Carne Asada Fries

If you’re looking for the ultimate indulgent comfort food, Carne Asada Fries are here to deliver. Combining crispy golden fries with juicy, flavorful carne asada, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser like no other. Originally popularized in California’s Mexican-American food scene, Carne Asada Fries have become a beloved dish for anyone who craves bold, zesty flavors and rich textures.

Perfect for sharing (or not!), Carne Asada Fries are great for game day, parties, or a special dinner that feels more like a celebration. The best part? You can customize them endlessly with toppings like guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, or hot sauce to make them uniquely yours. This recipe will guide you step by step to create restaurant-quality Carne Asada Fries in the comfort of your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about Carne Asada Fries:

• Perfect Combination: Crispy fries, tender meat, and melty cheese create a flavor and texture explosion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These fries are always a hit at gatherings and parties, appealing to kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, adjust the heat level, or make it as loaded as you like.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: No need to dine out when you can recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen.
• Filling and Satisfying: This dish can double as an appetizer or a hearty main course.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 generous portion

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 620
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada

• 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

For the Fries

• 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes (about 4 large potatoes) or frozen French fries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Toppings

• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1 cup guacamole
• 1 cup pico de gallo or fresh salsa
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Carne Asada

1. In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Whisk to combine.
2. Add the steak to the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Fries

1. If using fresh potatoes, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel (optional) and cut the potatoes into thin strips for fries.
2. In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until evenly coated.
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
   • Shortcut: Use frozen fries and bake or air-fry according to the package instructions for a quicker option.

Step 3: Cook the Carne Asada

1. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness (4 minutes for medium-rare).
3. Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Slice the steak thinly against the grain into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Assemble the Fries

1. Arrange the fries on a large oven-safe platter or baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the fries.
2. Place the fries under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to burn the cheese.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

1. Top the cheesy fries with the sliced carne asada.
2. Add generous dollops of guacamole and sour cream.
3. Sprinkle on pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. Drizzle with hot sauce if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Carne Asada Fries immediately with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrusy freshness. This dish is best enjoyed while the fries are still crispy and the cheese is gooey!

Ingredient Background

• Flank Steak: This lean cut of beef is ideal for carne asada, offering a tender texture when marinated and grilled. Skirt steak is another great option for its rich flavor.
• Russet Potatoes: Known for their starchy texture, russet potatoes crisp up beautifully when baked or fried.
• Mexican Blend Cheese: A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla melts perfectly, adding creamy richness to the dish.
• Guacamole: Made from ripe avocados, guacamole adds creaminess and balances the richness of the cheese and steak.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice brightens up the dish with a zesty kick.

Technique Tips

• Cutting Against the Grain: When slicing the carne asada, cut perpendicular to the muscle fibers. This ensures tender, easy-to-bite pieces.
• Extra Crispy Fries: For extra crispy fries, soak the potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Dry them thoroughly before tossing in oil and seasoning.
• Layer Toppings Evenly: Spread the toppings across the fries to ensure every bite has a little of everything.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Loaded Carne Asada Nachos: Swap out fries for tortilla chips and build layers with the same toppings.
• Carne Asada Potato Skins: Use potato skins as the base for a smaller, party-friendly version of this recipe.
• Family-Style Platter: Arrange the fries on a large platter and serve with toppings in small bowls for a customizable experience.

Additional Tips for Success

• Rest the Steak: Let the steak rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
• Warm Toppings: Keep the steak and fries warm before assembly so the dish stays hot when served.
• Make It Spicy: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the fries or use a spicy hot sauce for extra heat.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the carne asada with roasted vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Use sweet potato fries for a slightly sweeter, healthier twist.
• Tex-Mex Version: Add refried beans and queso for a Tex-Mex spin.
• Breakfast Carne Asada Fries: Top the fries with a fried egg for a brunch-worthy version of this dish.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: While not ideal for fries, you can freeze cooked carne asada separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Baked Fries: Skip frying and bake the fries for a lower-fat version.
• Lean Protein: Use grilled chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Low-Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter dish.
• Extra Veggies: Add grilled bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to increase the nutritional value.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Game Day Snack: Serve Carne Asada Fries as a hearty appetizer for game day, pairing them with wings, sliders, and dips.
• Taco Tuesday Twist: Swap traditional tacos for Carne Asada Fries as a fun and indulgent alternative.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring a tray of Carne Asada Fries to your next potluck—they’re guaranteed to be the star of the show.
• Movie Night: Enjoy these fries with a side of margaritas or micheladas for the ultimate movie-night treat.

Special Equipment

• Grill or Skillet: A grill gives the steak a smoky flavor, but a cast-iron skillet works just as well.
• Mandoline Slicer: For perfectly even potato strips if making fries from scratch.
• Baking Sheet: For baking fries and assembling the dish.
• Tongs: For handling the steak on the grill or skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen fries?

Yes! Frozen fries are a great shortcut and work perfectly for this recipe. Bake or air-fry them according to the package instructions.

2. How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:

• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F
• Medium: 135-145°F

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the carne asada and toppings ahead of time. Reheat them just before assembling to keep the fries crispy.

4. What other cheeses work well?

Queso fresco, cotija, or pepper jack cheese are excellent alternatives for a Mexican flair.

5. How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free fries or ensure your frozen fries and seasonings are gluten-free.

6. Can I grill the fries?

Grilling fries is tricky, but you can use a grill-safe pan to crisp up frozen fries for added smokiness.

7. What can I serve alongside this dish?

Serve Carne Asada Fries with guacamole, chips and salsa, or a refreshing side salad.

8. Can I cook the steak in advance?

Yes, but slice and reheat it gently to avoid overcooking when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Carne Asada Fries are the ultimate fusion of indulgence and flavor, bringing together crispy fries, juicy steak, and all the toppings your heart desires. This dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether it’s game day, taco night, or a casual weekend treat. With easy-to-follow instructions, customizable toppings, and restaurant-quality results, you’ll love making these irresistible fries at home. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite of this loaded, cheesy, savory masterpiece!

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