If you have ever dreamed of combining crispy fries with tender, flavorful grilled steak and all the vibrant toppings you love, then this Carne Asada Fries Recipe is your new go-to indulgence. This dish takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a fiesta of textures and tastes, all layered in one mouthwatering plate. Whether for game day, a casual dinner, or a party crowd-pleaser, these Carne Asada fries will quickly become a favorite you want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Carne Asada Fries Recipe lies in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each component adds its own dimension, from the tangy marinade that infuses the steak with zest, to the crispy fries that provide the perfect base for all the bold flavors.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a salty depth to the marinade without overpowering the other flavors.
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice: Brightens the steak with fresh acidity and helps tenderize the meat.
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the savory spices beautifully.
- ¼ cup canola oil: Keeps the steak juicy while promoting a crispy sear on cooking.
- 1½ tablespoons dark brown sugar: Provides a caramelized note that enhances the rich char on the steak.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Infuses the marinade with an aromatic punch that’s hard to beat.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm earthiness essential in traditional carne asada flavor profiles.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Brings subtle heat and complexity.
- Kosher salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning both the steak and the fries.
- 1 pound skirt steak (trimmed): The star protein, known for its flavor and perfect texture when grilled just right.
- 26 ounces frozen french fries: A convenient base—choose your favorite style for ultimate crispiness.
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over fries to add creamy sharpness.
- 1 roma tomato (diced): Adds a fresh, juicy pop of color and flavor on top.
- 1-2 jalapeños (sliced): For those who like a little kick to brighten every bite.
- ¼ red onion (chopped): Offers a crunchy, slightly sweet contrast.
- ½ cup sour cream: Creamy cooling element to balance the spice and richness.
How to Make Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, canola oil, dark brown sugar, minced garlic, ground cumin, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Season it with kosher salt to taste. This marinade is where all the luscious flavor begins, tenderizing the steak while packing it with layers of bright, tangy, and aromatic notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place your skirt steak into a gallon-sized Ziplock bag and pour the marinade in. Then seal the bag after pushing out the excess air. Gently massage the marinade into the steak from outside the bag to ensure every inch is coated. Refrigerate the meat for anywhere between 2 to 10 hours, flipping the bag occasionally to let the flavors distribute evenly. Longer marinating means deeper flavor and tender beef.
Step 3: Prepare to Cook
Remove the marinated steak from the fridge about 15 to 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This helps achieve an even sear. Before placing it in the pan, gently wipe off excess marinade with paper towels, so the meat chars beautifully instead of steaming.
Step 4: Cook the Steak
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brush it with a teaspoon of canola oil until it’s screaming hot. Carefully lay the steak in the pan and cook without moving it for about 3 minutes, until it releases easily and a gorgeous crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for another 3 to 5 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 128-130°F for perfect medium-rare. Once done, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then slice it thinly against the grain into strips.
Step 5: Bake the Fries
Arrange your frozen fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Pop them into your oven and bake according to the package directions, typically about 10 to 15 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy.
Step 6: Assemble and Melt Cheese
Once the fries are crisp, sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top and return the pan to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. This melts the cheese to gooey, irresistible perfection just before you’re ready to pile on the toppings.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Finally, load the fries with your savory carne asada strips, fresh diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, chopped red onion, and a generous dollop of sour cream. The result is a spectacular mountaintop of bold flavors, textures, and colors that will have you savoring every bite.
How to Serve Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic toppings are delightful, you can personalize your Carne Asada Fries Recipe even more with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that herby freshness or a drizzle of spicy salsa roja. Lime wedges on the side also elevate the dish, offering bright acidity to cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, yet pairing it with light side dishes can balance the meal beautifully. Consider a crisp simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a refreshing guacamole and chips platter to round out the feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the Carne Asada fries in a rustic cast-iron skillet or on a colorful ceramic platter. You can even layer the ingredients in a glass casserole dish, showcasing the enticing layers of fries, cheese, steak, and toppings before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the fries from becoming soggy, consider storing the steak and fries separately and assembling the dish fresh when you’re ready to reheat.
Freezing
While this recipe shines fresh, you can freeze cooked steak strips wrapped tightly in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Fries are best cooked fresh, but you may freeze any unused frozen fries according to their package instructions.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steak gently in a skillet or microwave, and crisp the fries in the oven at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Once warm, add shredded cheese and toppings again for that fresh, gooey finish before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this Carne Asada Fries Recipe?
Absolutely! While skirt steak is traditional and flavorful, flank steak or flank yum also work wonderfully due to their similar texture and ability to absorb the marinade beautifully.
How spicy are the jalapeños in this recipe?
The jalapeños add a moderate kick, but you can adjust the amount or remove the seeds to reduce heat. For a milder option, try using mild green chilies or omit them entirely.
Is it okay to use fresh-cut fries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh-cut fries add a homemade touch! Make sure to soak your sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, dry thoroughly, and bake or fry until crispy before assembling the dish.
Can I prepare the entire Carne Asada Fries Recipe ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the steak and fries separately ahead of time and assemble just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crispy rather than soggy.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you need a substitute, Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative that provides a similar creamy texture and tang while offering some added protein.
Final Thoughts
This Carne Asada Fries Recipe is a wonderful way to treat yourself and those you love to a flavorful, shareable feast full of vibrant tastes and satisfying textures. It’s a dish that’s both approachable and incredibly rewarding, perfect for any occasion that calls for something special. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a celebrated favorite at your table!
Print
Carne Asada Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Total Time: 41 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A flavorful Carne Asada Fries recipe featuring marinated skirt steak, crispy baked fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh tomato, jalapeños, red onion, and a creamy sour cream finish. Perfect for a satisfying meal with a delicious Mexican-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Marinade and Steak
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from about 3 limes)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (from ½ orange)
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 1½ tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1 pound skirt steak (trimmed)
Fries and Toppings
- 26 ounces frozen french fries (1 bag)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 roma tomato (diced)
- 1–2 jalapeños (sliced)
- ¼ red onion (chopped)
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, canola oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, cumin, and black pepper. Season the mixture with kosher salt to taste to balance the flavors.
- Marinate Steak: Place the skirt steak in a gallon-sized Ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Squeeze out the excess air and seal the bag tightly. Massage the marinade into the meat ensuring full coverage. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 10 hours, flipping the bag occasionally to redistribute marinade.
- Prepare Steak for Cooking: Remove the marinated steak from the refrigerator 15-30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade which helps achieve a better sear.
- Cook Steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brush it with 1 teaspoon of canola oil until it is sizzling hot. Place the steak carefully in the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes total, flipping once after about 3 minutes or when the meat naturally releases from the pan. The steak should develop a char on both sides and reach an internal temperature of 128-130°F for medium-rare.
- Rest and Slice Steak: Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice the steak thinly against the grain into strips and set aside.
- Bake Fries: Preheat the oven and arrange frozen fries evenly on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake according to package instructions, usually about 10-15 minutes, until crisp and golden.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Assemble Carne Asada Fries: Top the cheesy fries with sliced carne asada, diced tomato, sliced jalapeños, chopped red onion, and dollops of sour cream. Serve immediately for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Allowing the steak to marinate longer intensifies the flavor but a minimum of 2 hours is sufficient.
- Patting the steak dry before cooking ensures a better sear and prevents steaming.
- You can adjust jalapeño quantity based on your spice preference.
- For crispier fries, ensure they are spread evenly and not crowded on the baking sheet.
