Carne Asada Fries are the ultimate indulgent comfort food, combining crispy golden fries, tender grilled steak, and irresistible toppings like melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. This recipe delivers a flavorful fusion of Mexican and American cuisines that’s perfect for game day, parties, or a hearty family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love loaded fries or carne asada tacos, this recipe brings the best of both worlds. It’s rich, savory, and fully customizable, letting you adjust the spice level or toppings to your preference. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home—even better than takeout!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Skirt or flank steak
Olive oil
Lime juice
Garlic cloves
Ground cumin
Chili powder
Salt and pepper
Frozen or homemade French fries
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Sour cream
Guacamole
Pico de gallo
Fresh cilantro (optional)
Jalapeños (optional)

directions

Marinate the steak: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the steak and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours for better flavor.
Cook the steak: Grill the steak over high heat for 4-5 minutes per side or until desired doneness. Let it rest, then slice into small strips or cubes.
Prepare the fries: Cook the French fries according to package instructions or deep-fry/homemade until crispy.
Assemble: Place the hot fries on a large platter or baking sheet. Top with shredded cheese and place under a broiler briefly to melt the cheese.
Top it off: Add the sliced carne asada, then spoon on guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. Garnish with cilantro and jalapeños if using.
Serve immediately: Best enjoyed fresh and hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour (including marinating)

Variations

Swap the protein: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or a vegetarian alternative like grilled portobello mushrooms.
Spicy version: Add hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or spicy cheese.
Cheese lovers: Mix in nacho cheese sauce or use a cheese blend for extra gooeyness.
Low-carb: Substitute fries with roasted cauliflower or zucchini fries.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For best results, reheat the fries and steak separately in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, then reassemble with fresh toppings. Avoid microwaving the full assembled dish as it can make the fries soggy.

FAQs

What cut of steak is best for carne asada fries?

Skirt steak or flank steak works best because they cook quickly and are tender when sliced thinly against the grain.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can marinate and cook the steak ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the fries and assemble the dish just before serving for optimal texture.

Are carne asada fries gluten-free?

They can be if you ensure the fries and marinade ingredients are gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.

Can I use store-bought guacamole and pico de gallo?

Yes, store-bought versions work well to save time, though homemade versions add fresher flavor.

What type of fries work best?

Thicker-cut fries like steak fries or crinkle-cut fries hold up best under toppings. You can also use waffle fries.

How do I keep the fries from getting soggy?

Serve immediately after assembling and avoid overloading with wet toppings. Keep ingredients like guac and sour cream off to the side if desired.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or a spicy pepper jack are great choices.

Is this dish spicy?

The base recipe isn’t too spicy, but it can be adjusted easily with jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as fries and toppings don’t reheat well from frozen. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Can I make this healthier?

Yes! Use air-fried fries, leaner cuts of beef, and reduced-fat toppings, or go lighter on cheese and sour cream.

Conclusion

Carne Asada Fries are a bold, crave-worthy dish that satisfies your hunger and your taste buds. Whether served as a meal or a shared appetizer, they’re a hit with anyone who loves loaded fries and flavorful grilled steak. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to comfort food!