4 Tips for Tailgating Perfection with Kingsford Charcoal



I'm sure you've already fired up the grill this year -- summer is known for that!  But if you're considered putting your grill away when cooler weather hits, I ask you to reconsider.  Tailgating, whether away or at home, is still a time-honored tradition for many families, and there are some ways to ensure your experience is perfect!

While I'm very picky about my steak (it has to be high quality and cooked just until it stops mooing), most people can agree on a flavor profile when they grill.  In fact, this easy recipe for Steak with Garlic Potatoes and Squash is super simple, and my whole family loves it.  It's also the perfect meal for entertaining guests on game day, as it requires little preparation (which means more time to watch the game!)

Start with your choice of Walmart Premium Choice Steak*.  (You can use fresh steaks, or -- if you buy them on sale, like I do, and put them in the freezer -- let them thaw out a bit before cooking.  I actually like mine very cold and a little icy to keep them from overcooking.)



Season it with garlic salt, cracked black pepper, and a dash of parsley.    For your side, you'll simply dice up some peeled potatoes (or use red-skinned potatoes and leave the skins on), along with diced yellow squash, onions, and roughly chopped garlic cloves.  Put all of them on a sheet of Great Value heavy duty aluminum foil, and drizzle liberally with olive oil.  Sprinkle more of the same garlic salt, cracked black pepper, and parsley that you used on your steak.  Wrap the foil around the potatoes and squash completely, and put both the foil packet and steak on a hot grill and cook just until it's the temp you want it (more on that below).

1. Getting the perfect flavor.  Clean your grill but don't over clean it.  That little bit of charcoaly residue on your grill is full of flavor! Use an onion cut in half to rub the excess off, then let it get nice and hot before putting your steak on. You'll love how it turns out!

2. Turn no more than 4 times. To get that perfect "hash" mark on both sides of your steak, turn no more than twice on each side.  Turn your steak 90 degrees from its previous time on the same side.

3. Know how to do it "well."  To test your steak for doneness, poke it with your finger (careful, it's hot!) and compare the feel to when you poke the meaty part of your hand, just under your thumb.  The rule is that rare should feel like that part of your hand when your hand is open.  Putting your thumb and pointer together will cause it to feel like a rare steak.  Your thumb and middle finger indicates the feeling of medium rare.  Ring finger is medium, and pinkie is well done.

4.  Let it rest.  Don't cut into your meat straight from the grill.  This will cause it to bleed out and get dry before serving.  Instead, let it cool to serving temperature before digging in.

My family has been using Kingsford Original Charcoal ever since I was a little girl, and when we have a hard time getting the coals going, I have no problem giving a little help with the Kingsford Lighter Fluid, as well.  In fact, Walmart sells the Twin pack of 13.9 pound bags of Kingsford® Charcoal Briquets for just $13.38!


Feeling inspired to grill this season?  You can find even more tricks and tips to wow your guests at the Walmart UpYourGame website!  You'll find chef-inspired recipes, pro grilling techniques, shopping guides, and more.  You really have NO excuse not to get your grill on this season!

*Walmart Steak is 100% beef and 100% guaranteed.  If you don't like what you eat, they'll give you your money back -- no questions asked! As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I've received compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 
 

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