Charred Tomahawk Steak with Smoky Paprika Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A large tomahawk steak rubbed with smoky paprika and spices, charred over high heat to develop a bold crust and juicy interior. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 50 minutes pairs (40 oz) steak tomahawk steak, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 1100 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 1100 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat 1 (40 oz) tomahawk steak dry and rub all over with 3 tbsp olive oil, then coat evenly with the prepared smoky paprika rub.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to very high heat (500°F). Place the steak on the grill and sear for 5-6 minutes per side to develop a dark crust.
  4. Step 4: Move the steak to indirect heat, cover, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the grill and let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Tomahawk Steak with Smoky Paprika Rub take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charred Tomahawk Steak with Smoky Paprika Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (40 oz) steak tomahawk steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Tomahawk Steak with Smoky Paprika Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Tomahawk Steak with Smoky Paprika Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charred Tomahawk Steak with Smoky Paprika Rub?

American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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