Put sizzling summer steak on a low-fat supper menu

Lean beef top-round steak, marinated and grilled, can be a flavorful low-fat choice for weeknight family meals.

Before you grill, this recipe suggests you marinate the steak in a mixture of fresh ginger, lime juice and garlic. Besides giving the steak a tangy citrus flavor, the fresh ginger and lime juice help tenderize it.

Beef specialists consider top-round steak is most flavorful and juicy when cooked to medium-rare doneness (145 F). Remember: An instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the steak is the most accurate way to determine doneness.

Serve the steak with grilled fruits and vegetables, or a mixed greens salad and crusty bread.

Sizzling Summer Steak

(Total preparation and cooking time 35 minutes, marinating time 6 to 8 hours or overnight)

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

3 tablespoons minced green onions

3 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (see note)

3 large garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 beef top-round steak, cut 1 1/2 inches thick (about 2 pounds)

In small bowl, combine marinade ingredients (all ingredients except beef). Place beef steak and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 to 8 hours or overnight; turn occasionally.

Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Place steak on grid over medium-hot, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 25 to 28 minutes to 140 F for medium-rare doneness; turn occasionally. Transfer to carving board. Let stand 5 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise 5 F to reach 145 F for medium-rare.) Carve steak crosswise into thin slices.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Note: Do not substitute powdered ginger for the fresh; it does not have the natural tenderizing enzyme found in fresh ginger.

Nutritional information per serving: 239 calories, 36 grams protein, 1 grams carbohydrates, 9 grams fat, 167 milligrams sodium, 95 milligrams cholesterol.

Recipe developed for AP by the Cattlemen's Beef Board and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.