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1
Rub: Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle all over the meat; reserve any leftover rub to add to the braising liquid.
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2
Preheat the oven to 325u00b0F.
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3
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the meat until all sides are nicely browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the meat to a platter. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from the pot and add the onions. Cover and cook until the onions are soft and just beginning to color, about 10 minutes, stirring from time to time. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
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4
Pour in the tequila and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil and reduce the tequila by about half, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, chipotle chiles, orange juice, lime juice, stock, bay leaves, and any leftover spice rub and bring to a boil. Add the steak, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the oven. Braise until the meat is fork-tender, 1 1/ 2 to 2 hours, turning every 45 minutes.
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5
Transfer the pot to the stove top. Remove the meat and discard the bay leaf. Degrease the liquid, then boil until it just becomes syrupy, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
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6
Return the meat to the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more to reheat. Slice or cut into chunks and serve with the garnishes.
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7
Cook's Notes:
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8
If you replace the orange juice with fresh pineapple juice, instead of garnishing with orange slices, garnish with half-slices of fresh pineapple.
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9
This dish is great made a day ahead, but wait to adjust the lime juice until just before serving. Let cool and refrigerate overnight, then remove any congealed surface fat before gently rewarming the dish.
