Name: Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 bag (32 oz) frozen seasoned French fries; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup guacamole; 1/2 cup pico de gallo; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 1 sliced jalapeño (optional)

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If you’ve never had the pleasure of digging into a Carne Asada Fries Recipe, you’re in for a delicious treat that combines the best of juicy, marinated steak with a glorious mountain of cheesy, crispy fries. This is the kind of dish that turns any day instantly festive, layering savory flavors, bold colors, and wonderful textures all together in one irresistible platter. Whether you’re preparing for game day, a family gathering, or simply satisfying an epic craving, these loaded fries are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of this Carne Asada Fries Recipe is how straightforward yet dynamic the ingredient list is. Each piece brings its own punch to the flavor party—tender steak, zesty marinade, melty cheese, and fresh toppings all melding together for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Flank steak (1 lb): Go for a marbled cut for maximum tenderness and beefy flavor that shines after marinating.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): This forms the base of your marinade, locking in moisture and richness.
Orange juice (1/4 cup): Adds a sweet citrusy brightness that tenderizes the steak beautifully.
Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Balances things out with a tangy zip—absolutely key for great carne asada!
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings bold aroma and depth to the marinade.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Offers a gentle heat and deep, earthy flavor.
Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a warm, nutty, quintessentially Mexican element.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle smokey color and flavor boost.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste—don’t be shy here, as these help all the other flavors pop.
Frozen seasoned French fries (1 bag, 32 oz): Saves prep time while delivering that golden, crispy crunch.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts down for that irresistible gooey layer we all crave.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Adds creaminess and helps with the classic cheese pull!
Guacamole (1/2 cup): Creamy, chunky, fresh—this is your rich, cooling topper.
Pico de gallo (1/2 cup): Juicy tomato salsa delivers color and a pop of acidity.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): A dollop of tang that balances the spice and richness.
Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top for vibrant green freshness.
Sliced jalapeño (1, optional): For those who want a kick of extra heat—seed if you prefer less spice.

How to Make Carne Asada Fries Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

This is where the magic begins. Start by whisking together the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add your flank steak and make sure it’s well coated. Let the steak soak up all that flavor in the fridge for at least an hour—overnight if you can. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavor-packed it’ll be!

Step 2: Grill the Carne Asada

Fire up your grill or a stovetop pan to medium-high heat. Take the steak out of the marinade and cook it for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until you’ve reached your desired doneness (medium rare always gets my vote). Don’t rush the process—letting the steak develop a good sear is what locks in flavor. Once it’s ready, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Then, chop into perfect bite-sized pieces to scatter over your fries later.

Step 3: Bake the Fries

While the steak is resting, get your French fries nice and crispy! Bake them according to the package directions, making sure they’re golden brown and crunchy. Using seasoned fries adds an extra punch, but regular or even homemade fries are wonderful too. You want a sturdy base that’ll hold up under all those glorious toppings.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Spread the hot fries out on a large serving platter and shower them with a generous layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Pop the whole platter under the broiler for a minute or two—just until you’ve got bubbling, melty cheese draped over every fry. This is what makes your Carne Asada Fries Recipe next-level.

Step 5: Pile on the Toppings

Now for the best part—assembly! Scatter the juicy chopped carne asada all over the cheesy fries, then begin the fiesta of flavor with dollops of guacamole, spoonfuls of fresh pico de gallo, and a drizzle of sour cream. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and jalapeño slices if you’re feeling spicy. Serve right away while the cheese is gooey and the fries are still crisp.

How to Serve Carne Asada Fries Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnishes not only make your Carne Asada Fries Recipe look irresistible, but they also add texture and zest. Scatter freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime over the top for a refreshing pop. Thinly sliced jalapeños or even pickled onions can bring extra heat and tang. Don’t forget to provide a few extra lime wedges on the side—people always want more once they taste that zing!

Side Dishes

Although this loaded platter could easily stand on its own, a side of Mexican street corn (elote), a colorful cabbage slaw, or even just a bowl of spicy black beans makes a fantastic match. If you’d like to round out the experience, try serving alongside homemade salsa or crunchy tortilla chips for extra dipping fun.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, consider serving your Carne Asada Fries Recipe in individual baskets, layered jars, or even as nacho-style mini portions. A cast-iron skillet makes for a sizzling presentation straight from oven to table. Feel free to get inventive—this dish loves to be the showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, transfer the fries and toppings into an airtight container and refrigerate. Keep any fresh toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream stored separately so they stay bright and fresh when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Freezing

While the fries themselves can get a little soggy after freezing and thawing, you can absolutely freeze any extra cooked carne asada! Slice it, let it cool, and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to three months. When ready, just thaw and give it a quick reheat before layering over fresh fries.

Reheating

To recapture that just-made magic, spread leftover fries with cheese and carne asada on a baking sheet. Bake in a hot oven (about 400 degrees Fahrenheit) until hot and the cheese is melty. Add the fresh toppings just before serving, and no one will ever know it wasn’t freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this Carne Asada Fries Recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is traditional and gives great results, skirt steak or even sirloin can work well. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain after cooking for that perfect tenderness.

What’s the best way to make homemade fries for this recipe?

If you’d like to skip the frozen fries, simply slice russet potatoes into sticks, toss with a bit of oil and seasonings, and bake at a high heat until crisp. For extra crunch, try soaking the cut potatoes in cold water first and patting them dry before baking.

How spicy is this Carne Asada Fries Recipe?

The marinade itself is flavorful rather than spicy, but adding fresh jalapeños, a spicy salsa, or even hot sauce lets you dial up the heat to your liking. It’s a super customizable dish!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just double-check that your frozen fries and all toppings are certified gluten-free. Most potato fries are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be certain.

What other toppings can I add?

Get creative! Add black beans, crumbled queso fresco, roasted corn, or a handful of pickled onions. The Carne Asada Fries Recipe is your canvas—go wild with your favorite Tex-Mex toppings.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something special about sharing a platter of homemade Carne Asada Fries Recipe with people you love—the savory flavors, the melty cheese, the colorful toppings all screaming celebration. I hope you give this recipe a try, put your own spin on it, and let every cheesy, crispy, zesty bite transport you straight to comfort food heaven!

Carne Asada Fries Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Carne Asada Fries. Loaded with marinated flank steak, melted cheese, guacamole, and more, this dish is perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Carne Asada:

1 lb flank steak
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Fries:

1 bag (32 oz) frozen seasoned French fries
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup guacamole
1/2 cup pico de gallo
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 sliced jalapeño (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the Flank Steak: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate steak for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Cook the Steak: Preheat grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat. Cook steak 4–5 minutes per side. Let rest, then slice thinly against the grain and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Fries: Bake fries according to package instructions until crispy.
Assemble: Layer hot fries on a serving platter, top with cheeses, and broil for 1–2 minutes. Add carne asada, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeño slices.
Serve: Enjoy immediately!