Step 1

First, we create the marinade. In a bowl, mix some crushed and roughly chopped garlic cloves (no need to mince), freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, cilantro, and some chopped jalapeños (if used).

Step 2

Trim the meat if necessary and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Step 3

Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Use your hand to press these dry ingredients onto the meat.

Step 4

Place the meat in a Ziploc bag and add the marinade.

Step 5

Gently massage the bag to make sure the marinade evenly coats all of the meat.

Step 6

Try to press out as much air as possible before closing the bag.

Step 7

Put the bag on a plate and place it in the fridge for at least an hour (but not more than 10 hours). Massage and turn occasionally to get the marinate working, especially if you plan to marinate for only an hour or so.

Step 8

Once you’re ready to cook the meat, add just a little bit of a neutral oil, like canola, to a cast iron pan and bring it to medium-high heat. That means to a heat where the oil is really hot but is not smoking yet.

Step 9

Grab the meat with tongs from the Ziploc bag and shake off some of the excessive marinade and the larger garlic chunks.

Step 10

Add the meat to the pan. It should instantly sizzle and smoke a little when touching the hot oil.

Step 11

Cook for about 3 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of the cut).

Step 12

Check with an instant meat thermometer. It should read 130-140℉ in the thickest part.

Step 13

Remove from the pan, place on a cutting board, and lightly cover with foil.

Step 14

While resting the steak for a couple of minutes, grate the cheeses.

Step 15

Next, slice the beef - against the grain - in small, bite-sized strips.

Step 16

Carefully wipe out the cast iron pan with a paper towel without burning yourself. It’s okay if the pan is not completely clean. Any little scraps will only add flavor to the tortilla.

Step 17

Put the pan back on the stove and turn it up to medium heat.

Step 18

Add a soft taco/tortilla to the dry pan (one that fits the diameter of the pan).

Step 19

Sprinkle the whole width of the tortilla with a quarter of the cheese, then add a layer of beef strips to half of the tortilla.

Step 20

When the cheese starts to melt (which takes maybe 1 or 2 minutes), gently - with a spatula - fold the taco/tortilla in half and also gently press it flat so that it looks like a quesadilla should look.

Step 21

Flip the whole enchilada 😂 and cook on the other side for another 2 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted.

Step 22

Slide onto a cutting board and cut in half. A pizza cutter works like a charm. A knife works perfectly fine as well.

Step 23

Place on a plate or cutting board and sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the top. That’s just for good looks.

Step 24

Serve with your favorite accompaniments, such as guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, black beans, rice, etc. Enjoy!