Skillet Beef Alambre

Step 1

Place the beef on a cutting board. Hold the knife parallel to the board and slice the beef against the grain into thin strips about 1/4 inch thick and 3 inches long, as if slicing a steak into ribbons.

Step 2

Place the poblano pepper on the cutting board and slice it lengthwise from stem to tip into 1/4-inch-thick strips, removing seeds as you see them.

Step 3

Peel the onion and place it on the cutting board with the root end toward you. Slice it lengthwise from root to tip into 1/4-inch-thick strips that hold their shape.

Step 4

Tear the oaxaca cheese into 2-inch irregular pieces about 1/4 inch thick by hand, or cut it into roughly 1/2-oz chunks.

Step 5

Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil and wait until it shimmers and moves quickly when you tilt the pan, about 90 seconds.

Step 6

Add the beef strips to the hot skillet in a single layer, breaking them apart slightly with a spatula. Let them sear without stirring for 2 minutes until the underside turns golden brown.

Step 7

Stir the beef with a wooden spoon or spatula, breaking up any clumps, and cook for another 1 minute until no pink remains on the surface.

Step 8

Push the beef to the edge of the skillet. Add the poblano strips and onion strips to the empty space in the center of the pan.

Step 9

Stir the peppers and onions with the beef using a wooden spoon, coating everything with the oil. Cook, stirring once every 30 seconds, for 3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the peppers look soft.

Step 10

Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the beef and vegetables, then toss with a spatula to distribute.

Step 11

Scatter the cheese pieces over the top of the beef and vegetables in an even layer, covering most of the surface.

Step 12

Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with aluminum foil or a lid. Wait 2 minutes until the cheese melts completely.

Step 13

Remove the skillet from heat and uncover it. Let it rest for 1 minute so the cheese sets slightly, then divide between two plates.