Carne Asada Fries Recipe
If there’s any dish that truly satisfies a craving for both comfort and excitement, the Carne Asada Fries Recipe has to be it! Imagine a pile of hot, golden fries smothered with juicy, marinated steak, showered with melty cheeses, and finished with zippy toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and fresh veggies. Every mouthful is a festival of flavors and textures! Whether you’re planning a game night, feeding hungry friends, or simply treating yourself, this is the loaded fries recipe you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about why every ingredient in this Carne Asada Fries Recipe counts. Each is carefully chosen to add its own pop of taste, whether it’s richness, zest, or crunch. Simple, fresh ingredients are what make these fries unforgettable!
- Flank or skirt steak (1 pound): This is the star, delivering bold beefy flavor and tenderness when sliced correctly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the marinade hug every inch of the steak, ensuring juiciness.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Packs savory depth into the marinade.
- Lime, juiced (1): Adds bright, citrusy tang to our carne asada.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle heat and color.
- Cumin (1 teaspoon): Infuses earthy warmth for that signature Mexican flavor.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Boosts the smokiness and lovely red hue.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning both steak and fries.
- Frozen French fries (1 bag, or homemade): The crispy, crave-able base for all those toppings.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup): Creamy and mild, it blends perfectly with the cheddar.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Delivers a cool, tangy finish to each bite.
- Guacamole (1/2 cup): Creamy, rich, and loaded with avocado flavor.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (1/4 cup): Brings a refreshing burst of green and brightness.
- Red onion, diced (1/4 cup): Pops with color and a pleasant crunch.
- Jalapeño, sliced (1, optional): Adds a dash of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Roma tomato, diced (1): Juicy, sweet, and vibrant—a fresh contrast to the rich toppings.
How to Make Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the steak, turning it so the marinade coats every surface. Slide the bowl into the fridge for at least 30 minutes—let those flavors mingle! If you have time for a full two hours, even better. This step is where our Carne Asada Fries Recipe gets its unmistakable punch of flavor.
Step 2: Prep and Cook the Fries
While your steak soaks up that marinade, get your fries going. Prepare them according to the package directions if you’re using frozen, or bake your own until irresistibly crisp. The goal is fries that hold their shape and stay crunchy under all those glorious toppings.
Step 3: Grill or Sear the Steak
Heat a grill or heavy skillet over medium-high. Remove the steak from its marinade and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, adjusting for your preferred level of doneness. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes—that rest makes slicing so much easier and keeps the juices inside the meat where they belong.
Step 4: Slice and Chop
Slice your rested steak thinly against the grain, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every forkful of Carne Asada Fries is perfectly balanced between meat, cheese, and potato.
Step 5: Assemble the Fries
Spread your hot fries out on a large serving platter, sprinkle both cheeses over the top, and pop the platter under a broiler for 1–2 minutes if you want everything extra melty and delicious. Once the cheese is bubbly, scatter the steak pieces evenly all over.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
Finish with dollops of sour cream, generous spoonfuls of guacamole, chopped cilantro, red onion, juicy tomato, and as many jalapeño slices as you dare. Serve your Carne Asada Fries Recipe immediately so everyone can dig in while the fries are still piping hot and the cheese is perfectly gooey.
How to Serve Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Garnishes
You can crown your Carne Asada Fries Recipe with as much flair as you want! Classic garnishes are a cloud of chopped cilantro, extra diced red onion, and a squeeze of lime. For spice-lovers, scatter on extra jalapeño—not only does it add pretty color, but it brings a lovely heat. If you like, a sprinkle of cotija cheese or a drizzle of chipotle mayo can turn the plate into a real showstopper.
Side Dishes
Though these loaded fries are a meal in themselves, you can make them part of a larger spread. Try pairing with a zesty Mexican corn salad, some cool cucumber slices dusted with Tajin, or a bowl of fresh pico de gallo. And if you want to keep the party vibes going, serve everything alongside a pitcher of agua fresca or icy margaritas.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Carne Asada Fries Recipe into personal portions by serving them in small cast iron skillets, parchment-lined baskets, or individual bowls. For a fun twist at gatherings, set up a DIY fries bar—put out all the toppings and let everyone build their own masterpiece! It’s festive, interactive, and totally customizable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep the steak, fries, and toppings separate whenever possible. Place them in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping everything separate helps the fries stay as crisp as possible until you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Freezing
The fries and steak can each be frozen, though the toppings are best fresh. Lay the cooked steak pieces flat in a zip-top bag with as much air removed as possible, and store for up to 2 months. Fries can be frozen after baking, but they’ll be crispiest if reheated in the oven instead of a microwave.
Reheating
To bring everything back to life, spread fries and steak on a baking sheet and heat in a 425°F oven until hot and sizzling—about 10 minutes does the trick. Add toppings like sour cream and guacamole only after reheating. A quick broil at the end helps melt any cheese and crisp things up perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Carne Asada Fries Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak are traditional for their rich flavor and tenderness, you can also use sirloin or even ribeye if that’s what you have. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain so every bite is tender.
Are homemade fries better than frozen for Carne Asada Fries Recipe?
Homemade fries are fantastic if you have the time—they give you full control over thickness and crispiness. However, quality frozen fries can be just as delicious and save plenty of effort, especially if you’re making a big batch.
What’s the best way to make this Carne Asada Fries Recipe spicier?
Kick up the heat by increasing the chili powder in the marinade, using pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack, or loading up on fresh jalapeños. A sprinkle of hot sauce or a drizzle of chipotle mayo also packs a punch!
Can I make the Carne Asada Fries Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure your frozen fries are certified gluten-free, and double-check that all seasonings and toppings are safe. Most of the fresh ingredients and steak are naturally gluten-free already.
How can I keep the fries crispy under all those toppings?
For the crispiest fries, bake them a few extra minutes longer than the package suggests and assemble everything right before serving. Broiling the cheese quickly also helps seal in the crispiness while the toppings add flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing more satisfying than a plateful of hot, cheesy, fully loaded Carne Asada Fries Recipe. It’s pure joy in every bite! Whether you’re making this for a crowd or treating yourself at home, give this recipe a try and let it become your new go-to favorite for fun, flavor-packed comfort food.
Print
Carne Asada Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Carne Asada Fries. Loaded with marinated steak, two kinds of cheese, and all your favorite toppings, these fries are a flavor explosion!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 pound flank or skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Fries:
- 1 bag frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1 roma tomato, diced
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: Combine olive oil, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate steak for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Fries: Cook fries until crispy. Meanwhile, grill or cook steak until desired doneness.
- Assemble: Place hot fries on a platter, top with cheeses, and melt under a broiler. Add sliced steak, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, onion, jalapeño, and tomato. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use store-bought carne asada or pre-cooked steak.
- Swap in pepper jack cheese for extra heat or drizzle with chipotle mayo for added flavor.
- Best enjoyed fresh!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaded plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
