Yield: 6 servings

1 1/2 pounds lean boneless sirloin steak, cut about 3/4-inch thick

1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon Asian sweet chile sauce

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, shredded

1/2 cucumber, seeded and chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup chopped red onion

2 tablespoons minced cilantro

8 ounces uncooked rice sticks (see note)

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons peanut or canola oil

1. Cover 18 (8-inch) wooden skewers with water and allow to soak about 30 minutes. Place beef in freezer for 30 minutes so it will slice more easily.

2. Preheat grill to medium-high or allow coals to burn down to white ash. While grill heats, slice beef into very thin strips, about 1/4 inch by 3 inches. Place beef strips in a small bowl.

3. Combine broth, soy sauce, chile sauce, sugar, ginger and garlic; stir to blend well. Pour 1/4 cup of the sauce mixture over the beef. Toss to coat meat evenly, cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Set the remaining sauce mixture aside.

4. Combine carrot, cucumber, red pepper, red onion and cilantro in a large bowl.

5. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add rice sticks and boil 2 to 3 minutes or until just tender. Drain well and add to vegetables. Measure out 1/4 cup of reserved sauce mixture and combine it with lime juice and oil; drizzle over vegetables and noodles. Toss well.

6. Drain beef and discard marinade. Thread strips of beef evenly onto skewers. Cook beef skewers over direct, medium-high heat, on an uncovered grill, about 2 minutes per side or until browned and cooked to medium doneness. Brush with remaining sauce mixture frequently while cooking. (Do not overcook beef.)

7. Arrange rice noodle-vegetable salad in a deep platter. Arrange hot beef skewers over salad.

Note: Rice sticks are flat rice noodles, similar in shape to linguine. They cook quickly and can become mushy if overcooked. If other shapes or sizes of rice noodles are used, prepare according to package directions. If desired, substitute linguine for rice sticks.

Per serving: 357 calories; 9g fat; 3g saturated fat; 59mg cholesterol; 26g protein; 41g carbohydrate; 1g fiber; 271mg sodium.