If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and vibrant fiesta, this Carne Asada Fries Recipe is made for you! Imagine crispy oven-baked fries layered with juicy, flavorful carne asada steak, blanketed in gooey melted cheeses, and finished with all your favorite toppings—from fresh guacamole to tangy pico de gallo. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate party snack or a delicious way to shake up weeknight dinners, this irresistible combination of Mexican-American flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a great Carne Asada Fries Recipe is all about quality ingredients—simple basics that, together, create something magical. Each element builds on the next, so don’t be tempted to skip anything: every flavor and texture has its moment to shine!
- 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes: Russets are a must for crisp, golden fries that hold up to all the toppings.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A drizzle ensures the fries get perfectly golden in the oven.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory depth and a hint of warmth to the fries.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky edge and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balanced, crave-worthy fries.
- 1 pound flank or skirt steak: These cuts marinate beautifully and cook up super tender.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the steak marinade with aromatic punch.
- 1/4 cup orange juice: Bright and sweet, it helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Zesty lime wakes up the marinade and keeps things fresh.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Keeps the steak juicy and locks in flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy and essential to authentic carne asada flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder: A hint of heat that rounds out the marinade.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, tangy topping for the fries.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Super melty and mild, it blends perfectly with cheddar.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh and grassy, cilantro brightens every bite.
- 1/4 cup diced red onion: Adds crunch and just the right amount of bite.
- 1/2 cup guacamole: Creamy avocado goodness—no loaded fries are complete without it!
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Tangy and cool, it balances the richness of the cheese and steak.
- 1/4 cup pico de gallo: Juicy tomatoes and spicy jalapeños tie together the ultimate fry topping.
How to Make Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start things off by whisking together minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, cumin, and chili powder in a medium bowl. Place your flank or skirt steak in the marinade and turn it a few times so it’s coated evenly. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—overnight is even better, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse and tenderize the meat.
Step 2: Bake the Fries
While the steak is working its magic in the fridge, preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss your freshly cut russet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, a sprinkle of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil, so every fry gets its own spotlight. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway, until each fry is golden and irresistibly crispy.
Step 3: Cook the Carne Asada
Heat a grill or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated steak for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the timing if you like it more well-done. Let it rest for five minutes once cooked—this helps retain juiciness—then slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Step 4: Assemble and Melt the Cheese
Arrange your hot, crispy fries on an oven-safe serving dish or cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle over the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until the fries are generously covered. Pop the whole tray under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough for everything to get melty, gooey, and irresistible.
Step 5: Add Steak and Toppings
Scatter the sliced carne asada over the cheesy fries, then take things to the next level with generous spoonfuls of guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Serve straight away while everything is hot and the cheese is gloriously stretchy.
How to Serve Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Carne Asada Fries Recipe is how customizable it is at the finish line. Don’t skip those garnishes—cilantro brings fresh flavor and color, diced red onion adds a punchy crunch, while dollops of guacamole and sour cream offer creamy contrast to the cheesy, savory base. If you like heat, throw on some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for a zesty kick!
Side Dishes
Since these loaded fries are undeniably hearty, keep the sides light and fresh. Consider a bright corn and black bean salad, crunchy slaw, or simply a pile of crisp lettuce with lime wedges. If you’re going all in, refried beans or chips and salsa are classic companions that make the spread feel like a festive feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to turn this Carne Asada Fries Recipe into a show-stopper? Pile everything high in a family-style skillet for sharing, or set up a build-your-own fries bar with toppings on the side—let guests go wild with their favorites! For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or parchment cones at parties for a portable, crave-worthy treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Carne Asada Fries Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the garnishes (like guacamole and pico de gallo) separate for the best texture when reheating later.
Freezing
While fries can lose their crispness after freezing, it’s possible to freeze the carne asada and the fries separately. Lay the fries and steak in single layers on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling with the fresh toppings.
Reheating
To bring those fries back to life, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy. Warm the steak gently in a skillet, then top with cheese and pop under the broiler before finishing with all your favorite fixings.
FAQs
Can I use frozen French fries as a shortcut?
Absolutely! If you’re pressed for time, high-quality frozen fries work wonderfully for this Carne Asada Fries Recipe. Bake them according to the package instructions, then follow the same cheesy, topping-loaded assembly for delicious results.
What’s the best steak cut for carne asada fries?
Flank or skirt steak are top choices because they’re flavorful, quick-cooking, and soak up marinades beautifully. Just remember to slice against the grain for tender bites every time.
How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily dial up the heat! Add sliced jalapeños, pickled peppers, or a sprinkle of chili flakes over the top, or mix hot sauce into your guacamole for fiery flair.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, as written this Carne Asada Fries Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Double-check your soy sauce or use gluten-free tamari to be certain if you have a gluten sensitivity.
What are easy swaps to lighten up the recipe?
Try baking your fries with a light spray of oil instead of drizzling, swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream, and use reduced-fat cheese if you like! You can also load up more veggie toppings to make it extra fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Carne Asada Fries Recipe brings fun, flavor, and comfort to your table in every single bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a decadent dinner, it’s sure to boost your mood and satisfy those savory cravings. Roll up your sleeves and dive in—you’ll quickly see why this dish is always a huge hit!
Print
Carne Asada Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these loaded Carne Asada Fries. Crispy golden fries topped with marinated grilled steak, melted cheeses, and a medley of fresh toppings. Perfect for a satisfying meal or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Potato Fries:
- 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Carne Asada:
- 1 pound flank or skirt steak
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup pico de gallo
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: Combine steak with garlic, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, cumin, and chili powder. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Fries: Toss potato fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake until golden and crispy.
- Cook the Steak: Grill or sear marinated steak until medium-rare. Let rest, then slice thinly.
- Assemble: Place cooked fries on a platter, top with cheeses, and broil until melted. Add sliced carne asada and garnish with cilantro, red onion, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Consider using frozen fries or pre-cooked carne asada for a quicker option.
- Feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaded portion
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
