Asian Ginger Steak

**Update, I was a runner up in the contest and featured on the Whole Foods Market blog "What We're Reading" section-- http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2008/09/what-were-reading-5/

My friend and coworker (and fellow food blogger!) Jodi informed me about Whole Foods Market's Budget Recipe Challenge to create a meal that costs under $4 per person. I was intrigued and challenged by this. I usually start my meal creation with good intentions, then I always want to add more ingredients for additional flavors, nutrients or colors. This is a challenge in discipline, so I'm pretty excited with what I've come up with. And hey, the first 100 entrants get $25 to Whole Foods, which I'm not going to pass up!

Asian Ginger Steak with Stir-Fried Vegetables and Ginger-Infused Rice

2 inches ginger, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 limes
1/3 cup tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 pounds sirloin tip steak
Cooking Spray
1 1/2 cups 365 white enriched rice
1 16-ounce bag 365 frozen stir fry vegetables, thawed

Peel one inch fresh ginger and grate. Add ginger and minced garlic to a large zip lock bag. Next zest both limes. Add lime zest and juice to bag, along with 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce. Add salt and pepper and steak, and marinade for 30 minutes. Heat a grill pan on medium high heat and spray with cooking spray.

In the meantime, prepare rice according to instructions. Half way through cooking, add other inch of ginger, peeled. Once rice is done, remove ginger.

Once steak is done marinating, place on grill pan and cook about 5 minutes on each side for a medium steak. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.

While rice and steak is cooking, heat a large skillet or wok on medium high heat. Add vegetables and remaining soy sauce and stir fry until cooked, about 3 minutes.

This recipe serves about .3 pound of meat per person, about 1/2 cup cooked rice and 1 cup vegetables.

Since the deadline is quickly approaching, I'm posting this recipe without testing it first. I plan on making this on Labor Day, at which time I'll add more pictures.

**Pictures now posted! :)

Wish me luck in my first food blog competition!

Budget Breakdown Per Person:
Ginger- $.12
Garlic- $.06
Lime- $.08
Soy Sauce- $.10
Salt and Pepper- $.05
Steak- $2.38
Cooking Spray- $.01
Rice- $.18
Vegetables- $.50

Total- $3.48