Seared Steak Tacos with Cactus Paddles (Tacos de Bistec con Nopales)

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Ingredients

3 medium medium cactus paddles
About 2 tablespoons rich tasting pork lard, vegetable oil or bacon drippings
Salt
1 pound thin-cut beef, (look for cecina, tasajo or butterflied skirt steak in a Mexican market, or thin-cut round tip (1/8- to 1/4-inch thick) also known as minute steak, sandwich steak or breakfast steak in an American market)
12 fresh warm corn tortillas

1
With a sharp knife, clean the cactus paddles by trimming all the edges and scraping off the spines. Measure 1 tablespoon of the lard, oil or bacon drippings into a large (12-inch), heavy well-seasoned skillet (preferably cast-iron) or griddle and set over medium-high heat. When hot, add the cactus and cook until done, about 8 to 10 minutes. Slice into strips.
2
Generously salt both sides of each piece of meat. Wipe the skillet or griddle and return it to medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon lard, oil or bacon drippings. When very hot (it’ll just begin to smoke), lay in the meat in a single layer. If it doesn’t all fit comfortably, you’ll need to do this in 2 batches. Sear the meat on one side until brown (about 1 1/2 minutes), flip it over, and sear the other side. Meat for tacos a la plancha is generally cooked well done. Transfer to your cutting board; tent with foil if you are searing the meat in batches.
3
Chop the seared steak into 1/2-inch bits (most Mexican taqueros do this with cleavers) and scoop into a serving bowl—a warm one makes a big difference in keeping the filling warm. Set on the table along with the cactus and warm tortillas. Salsa and lime wedges will be a welcome addition for garnishing your tacos.