Carne asada fries are a glorious creation that combines crispy, golden fries with the mouthwatering goodness of marinated steak, topped with cheese and guacamole. Imagine biting into a heap of tender meat, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, all nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked fries. It’s like a fiesta in your mouth.

This dish takes me back to late-night cravings after a long day when my friends and I would raid the fridge. We’d whip up these carne asada fries, and it felt like we were chefs on a mission. The anticipation of that first bite was always electric! Whether it’s game day or a casual get-together, carne asada fries are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Carne asada fries are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks
- With bold flavors and vibrant colors, this dish is visually stunning and tastes amazing
- It’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in
I still remember the first time I made carne asada fries for my family; their cheers could have made me believe I was on a cooking show.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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French Fries: Use frozen or fresh-cut fries; either will give you the perfect crispy base.
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Flank Steak: Look for well-marbled flank steak for flavor; marinating it adds tenderness.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that enhances the beef’s savory notes.
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Cumin: This spice adds warmth and depth to your carne asada; use it generously.
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Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheddar for melting; it gives that gooey comfort factor.
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Guacamole: Store-bought or homemade—this creamy topping is non-negotiable.
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Sour Cream: Adds richness and balances out the spices beautifully.
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Salsa Verde: This tangy sauce brings freshness to every bite; don’t skip it!
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Cilantro (Optional): For those who love it, fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add flank steak and let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour to infuse flavors.
Cook the Fries: Prepare your French fries according to package instructions or fry them until golden brown. The crunchiness is key to balancing all those toppings.
Grill the Steak: Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Grill the steak for about 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches desired doneness—medium rare works wonders!
Slice the Steak: Remove the steak from heat and let it rest briefly before slicing thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness in every bite.
Assemble Your Fries: On a large plate or platter, layer your crispy fries with sliced steak. Sprinkle generously with grated cheddar cheese while still hot so it melts beautifully.
Add Toppings and Serve!: Top off your masterpiece with guacamole, sour cream, salsa verde, and fresh cilantro if desired. Grab some forks—it’s time to dig in!
Now you’re all set! Enjoying these carne asada fries is like throwing yourself into a delicious culinary adventure filled with flavor sensations at every turn!
You Must Know
- Carne asada fries are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making them perfect for any occasion
- The crunchy fries paired with savory meat create an irresistible dish that will keep everyone coming back for more
- Add your favorite toppings for a fun twist!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the steak while you prepare the fries. Cook the fries until crispy, then sear the steak to perfection before assembling your masterpiece.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional toppings like guacamole or cheese for unexpected delights, such as jalapeños or pickled onions, to elevate your carne asada fries.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover carne asada fries in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crispy again, avoiding soggy fries.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients and avoid pre-packaged items
- Opt for high-quality steak and homemade guacamole
- Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist that will impress everyone
Sharing my first attempt at making carne asada fries is still a laugh! My friends declared it a hit, despite my kitchen resembling a war zone.
FAQ
What type of meat is best for carne asada fries?
Flank steak or skirt steak works best due to their tenderness and flavor.
Can I make carne asada fries vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use grilled veggies or tofu instead of meat for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I make my fries extra crispy?
Double-fry your potatoes for extra crunchiness before adding toppings and sauces.
Carne Asada Fries
Carne asada fries are a deliciously indulgent dish that combines crispy French fries with juicy marinated flank steak, topped with melted cheddar cheese, creamy guacamole, and vibrant salsa verde. Perfect for gatherings or late-night cravings, these fries offer a mouthwatering explosion of flavors and textures. Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a cozy night in, carne asada fries are sure to be a hit!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 4 cups frozen French fries
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup guacamole
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa verde
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the steak: Combine lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add flank steak and marinate in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Cook the fries: Prepare French fries according to package instructions until golden brown and crispy.
- Grill the steak: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill steak for about 5-7 minutes per side until desired doneness is reached.
- Slice the steak: Let the grilled steak rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Assemble: On a large plate, layer crispy fries with sliced steak and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top while still hot.
- Add toppings: Finish with guacamole, sour cream, salsa verde, and fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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