass-fed options at Porter Road.