These Carne Asada Fries are the ultimate treat when you’re craving some serious comfort food!
Carne asada fries are a combination of Mexican and American foods in the most delectable way possible. The fries, of course, being the American part and the carne asada being the Mexican part. Carne asada is simply beef that is either grilled or seared and sometimes marinated for flavor. It’s served in myriad ways, not only in Mexico, but throughout Latin America. In fact, the first time I tried it was at a Colombian restaurant. It was served with rice, a fried egg, and an arepa (corn cake).
Some believe carne asada fries may have its origins in taco shops in San Diego in the 1990s, but regardless of where this dish comes from, it’s sure to delight wherever it lands. The meat is marinated in a zingy mixture of citrus juice, olive oil, and warm spices, grilled to perfection, topped onto fries, and crowned with cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Now tell me your mouth isn’t watering just reading that?
Customize Your Fries!
What kind of frozen French fries you decide to use can vary. I usually go for a thin choice, like shoestring fries, but you can switch it up if you prefer. Waffle fries, wedge fries, crinkle fries, and even curly fries are all good choices. Of course, how you top the fries is also entirely up to you. Instead of cheddar, go for Monterey Jack, or even a plant-based cheese if you’re lactose intolerant. Not so fond of sour cream? Try salsa instead, which also happens to be a lighter option. For a touch of crunch, top your fries with some crisp iceberg lettuce. The choices are endless!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Though storing the fries is not recommended, you can save any leftover cooked beef for up to 4 days, refrigerated in an airtight container. When ready to serve, quickly heat up the meat in a hot pan with a little oil and serve on top of a fresh batch of fries.
A Cilantro Alternative
For some people, cilantro tastes like soap. If that happens to be you, go ahead and substitute it for parsley. Choose the flat-leaf variety, as it has more taste than the curly kind.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for more Mexican-inspired dishes? Try this hearty Chicken Taco Soup on a cold day or when you’re feeling slightly under the weather. When game night rolls around, pass around a bowl of these Loaded Nachos and some cold beers. In the mood for a light yet satisfying lunch? Try this delicious recipe for Mexican Avocado Chicken Salad (With Honey-Cilantro Dressing). And why not make your own salsa to serve with these fries or other Mexican dishes?
Carne Asada Fries
Ingredients Â
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pound skirt steak or flank steak
- 1 16-ounce package frozen French fries
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup guacamole
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
InstructionsÂ
- Combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and oregano in a bowl.
- Place the steak in the mixture, ensuring it is well-coated, then refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade, discarding excess marinade.
- Grill each side for 3-4 minutes for medium-rare. Allow to rest before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Bake the frozen French fries according to package instructions until they are golden and crispy. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Sprinkle cheese over the hot fries and allow it to melt. Top with slices of steak, dollops of sour cream, and guacamole. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
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