Carne Asada Fries Recipe

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food mashup: Carne Asada Fries! Imagine crisp golden fries layered with juicy marinated steak, blanketed in gooey cheese, and finished with all your favorite toppings. It’s the kind of irresistible dish that’s just as perfect for a fun dinner with friends as it is for movie night at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Carne Asada Fries is how each ingredient adds something special, building delicious flavor and texture in every bite. From the zesty marinade right down to the crunchy fries and creamy toppings, every piece matters for that perfect flavor harmony!

• Skirt, flank, or flap steak (1 1/2 to 2 pounds): Choose whichever cut you love most for carne asada – these grill or broil beautifully and soak up marinade like magic.
• Orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice: All those citrus juices (store-bought is fine!) help tenderize the meat and add zesty brightness to the marinade.
• Soy sauce (low sodium): Deepens the umami, giving the steak that “can’t-stop-eating” savoriness.
• Olive oil: Keeps the steak succulent and melds the marinade flavors together.
• Garlic (pressed or diced): For that irresistible garlicky punch.
• Chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, black pepper, chipotle pepper: These spices add warmth, a little smokiness, and just the right kick – adjust chipotle if you like things extra spicy.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped right into the marinade, it adds herbal freshness and pretty green flecks.
• Frozen fries (28-ounce bag): Choose your favorite style—crinkle, shoestring, or steak fries all work!
• Shredded cheese (1–2 cups): Classic cheddar is great, but a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack packs tons of extra flavor.
• Pico de gallo: Adds juicy crunch and tang with every bite.
• Sour cream & guacamole: These creamy toppings balance the heat and round out the fries.
• Chopped cilantro & sliced jalapeño (optional): For color, heat, and a final burst of flavor on top!

Variations

Carne Asada Fries are fantastically flexible, so don’t be afraid to riff on the original! Whether you need a gluten-free twist, want to amp up the veggies, or turn the heat up or down, it’s easy to make this dish your own favorite version.

• Different Proteins: Try chicken breast or thighs in the same marinade, or go plant-based with grilled portobello mushrooms for a veggie lover’s dream.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Swap in sweet potato fries for a touch of sweetness against all that savory, spicy carne asada.
• Lighter Toppings: For a fresh spin, skip the cheese and sour cream, and top with black beans, extra pico de gallo, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Dairy-Free: Use a vegan cheese shreds and swap sour cream for a cashew-based or coconut yogurt topping.

How to Make Carne Asada Fries

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Mix together all the marinade ingredients in a big bowl or measuring cup: orange, lemon, and lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, all those spices, garlic, and a generous handful of chopped cilantro. Pour this flavor bomb over your steak in a large zip-top bag or container. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better—giving it a flip halfway so every inch gets marinated.

Step 2: Broil and Rest the Steak

Set your oven rack about 4 inches below the broiler and heat it up on high. Lay the marinated steak on a sturdy foil-lined baking sheet (no need to wipe off the marinade). Broil for 4–6 minutes per side until it’s beautifully charred and registers 135°F–145°F inside, depending on how you like it cooked. Let the steak rest under foil for 10 minutes so those juices stay put, then slice it thinly across the grain for max tenderness.

Step 3: Bake the Fries

While the steak is resting, bake your favorite frozen fries according to the package directions. You want them golden, hot, and just crisp—the perfect base for all those toppings.

Step 4: Assemble and Melt

Drop your oven temperature to 350°F. Pile the hot fries onto a baking sheet or into a cast iron skillet, scatter over the chopped carne asada, then top generously with shredded cheese. Return the whole thing to the oven for 5–7 minutes, just until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Load Up with Toppings

Spoon on the pico de gallo, creamy dollops of guacamole, and chilled sour cream. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and maybe some sliced jalapeños for those who love a little extra fire—then serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve Carne Asada Fries

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, shower your Carne Asada Fries with a handful of fresh chopped cilantro and some thinly sliced jalapeños. A sprinkle of cotija cheese or extra green onions can add a pop of color and flavor that really brings the whole platter to life.

Side Dishes

Since Carne Asada Fries are definitely the main event, I love serving them with refreshing sides like a tangy cabbage slaw, simple black beans, or even a citrusy salad. They balance the richness and make this an epic, full meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Level up your presentation by serving Carne Asada Fries in mini cast iron skillets, on a big party platter, or even in parchment-lined baskets for a real street food vibe. You can also make a DIY fries bar with all the toppings on the side—everyone builds their own perfect plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Carne Asada Fries (lucky you!), store the steak, fries, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and that means you’re all set for a super treat later!

Freezing

While fries don’t love the freezer, you can freeze any leftover carne asada steak in portions for future fries night. Just slice and freeze the meat in airtight bags; thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use. Reheat gently and assemble with fresh fries and toppings for the best results.

Reheating

For the crispiest reheated Carne Asada Fries, spread the fries and steak on a sheet tray and warm in a 400°F oven until hot and crispy again. You can always freshen up with a little extra cheese, popping it under the broiler for a minute or two. Add your cold toppings just before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something extra special about Carne Asada Fries—every bite feels like a little celebration. If you’ve never made them at home before, now’s the time! Grab your friends, gather around, and dig in to this zesty, cheesy, loaded comfort classic. I can’t wait for you to try them (and fall in love, just like I have)!

Print