Carne Asada Fries Recipe

Carne Asada Fries are a delicious and indulgent dish that originated in California, featuring crispy French fries topped with marinated grilled steak, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. It’s a fantastic combination of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing or as a hearty meal. Here’s how to make them!

Carne Asada Fries Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Carne Asada:

• 1.5 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Fries:

• 1 bag (about 28 oz) frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

Toppings:

• 1 cup guacamole
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for added heat)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Steak:
   • In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the flank or skirt steak and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Fries:
   • Cook the frozen French fries according to the package instructions until crispy. If making homemade fries, cut potatoes into fries, toss with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
3. Grill the Steak:
   • Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the desired doneness is reached. (For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F or 54-57°C.) Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Assemble the Fries:
   • On a large serving plate or baking sheet, layer the crispy fries. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the hot fries, allowing it to melt slightly.
5. Top with Carne Asada:
   • Slice the grilled steak against the grain into thin strips and layer it over the cheesy fries.
6. Add Toppings:
   • Top the loaded fries with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and sliced jalapeños if desired. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Enjoy!

These Carne Asada Fries are perfect for a game day snack, a party platter, or a fun dinner. The combination of crispy fries, flavorful carne asada, and fresh toppings is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!