Carne Asada Fries Recipe

These Carne Asada Fries are a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a casual meal or a fun party snack! Imagine crispy fries loaded with tender, marinated carne asada steak, a creamy cheese sauce, and all your favorite toppings. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a flavorful and festive meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Customizable: The combination of marinated steak, crispy fries, and creamy cheese sauce creates a delicious and satisfying base for a variety of toppings. You can customize the toppings to your liking, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These carne asada fries are always a hit at parties and gatherings. They’re perfect for game day, potlucks, or any casual get-together.
• Restaurant-Quality: You can easily recreate the flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant at home with this simple recipe.

this Recipe

Ingredients

Marinade and Steak

• Lime juice and orange juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the marinade.
• Olive oil: Helps to tenderize the steak and adds richness to the marinade.
• Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the steak.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• Ground cumin: Adds a warm and earthy flavor.
• Dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavor.
• Skirt steak: A flavorful and tender cut of beef that’s perfect for grilling or pan-frying.

Fries and Cheese Sauce

• Frozen seasoned fries: A convenient and easy-to-use option for this recipe.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cheese sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Creates a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
• Garlic salt: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Grated and adds a sharp and cheesy flavor to the sauce.

Serving

• Avocado: Sliced and adds a creamy and healthy topping.
• Pico de gallo: Adds a fresh and zesty salsa topping.
• Sour cream: Adds a cool and tangy element.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh herb flavor and a pop of color.
• Sliced jalapeño: Adds a spicy kick (optional).

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Carne Asada Fries

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Combine the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano in a small bowl. Place the steak in a zip-top bag or a shallow container and pour the marinade over it. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium-rare. Cook longer if you prefer it more well-done. Alternatively, you can cook the steak in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Transfer the cooked steak to a plate, cover with foil, and set aside to rest.

Step 3: Bake the Fries and Make the Cheese Sauce

While the steak is marinating or cooking, bake the frozen fries according to package directions. While the fries are baking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to cook the flour. Slowly pour in the milk and garlic salt, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Add the grated cheese in two portions, whisking constantly until melted and smooth. Remove the sauce from the heat and cover until ready to assemble the fries. If the cheese sauce thickens as it cools, reheat it over low heat, stirring until warm and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Slice the rested steak against the grain into bite-sized pieces. Remove the cooked fries from the oven. You can assemble individual servings or serve the fries directly on the baking sheet. Drizzle some of the cheese sauce over the fries, top with the sliced steak, and add more cheese sauce. Garnish with avocado, pico de gallo, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeño slices as desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate the steak: Marinating the steak adds flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.
• Don’t overcook the steak: Overcooked steak will be tough. Cook it just until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
• Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the steak is cooked to your liking.
• Make the cheese sauce ahead of time: The cheese sauce can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
• Use freshly grated cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and has a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.

How to Serve

These Carne Asada Fries are a delicious and satisfying meal on their own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Toppings: Customize the toppings to your liking! Guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and jalapeños are all popular choices.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fries.
• Beverages: Pair with your favorite beverages, such as soda, juice, or beer.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Carne Asada Fries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover steak, fries, and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat the steak and fries gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Reheat the cheese sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can! Flank steak, skirt steak, or even sirloin steak would work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts of beef may require different cooking times.

2. Can I make this recipe without the marinade? Yes, you can! The marinade adds flavor and helps to tenderize the steak, but you can omit it if you’re short on time. Simply season the steak with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices before cooking.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can! Omit the steak and use grilled portobello mushrooms or a plant-based steak substitute instead.

This Carne Asada Fries Recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a flavorful and festive meal. With its customizable toppings and simple preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Print