This recipe is indulgent, filling, and packed with layers of flavor. Crispy fries provide the perfect base for tender carne asada, while cheese and fresh toppings bring everything together. It’s customizable, crowd-pleasing, and great for game days, casual dinners, or weekend treats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
potatoes or frozen french fries flank steak or skirt steak olive oil lime juice garlic ground cumin chili powder salt black pepper cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese sour cream guacamole or sliced avocado fresh cilantro (optional) green onions (optional)
Directions
Marinate the steak with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes. Cook the fries according to package instructions or bake homemade fries until golden and crispy. Grill or pan-sear the steak over high heat until cooked to your desired doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly against the grain. Spread the fries on a large serving platter or baking dish. Top with sliced carne asada and sprinkle evenly with cheese. Place under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted. Finish with sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Total time: about 45 minutes
Variations
Add pico de gallo or salsa for freshness. Use sweet potato fries instead of regular fries. Top with jalapeños for extra heat. Swap steak for grilled chicken or seasoned tofu. Add black beans or corn for more texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the fries crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fries soggy.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best?
Flank steak or skirt steak are ideal because they cook quickly and stay flavorful.
Can I use frozen fries?
Yes, frozen fries work well and save time.
How do I keep the fries crispy?
Bake or fry them until very crisp and add toppings just before serving.
Can I make carne asada fries ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare components separately and assemble just before serving.
Are carne asada fries spicy?
They’re mildly spiced, but you can add heat with chili powder or jalapeños.
Can I cook the steak indoors?
Yes, a cast-iron skillet works very well.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both melt smoothly.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and skip sour cream.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
Absolutely, it’s hearty enough to be a full meal.
Conclusion
Carne asada fries are a bold, comforting dish that brings together crispy fries, juicy steak, and rich toppings in every bite. Easy to customize and endlessly satisfying, this recipe is perfect for when you’re craving something indulgent and full of flavor.
Carne asada fries are a hearty, indulgent dish made with crispy fries topped with juicy marinated steak, melted cheese, and fresh, flavorful toppings. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a filling meal.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb potatoes or frozen french fries
1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup guacamole or sliced avocado
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
2 tablespoons sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
In a bowl, marinate the steak with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the fries according to package instructions or bake homemade fries until golden and crispy.
Grill or pan-sear the steak over high heat until cooked to desired doneness.
Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Spread the cooked fries on a large oven-safe platter or baking dish.
Top the fries with sliced carne asada and sprinkle evenly with cheese.
Place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Remove from the oven and finish with sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and green onions before serving.
Notes
Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.Add toppings just before serving to keep fries crispy.Great for sharing but filling enough to serve as a main dish.
