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Fusion Cooking American Cuisine Trend Combines Different Ethnic Cooking Techniques

The Associated Press

The sophisticated pairings of fusion cooking are a current trend in ethnically-inspired American cuisine.

In the following recipe for Spicy Pacific Rim Salad, the fusion begins by combining fiery chili peppers with refined French culinary traditions. Together these elements marry with the stir-fry techniques of China and Indonesia for a flavorful salad.

The salad is a combination of stir-fried boneless beef sirloin, fresh green beans, crisp sliced radishes, seedless grapes and red chilies tossed with lime juice and sesame oil. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Spicy Pacific Rim Salad

Recipe from the California Table Grape Commission.

1/2 pound boneless beef sirloin, sliced 2- by 1/2- by 1/4-inch

1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon grated lime peel

12 ounces fresh green beans

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon salt, divided use

1/2 teaspoon crushed red chilies

1-1/2 cups seedless grapes

1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, optional

1 quart cut hearts of romaine lettuce, shredded Napa or regular cabbage

4 small seedless grape clusters, optional garnish

Place beef in a small bowl. In separate bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic and lime peel; add to beef and mix well.

In nonstick skillet, stir-fry green beans in oil until crisp-tender; season with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Remove from skillet.

Stir-fry beef in same skillet to desired doneness. Return beans to pan; add chilies and grapes. Stir-fry until grapes are barely heated. Add radishes, lime juice, remaining salt and sesame oil. Cool to room temperature or refrigerate until served.

When ready to serve, mix well and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve on bed of lettuce or cabbage; garnish with grape clusters, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings.

Nutrition information per serving: 188 calories, 15.5 grams protein, 6.6 grams fat (30 percent fat calories), 18.8 grams carbohydrate, 37.3 milligrams cholesterol, 3.4 grams fiber, 573.2 milligrams sodium.