Carne Asada Fries are like a culinary hug on a plate, bringing together crispy fries, juicy marinated steak, and a symphony of toppings that dance in your mouth. Picture this: golden fries, glistening with cheese, drizzled with creamy guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Itās not just food; itās a fiesta that you can hold in your hands.
Now, let me take you back to that unforgettable night at my favorite taco truck. The air was filled with the aroma of grilled meat and the sound of laughter as friends gathered around. That first bite into Carne Asada Fries was like fireworks in my mouthāeach layer brought something special, from the savory steak to the fresh toppings. Itās the kind of dish you want to share but secretly hope nobody does because you might want it all for yourself.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Carne Asada Fries are quick to prepare and loaded with flavor
- You can easily customize toppings based on your preferences
- The vibrant presentation makes them a showstopper at any gathering
- Perfect as a snack or main dish for casual parties or game nights
Ingredients for Carne Asada Fries
Hereās what youāll need to make this delicious dish:
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Flank Steak: Choose high-quality flank steak for tenderness and flavor; marinate it well for the best results.
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Potatoes: Use russet potatoes for frying; they become crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside.
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Toppings: Gather cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo for fresh flavors and textures.
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Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and herbal notes that brighten up the dish.
For the Marinade:
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice tenderizes the meat while adding zesty brightness.
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Garlic Powder: A must for depth of flavor; it complements the other marinade ingredients beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Carne Asada Fries
Sizzle Up That Steak
Start by preparing your marinade. Mix lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add your flank steak, ensuring each side is generously coated. Let it marinate for at least an hour; overnight is even better to develop those flavors.
Get Your Fry On
While the steak marinates, slice your russet potatoes into friesāthick enough to hold their own but not so thick theyāll need a lifeguard! Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch and dry them thoroughly with paper towels.
Fry Away!
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 350°F (175°C). Fry your potato slices in batches until golden brown and crispyāaround 5-6 minutes per batch should do it! Drain them on paper towels and season immediately with salt.
Grill That Flank Steak
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from its marinade and place it on the hot grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until you achieve a perfect medium-rare (or more if you prefer). Let it rest before slicingāit helps retain juices!
Assemble Your Masterpiece
Start with a generous layer of fries on a large platter or individual plates. Pile on sliced flank steak like youāre building the Tower of Pisa⦠but tastier! Drizzle melted cheese over everythingābecause who could resist that gooey goodness? Top with guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro.
Serve & Enjoy!
Grab some forks or just dig in with your handsāno judgment here! Each bite should be an explosion of flavors: crispy fries against tender meat topped with creamy sauces mingling perfectly together. Enjoy these Carne Asada Fries at game night or any gathering where friends get together to feast!
And there you have itāa delicious journey from marinating meat to devouring heavenly bites of Carne Asada Fries!
You Must Know
- Carne Asada Fries are more than just a delicious dish; they are an experience
- Combining crispy fries, marinated steak, and toppings creates a fiesta on your plate
- Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, making them is easier than you think!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the steak while you prep the fries. Cook the fries until golden and crispy, then sear the steak to perfection. Once everything is ready, layer your fries with steak, cheese, and toppings for the ultimate indulgence.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Carne Asada Fries! Swap out steak for grilled chicken or shrimp, add jalapeƱos for some heat, or drizzle avocado crema for a creamy finish. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through to keep fries crispy. Microwaving can make them soggy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always choose flank or skirt steak for tenderness and flavor; marinate overnight for the best results
- Fry your potatoes twice for extra crispiness and donāt skimp on toppings ā theyāre the star of the show!
Sometimes I whip up Carne Asada Fries when friends come over, and their reactions are priceless. Itās like Iāve just unveiled a hidden treasureāeveryone dives in like itās their last meal!
FAQs:
What are Carne Asada Fries?
Carne Asada Fries are a delicious Mexican-American dish that combines crispy French fries topped with marinated and grilled steak, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. This dish originated in Southern California and has become popular for its rich flavors and satisfying textures. You can enjoy it as an appetizer or a main dish. The combination of savory beef and creamy toppings makes Carne Asada Fries a favorite among food lovers.
How do you prepare the meat for Carne Asada Fries?
To prepare the meat for Carne Asada Fries, start by marinating flank steak or skirt steak in citrus juices, garlic, and spices for several hours or overnight. This helps to tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor. After marinating, grill the steak over high heat until it reaches your desired doneness. Allow the meat to rest before slicing it against the grain into thin strips. This ensures each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Can I make Carne Asada Fries vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of Carne Asada Fries by substituting the carne asada with grilled vegetables or plant-based proteins like tempeh or tofu. Marinade the vegetables in similar seasonings to achieve a delicious flavor profile. Then follow the same steps as traditional recipes by layering them over crispy fries with cheese, guacamole, and other toppings. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors of Carne Asada Fries without meat.
What toppings work best for Carne Asada Fries?
When it comes to toppings for Carne Asada Fries, you have plenty of options! Traditional toppings include shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. You can also add jalapeƱos for heat or cilantro for freshness. For an extra kick, try drizzling some hot sauce or salsa over your dish. Feel free to customize based on your preferencesāthereās no wrong way to enjoy these loaded fries!
Conclusion for Carne Asada Fries:
Carne Asada Fries present a delightful fusion of flavors that make them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. From perfectly marinated steak to crispy fries and creamy toppings, this dish offers something for everyone to savor. Whether youāre enjoying them at home or out at your favorite eatery, these fries are sure to satisfy your cravings. Experiment with different toppings and ingredients to create your own unique version of Carne Asada Fries!

Carne Asada Fries
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Carne Asada Fries are a mouthwatering combination of crispy fries and tender, marinated steak, topped with gooey cheese, fresh guacamole, and vibrant pico de gallo. This dish is perfect for sharing at parties or indulging in during a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, Carne Asada Fries bring a fiesta to any table!
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the flank steak in lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for at least one hour or overnight.
- 2. Slice russet potatoes into fries, rinse under cold water, and dry thoroughly.
- 3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F. Fry potato slices in batches until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes). Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
- 4. Grill the marinated flank steak over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side until medium-rare. Allow it to rest before slicing thinly.
- 5. Layer fries on a platter and top with sliced steak, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: To enhance your Carne Asada Fries experience, consider adding jalapeƱos for heat or avocado crema for added creaminess. For a vegetarian option, substitute meat with grilled veggies or tofu marinated in similar spices.