Korean Steak

Set out bowls of crisp romaine lettuce, rice, green onions, and sesame seeds and let each person assemble his or her own package.

PREP: 40 minutes plus marinating

GRILL: 14 to 15 minutes

MAKES: 6 main-dish servings

½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons minced, peeled fresh ginger

2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil

¼ teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)

3 garlic cloves, crushed with garlic press

1 beef top round or sirloin steak, 1 inch thick (1 ½ pounds)

1 cup regular long-grain rice

¼ cup water

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (see Tip)

1 head romaine lettuce, separated into leaves

1. In large zip-tight plastic bag, combine soy sauce, sugar, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, ground red pepper, and garlic; add steak, turning to coat. Seal bag, pressing out excess air. Place bag on plate; refrigerate 1 to 4 hours to marinate, turning once.

2. Prepare outdoor grill for direct grilling over medium heat, or lightly spray a ridged grill pan with nonstick cooking spray, then heat on medium until hot. Prepare rice as label directs; keep warm.

3. Remove steak from bag; reserve marinade. Place steak on hot grill rack or pan and grill, turning once, 14 to 15 minutes for medium-rare or until desired doneness. Transfer steak to cutting board; let stand 10 minutes to allow juices to set for easier slicing.

4. In saucepan, heat reserved marinade and water to boiling over high heat; boil 2 minutes.

5. To serve, thinly slice steak. Let each person place some steak slices, rice, green onions, and sesame seeds on a lettuce leaf, then drizzle with cooked marinade. Fold sides of lettuce leaf over filling to form a packet to eat like a sandwich.

EACH SERVING: About 370 calories, 30g protein, 35g carbohydrate, 11g total fat (3g saturated), 69mg cholesterol, 960mg sodium

TIP: Toasting brings out the nutty flavor of sesame seeds. To toast, heat seeds in a small, dry skillet over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and a shade darker.