Get Your Grill On with a Steak-Over Challenge!

Steak-Over?

Okay, I was in before I even knew what it was, and for two reasons.

1 – It has the word steak in it, and if you know me, you know I am a lover of read meat. Medium Rare, just a little lemon and sea salt – we are good to go. However, add some caramelized onions or mushrooms, I’ll drool over that, too.

and 2 – It sounds like Makeover, and I am a fiend for anything like a room redo, a clothing revamp, or a whole house renovation. Take something old and make it new? All in.

So a Steak-Over?

Sounds like something right up my alley.

Thanks to the fine folks at Wal-Mart, I was given the task of taking one of their Certified Premium Choice cuts of beef, and challenging a friend or family member to a duel to the death.

Just kidding!

We were both given the same cuts of meat to make the steaks our own, to see who had the better grill technique, rub, marinade, or downright luck.

So for our challenge, we opted for 2 completely different methods.

Steak One got a barbeque seasoning rub down, then a turn on the Charcoal Weber Grill. This steak was prepared by Mr. BranAppetit, Nick, and I have to say, the results were pretty darned tasty. He lost points for wandering off, however, and allowing the steaks to get a little, um, charred. Seriously Nick. You had ONE job.

Steak Two got my favorite kind of treatment – the old lemon juice, sea salt, garlic and onion powder rub. Simple, delicious. Instead of the regular gas grill, Mr. Doughmesstic, aka JonDough seared our steaks on the open firepit, guarded diligently by Seven, aka DoughBoy.

No burning here, ahem, Nick. Just saying.

So who wins?

Clearly, House of Doughmesstic. But honestly, it was a close one. The steaks were very tender, juicy, and delicious. It definitely helps to start with a quality cut of meat, and Wal-Mart really did provide that.

So thanks, Wal-Mart!

Instead of giving you a recipe, I thought you might like this little grilling guide to help you with your steak preparation. Sometimes, grills are daunting, especially for us non-grilling women…but there’s no need to be scared. Just do it!

How to Grill:

• Easy Prep: Marinate in advance, for several hours, then promptly refrigerate. Remove thawed steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
• Grilling: For a gas or charcoal grill: Sear the steaks on each side for 1 minute over high heat. Once seared, move to indirect heat or reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking steaks that are 1-2 inches thick for 8-10 minutes on each side to achieve Medium Rare. Add roughly 3-4 minutes per side to achieve Medium to Well Done.
• Timing: Start with thicker cuts and steaks that are going to be cooked longer. Don’t start with a thick cut, cook-to-rare steak…save that for last!
• Resting: Allow steaks rest 5 minutes before slicing, to ensure juices are evenly distributed.

Just in time for early grilling season and Memorial Day, Wal-Mart is helping shoppers take their grilling up a notch with its top-quality selection of delicious, juicy and tender USDA Choice Premium Beef available in a variety of cuts. Only one in five steaks is good enough to call Wal-Mart Choice Premium Beef, which has been approved by the USDA for quality. For more recipes, tips and to find a store near you, visit www.walmart.com/steak.

Steak-Over Challenge Information

Local firefighters from eight different cities will compete in the Wal-Mart Steak-Over Challenge presented by Kingsford® Charcoal, Dr. Pepper® and A.1.® steak sauce to determine who has the best steak-grilling chops in town.

Wal-Mart shoppers in each city will get a front row seat to the event, which will take place in the parking lot of their local Wal-Mart store. Shoppers who attend will have the chance to join in the festivities, taste test Wal-Mart USDA Choice Premium steaks, sample Dr. Pepper and A.1. steak sauce for free, and cast their vote for best steak.

The firefighter finalist from each city will compete on behalf of their station for a $20,000 grand prize in Los Angeles, the week of May 20.

Are you ready to experience Walmart’s Steak-Over for yourself? Find out why you should choose your steaks at Walmart here. We shared our winning grilling tip – now tell us yours!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.