Carne Asada Fries

If you’ve never had Carne Asada Fries, get ready — it’s like all your favorite things piled high on one glorious plate!

We’re talking crispy fries, juicy steak, melty cheese, and all the toppings your heart could want. Perfect for sharing… or not 🙂

This is the perfect recipe when you need a quick and easy meal that everyone can get on board with. So, get ready to travel south of the border without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home with this recipe for loaded carne asada fries.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This authentic carne asada fries recipe works because of its simplistic preparation, how customizable it is, and how fulfilling this dish can be.

With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in 40 minutes or less, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Additionally, this easy carne asada fries recipe can be easily adapted to suit any dietary or taste preferences. Whether you want to use portabello mushrooms and cashew cream to make vegan carne asada fries or substitute frozen french fries for some fresh ones you made from scratch, the possibilities are endless.

From the marinated beef to the thick-cut fries and melty cheese sauce, these delicious carne asada fries are a hearty meal that’s both fulfilling and delicious.

Ingredients

Marinated Beef:

When it comes to choosing what cuts to use in your carne asada fries, opt for a skirt or flank steak, as these cuts are tender, flavorful, and soak up the marinade well. Sirloin is a good alternative if you prefer a lighter option. Marinate your steak in a mix of lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, and olive oil for at least 30 minutes. If you’d like an alternative to beef, grilled chicken, portobello mushrooms, or a plant-based steak substitute make great options.

French Fries:

This recipe takes full advantage of the convenience of frozen french fries. When making your carne asada fries, use your favorite brand of thick-cut fries to avoid a soggy texture. Alternatively, you can make your own fries from scratch. Simply peel and slice some russet potatoes into ½-inch thick sticks.

Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove the starch, then pat the fries dry. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 425F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy, or air fry at 380F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Cheese Sauce:

To make your delicious carne asada fries with cheese sauce, you can use a jar of your favorite brand for convenience, or you can make a simple cheese sauce from scratch. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to form a roux, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly stir in 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly until thickened, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of garlic powder if desired.

For vegan or dairy-free alternatives, try a cashew-based cheese sauce or use a store-bought vegan cheese sauce. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy, making it easy to adapt your carne asada fries recipe.

Pico De Gallo:

To add some vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and nutrients to your carne asada fries, make a simple pico de gallo, or you can substitute for some homemade salsa or your favorite brand from the store.

Guacamole:

This quick and easy guacamole is the perfect addition to your carne asada fries, or simply grab a container of your favorite guacamole from the store to make preparation easier on yourself.

Sour Cream:

The creamy, cool texture of the sour cream balances the richness of these Mexican carne asada fries nicely. Alternatively, you can use plain Greek yogurt, dairy-free Greek yogurt, or cashew cream to achieve the same texture.

Jalapenos:

Jalapenos add a fresh, spicy kick to your homemade carne asada fries. You can use canned sliced jalapenos or use a fresh pepper. If you are using a fresh jalapeno, ensure you remove the seeds and membranes if you want to mitigate the spice factor, as this is where the majority of the heat is held. In addition to jalapenos, there are a number of other veggies that can be added to your list of carne asada fries ingredients, such as bell peppers, poblano peppers, or banana peppers.

How to Make Carne Asada Fries

Step One: 

Heat the olive oil on your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.

Step Two: 

Add the beef to the hot skillet and saute until evenly browned on both sides. Remove from heat.

Step Three: 

In a large dish, layer your fries at the bottom, followed by half of the sliced beef, ¾ of the cheese sauce, and the remaining carne asada.

Step Four:

Top the carne asada fries with pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapenos.

Step Five: 

Serve your loaded carne asada fries with a final drizzle of cheese sauce, and enjoy!

Tip

• For the best texture, serve your homemade carne asada fries while they are still hot and fresh. The fries stay crisp, and the cheese is perfectly melty.

What to Serve With Carne Asada Fries

Carne asada fries are a rich, satisfying dish, so light sides work best to balance the flavors. A zesty Mexican street corn, or elote, brings sweetness and spice, complementing the savory carne asada fries recipe. A simple avocado salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette, a simple quesadilla, or a side of black beans and rice also pair well, adding texture without overpowering the main dish.

FAQs

Can I make vegan carne asada fries?

Yes, you can absolutely make vegan carne asada fries. Substitute the carne asada with a plant-based steak alternative or grilled mushrooms for a savory flavor. Use vegan cheese and dairy-free sour cream, and load up on toppings like corn, black beans, and bell peppers.

Are these gluten-free carne asada fries?

Yes, carne asada fries can be gluten-free! To ensure they are gluten-free, check that the seasoning and marinade for the beef are free from gluten-containing ingredients. Most cheese sauces and toppings like sour cream and guacamole are naturally gluten-free as well. Just be cautious with pre-packaged products and double-check labels to guarantee your safety.

What's the best way to store leftover carne asada fries?

To store leftover carne asada fries, separate the toppings from the fries, if possible, to keep them from becoming soggy. Place the fries and toppings in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Freezing carne asada fries isn’t ideal, as the fries can become mushy and lose their texture. However, you can freeze the cooked carne asada separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat leftover carne asada fries?

Reheat your leftover carne asada fries in the oven or air fryer to keep the fries crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fries soggy. 

Mexican Recipes

Plan a trip south of the border without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. With classic Mexican recipes like this authentic carne asada fries recipe, you can plan your own fiesta any night of the week.

Carne Asada Burrito

Shrimp Taco

Chicken Enchiladas

Lazy Enchiladas

Tostilocos