Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb flank steak, trimmed if necessary
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chile powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 heart of romaine
  • 2 firm-ripe avocados (8 to 10 oz each)
  • 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas (not low-fat)
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro sprigs
  • Accompaniments: tomatillo salsa such as Frontera or Desert Rose; lime wedges

Method

  • Heat a well-seasoned ridged grill pan (preferably cast-iron) over moderately high heat until beginning to smoke, then brush with oil.
  • While pan heats, pat steak dry and stir together spices and salt, then rub all over both sides of steak.
  • Grill steak, turning over once, 9 to 11 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cut romaine crosswise into thin shreds. Quarter avocados lengthwise, then pit, peel, and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
  • While steak is standing, stack tortillas, wrapped completely in dampened paper towels, on a microwave-safe plate and cook in a microwave oven at high power (100 percent) until tortillas are hot, about 1 1/2 minutes.
  • Holding knife at a 45-degree angle, thinly slice steak across the grain. Serve with tortillas, avocado, romaine, and cilantro.