You love loaded fries, then you are going to love Carne Asada Fries! This West Coast favorite piles crispy golden fries, juicy marinated carne asada, melty cheese and all your favorite toppings. Ideal for a party appetizer, game-day snack or even a meal, this Mexican-American dish is a yummy crossover.
Ingredients
For the Carne Asada:
- 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Fries:
- 1 pound frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (or Mexican blend) cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup guacamole
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- ¼ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)
- (For serving) Salsa or hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate & cook the carne asada
- In a bowl, whisk lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Put the steak in a shallow dish or in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight, for deeper flavor).
- Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side until done to your liking.
- Take off the heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips or small bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Fries
- Preheat oven to 425°, or according to package directions for frozen fries.
- Toss the fries with vegetable oil and salt, then spread the fries in an even layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake until crispy and golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the fries halfway.
Step 3: Build Your Carne Asada Fries
- Top the hot fries with shredded cheese and let it melt. (You can also put them under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes to get the cheese extra melty.)
- Serve topped with slices of carne asada, sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, and Cotija cheese.
- Serve right away, with salsa or hot sauce alongside.
Tips & Variations
- Loaded Nacho-Style: Aren’t fries great for Carne Asada Nachos?
- Healthier alternative: Baked sweet potato fries or air-fried fries.
- Extra Cheesy: Use nacho cheese sauce instead of shredded cheese — the kachumber will take care of the shreds.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced serrano or drizzle with spicy chipotle mayo.
Serving & Storage
- Serving: Ideally served hot and fresh!
- Storage: Leftover carne asada can be stored, tightly covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days. Repeat before frying more batches of fries.
- How To Reheat: Fries can be reheated in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
Final Thoughts
Renting a chair at an upcoming Yelping on a budget? Carne Asada Fries are a cheeto-cheese crack combo—crispy, cheesy, and full of big flavor. Perfect for sharing (or not!), this dish will be sure to win over a crowd at any party. Give it a try today and tell us your favorite toppings!
Would you prefer a healthified option or a spicy version? 😊