Preparation

• Combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt, oregano, cayenne, and oil. Cover the steaks with plastic wrap and gently pound them 1/4 inch thick with the flat side of a meat mallet. Sprinkle salt and pepper on each side of the steaks and rub the spice mixture into one side.

  Lightly coat a large skillet with about 2 tsp. oil and set the pan over high heat. When the oil is just barely smoking, add the steaks, uncoated side down; lower the heat slightly and sear the meat for 3 minutes. (Cook the meat in batches if necessary.) Turn the steaks and sear them on the coated side for 2 to 3 minutes for medium rare. (Check by feeling it, if you’re experienced, or cut into the meat to look at the color—it should be very rosy pink.) Transfer the steaks to a cutting board, squeeze the juice from the halved lime over it, tent with foil, and let rest for 3 minutes. Cut the steaks into 1/4-inch-thick slices, garnish with the lime wedges if you like, and serve.

Serve this spicy steak plain or fajita style, withwarm flour tortillas,salsa, andguacamole.