Carne Asada Fries Recipe

Carne Asada Fries are the ultimate guilty pleasure—a glorious pile of crispy golden fries smothered with juicy, flavorful steak, melty cheese, and all your favorite Tex-Mex toppings. Every bite delivers that irresistible combination of savory carne asada, creamy guacamole, bright pico de gallo, and a hint of zesty spice. If you love loaded fries, this is the recipe you’ll crave again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need is a handful of fresh, colorful ingredients to create your own Carne Asada Fries at home. Each component brings something special—whether it’s richness, brightness, spice, or that can’t-stop-eating crunch!

• Steak (Skirt, Flank, or Flap): These cuts soak up the marinade beautifully and stay juicy and tender after broiling.
• Orange Juice, Lemon & Lime Juice: This trio gives the marinade its unmistakable tangy, citrusy punch.
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth and helps tenderize the meat for that ultra-flavorful bite.
• Olive Oil: Keeps the steak moist and rich while sealing in all those delicious spices.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Black Pepper: These spices build real Tex-Mex flavor and warm color through every bite.
• Garlic & Fresh Cilantro: The garlic brings a savory kick, while cilantro brightens everything up.
• Chipotle Pepper (Optional): For a little smokiness and gentle heat; just add to taste!
• Frozen Fries: The ultimate shortcut—crisp, hot, and ready for all those glorious toppings.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty, gooey goodness that blankets everything in comfort. Choose cheddar, Monterey jack, or a mix!
• Pico de Gallo: Freshness on top—diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro liven up every forkful.
• Sour Cream & Guacamole: Creamy contrasts to the heat and richness of the steak. Plus, who can say no?
• Chopped Cilantro & Jalapeño (Optional): For a final burst of color, flavor, and a little extra kick!

Variations

One of the best parts about Carne Asada Fries? You can totally make them your own! Mix, match, and experiment with the toppings and protein to suit your mood or whatever’s in your fridge.

• Sweet Potato Fries: Swap in sweet potato fries for a slightly sweet, hearty twist that pairs beautifully with the robust steak.
• Loaded Veggie Fries: Add sautéed peppers, black beans, or corn right on top for extra color and a tasty veggie boost.
• Chicken or Plant-Based: No steak? Marinate chicken breast or a plant-based protein (like tofu or seitan) for a lighter but still indulgent meal.
• Cheese Sauce Drizzle: Instead of shredded cheese, try a creamy queso dip for another level of melty, luscious cheese coverage.

How to Make Carne Asada Fries

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by whisking together your orange juice, soy sauce, lemon and lime juice, olive oil, garlic, all those fragrant spices, and lots of fresh cilantro. Pour this marinade over your chosen steak and let it soak up the flavors for at least 4 hours (or up to a full day for maximum flavor). The longer, the better—this step is key to juicy, crave-worthy carne asada.

Step 2: Broil the Steak

Once the steak is marinated to perfection, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Broil the steak about 4–6 minutes per side, just a few inches from the broiler, until you reach your desired doneness (aim for 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium). Rest the steak for 10 minutes under foil so every drop of juice stays locked in. Then, slice it thinly across the grain into bite-sized strips or chunks.

Step 3: Cook the Fries

While your rested steak is tented and keeping cozy, crank out those fries! Bake your favorite frozen fries according to the package instructions until they’re golden brown and perfectly crisp—you want a sturdy base for all those toppings.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Lower the oven to 350°F, then pile your piping hot fries into a cast iron skillet or a sturdy baking tray. Scatter the sliced carne asada evenly over the fries, sprinkle on a generous amount of shredded cheese, and pop them back in the oven for 5–7 minutes, just until the cheese is cheesy and gooey and everything looks irresistible.

Step 5: Add Toppings & Serve

The finishing touch is where Carne Asada Fries truly shine. Dollop on fresh guacamole, spoon over bright pico de gallo, add a drizzle of cool sour cream, and scatter with extra cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you love heat. Pile on the toppings and dig in—hot, melty, and so, so satisfying.

How to Serve Carne Asada Fries

Garnishes

A final flourish of garnishes makes Carne Asada Fries look (and taste!) restaurant-worthy. Try extra chopped cilantro for a fragrant kick, sliced jalapeños for heat, and perhaps a squirt of lime over the top for part-tang, part-freshness. Serve with a wedge of lime on the side for friends who like it bright and zesty.

Side Dishes

Since Carne Asada Fries are basically a meal-in-one, keep sides simple: a crisp green salad with radishes and salsa vinaigrette, some grilled Mexican street corn (elote), or even a pitcher of frosty margaritas to round out the experience will make the meal unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Serve Carne Asada Fries straight out of a cast iron skillet for that cozy, shareable vibe, or pile them high onto a large platter for party-style snacking. For smaller portions, portion into little paper boats for a true “street food” feel—perfect for parties and game day spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store the steak, fries, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Everything will be freshest for up to 2 days, and keeping components separate helps preserves the fries’ texture and the vibrancy of the toppings.

Freezing

While fries don’t always freeze well once assembled, you can absolutely freeze sliced carne asada for future quick meals. Just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating and assembling your Carne Asada Fries anew.

Reheating

To reheat, spread fries and steak in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 375°F until hot and crisp. Add cheese during the last few minutes so it melts perfectly. Top with fresh toppings just before serving, so every plate tastes freshly made.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a next-level snack or a showstopping crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with homemade Carne Asada Fries. They’re fun, flavorful, and destined to steal the spotlight at your next get-together—so grab your ingredients, create your masterpiece, and don’t forget to share (if you can!).

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