If you have ever craved a comforting, crave-worthy meal that combines crispy fries with bold, savory steak flavors, then this Carne Asada Fries Recipe is going to become your new obsession. This dish brilliantly layers perfectly seasoned carne asada over a bed of golden fries, topped with melted cheeses and fresh accompaniments like guacamole and pico de gallo. It’s like all your favorite Mexican-American flavors joined forces for an unforgettable bite that satisfies every craving with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in making this dish sing with flavor and texture. From the tender, marinated steak to the crispy fries and fresh toppings, every element adds its own special touch to the Carne Asada Fries Recipe.
- 1 pound flank or skirt steak: Choose these cuts for their tenderness and perfect marbling that soaks up marinade flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps create a flavorful, juicy marinade base and prevents the steak from drying out.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Adds zesty brightness and tenderizes the meat while complementing Mexican flavors.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the steak with a rich, aromatic undertone you won’t want to miss.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy note that pairs perfectly with chili powder.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Provides a gentle smoky heat that enhances the overall seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a beautiful color to the marinade.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the steak’s natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of bite to balance the richness.
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen French fries: The crispy base to carry all the cheese and steak goodness.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, this cheese adds a decadent layer of flavor.
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese: Smooth and creamy, it perfectly complements cheddar for the cheese blend.
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro add freshness and slight acidity.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Brings cool creaminess to contrast spicy and tangy flavors.
- 1/4 cup guacamole: Rich avocado goodness that adds smooth texture and depth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Bright, herbaceous garnish that lifts the dish.
- 1 sliced jalapeño (optional): For those who love a little extra spicy kick.
How to Make Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Begin by whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse, packing the steak with zest and subtle smoky heat. Place your flank or skirt steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal it tightly and refrigerate, letting the meat soak up all the flavors for at least 30 minutes, although 2 hours brings even more depth. This step is crucial for tender, flavorful carne asada.
Step 2: Prepare the Fries
While the steak marinates, get your fries going by following the package instructions to bake until crispy and golden. These fries will be the perfect crispy base that balances the juicy steak and melty cheese. If you prefer, homemade fries work spectacularly here for added crunch and flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Carne Asada
Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat to get it nice and hot. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off to avoid flare-ups. Cook the steak 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium rare, or adjust according to your preferred doneness. Once cooked, let the meat rest for 5 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute so your carne asada stays juicy. Slice thinly across the grain, chopping into bite-sized pieces for easy layering.
Step 4: Assemble and Melt the Cheese
Arrange the crispy fries on a large oven-proof platter or sheet pan. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the fries. Pop the platter under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts and bubbles to gooey perfection. This cheesy blanket is what makes the Carne Asada Fries Recipe irresistibly indulgent.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Finally, pile the sliced carne asada on top of the cheesy fries. Add fresh pico de gallo, dollops of sour cream and guacamole, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and jalapeño slices if you like heat. Serve immediately, so every bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures and bold Southwestern flavors.
How to Serve Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness truly elevates the dish—pico de gallo and cilantro add pops of bright, zesty flavor that cut through the richness beautifully. A squeeze of lime or a few jalapeño slices can brighten or spice things up further for those who want an extra kick.
Side Dishes
While the Carne Asada Fries Recipe is hearty enough to stand alone, pairing it with a crisp green salad or a light Mexican-style street corn salad provides a refreshing balance. You might also enjoy serving it alongside a cold cerveza or a tangy margarita to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving your Carne Asada Fries Recipe in individual cast iron skillets or mason jars layered like a dip. You could also turn it into loaded nachos by swapping fries for tortilla chips or even stuff the carne asada and toppings inside warm flour tortillas for a delicious taco twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the fries and toppings separately from the carne asada in airtight containers. This prevents sogginess and keeps everything tasting fresh when reheated.
Freezing
While the steak and fries don’t freeze exceptionally well once combined, you can freeze cooked carne asada on its own for up to 3 months. Freeze fries separately to maintain their crispiness and reheat them thoroughly before assembling the dish.
Reheating
Reheat fries in the oven or air fryer to revive their crisp texture. Warm the carne asada gently in a skillet or microwave, then assemble the dish fresh with cold toppings like guacamole and sour cream to maintain that contrast of temperatures and textures.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak are traditional due to their flavor and tenderness, you can also use sirloin or ribeye. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best bite.
How spicy is this Carne Asada Fries Recipe?
The recipe offers a mild spice level, but you can easily adjust by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or swapping regular cheese for pepper jack to increase the heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free fries (which most frozen fries are), this dish is naturally gluten-free and perfect for many dietary needs.
Can I make the carne asada ahead of time?
Definitely! You can grill or cook the steak earlier in the day or even the day before. Just reheat gently when ready to assemble your Carne Asada Fries Recipe to keep it tender and juicy.
What can I substitute for pico de gallo?
If you don’t have pico de gallo on hand, diced fresh tomatoes mixed with chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime work beautifully as a fresh, flavorful topping alternative.
Final Thoughts
There is something so deeply satisfying about biting into a plate of Carne Asada Fries Recipe, where crispy, cheesy fries meet juicy, flavorful steak and fresh toppings. It’s a fun, indulgent, and downright delicious meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for cozy nights, gatherings, or whenever you need a hearty, flavorful pick-me-up. So grab your ingredients and get ready to experience a fiesta of flavors that only Carne Asada Fries Recipe can deliver!
Print
Carne Asada Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 2 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Carne Asada Fries are a vibrant fusion of crispy baked fries topped with flavorful grilled flank steak, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, fresh pico de gallo, creamy sour cream, and rich guacamole. This Mexican-American favorite combines bold, zesty seasonings with satisfying textures, making it a perfect main course for sharing or a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Steak and Marinade
- 1 pound flank or skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fries and Toppings
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen French fries
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup guacamole
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 sliced jalapeño (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture will infuse the steak with zesty, savory flavors.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the flank or skirt steak into a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal or cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to permeate the steak.
- Bake the Fries: While the steak marinates, cook the frozen French fries according to the package instructions, baking them until golden and crisp. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes depending on your oven.
- Cook the Steak: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and sear it for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. After cooking, transfer the steak to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Slice and Chop the Steak: After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain and chop the slices into bite-size pieces for easy topping over the fries.
- Assemble the Fries: Spread the baked fries evenly on a large oven-safe platter or sheet pan. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the fries in an even layer.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the platter under the oven broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts and bubbles, enhancing the flavors and texture.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove from the oven and top the cheesy fries with the chopped carne asada, then spoon over pico de gallo. Add dollops of sour cream and guacamole, sprinkle chopped cilantro, and optionally garnish with sliced jalapeños for heat. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- For extra crispy fries, homemade fries can be used instead of frozen.
- Add hot sauce or swap in pepper jack cheese to increase spiciness.
- Carne asada can be grilled in advance and reheated just before assembling for convenience.
- Use gluten-free fries to make this dish gluten-free friendly.
