A method for controlling an engine includes the steps of, in response to a transient operating event, determining a first amount of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) that if provided to an intake of the engine would avoid turbocharger compressor surge in a turbocharger, determining a second amount of EGR that if provided to the intake would avoid turbocharger compressor choke in the turbocharger, and determining a third amount of EGR that if provided to the intake would avoid engine smoking, and adjusting EGR provided to the intake of the engine in accordance with the determined first, second, and third amounts.