If you’re craving a mouthwatering combination of crispy, loaded fries topped with juicy, flavorful grilled steak, you’re in for a treat with this Carne Asada Fries Recipe. This dish brilliantly brings together a tangy, perfectly marinated skirt steak paired with golden seasoned fries smothered in creamy cheddar cheese sauce, finished off with refreshing garnishes like avocado and pico de gallo. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a hearty meal any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Carne Asada Fries Recipe has a crucial role, whether it’s building flavor, adding texture, or brightening the dish’s colors. Using simple but quality components helps you create a vibrant and delicious meal that feels special yet totally approachable.
- ¼ cup lime juice: Adds zesty brightness that tenderizes the steak and enhances flavor.
- ¼ cup orange juice: Brings subtle sweetness, balancing the acidity in the marinade.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Ensures the steak stays juicy and helps the marinade infuse well.
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic: Provides aromatic punch and savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the meat properly.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Gives that characteristic smoky, warm flavor linked with Carne Asada.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes herbal notes for complexity.
- 1 ½ pounds skirt steak: The star protein—flavorful and perfect for grilling with a nice grain.
- 1 (16-20 ounce) bag frozen seasoned fries: Time-saving and crispy base for this decadent feast.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich roux for the cheese sauce.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect velvety texture.
- 1 ¼ cups milk: Keeps the cheese sauce smooth and creamy.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: Enhances flavor with a hint of garlic seasoning in the sauce.
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (not pre-shredded): Melts beautifully for a luscious cheese topping.
- Avocado, sliced: Adds creaminess and a fresh, buttery finish.
- Pico de gallo: Fresh, tangy, and colorful garnish to brighten the plate.
- Sour cream: Balances richness with cool acidity.
- Cilantro, chopped: Gives a fresh herbal note and visually vibrant touch.
- Sliced jalapeños: Optional spicy kick to liven things up.
How to Make Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by mixing lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano in a bowl. This marinade is your steak’s flavor booster, tenderizing the meat while packing in those unmistakable Mexican-inspired notes. Place your skirt steak in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight. This slow flavor absorption is the secret to a juicy, flavorful steak.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
When you’re ready, preheat your grill to medium-high or heat a cast iron skillet on the stovetop. Grill or pan-fry the marinated skirt steak for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, ensuring it stays juicy and tender. Once cooked, let the steak rest covered loosely with foil for about 5-10 minutes to lock in the juices—this resting step makes all the difference in juicy slicing.
Step 3: Bake the Fries
While your steak is resting, bake the frozen seasoned fries according to package directions. Crispy fries serve as the hearty and crunchy foundation for the Carne Asada Fries Recipe, so make sure they’re golden and perfect before the next exciting step.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour, cooking for about 2 minutes to form a roux that thickens your cheese sauce beautifully. Gradually whisk in the milk and garlic salt, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to creamy perfection. Finally, add the sharp cheddar cheese in two batches, whisking until it melts into a smooth, velvety sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble the Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain to keep every bite tender. Then, spread the freshly baked fries on a platter or individual serving plates. Drizzle generously with the luscious cheese sauce, top with strips of steak, and add another layer of cheese sauce for that indulgent effect. Finish by garnishing with slices of creamy avocado, fresh pico de gallo, dollops of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and spicy jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.
How to Serve Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes are what truly elevate this dish from tasty to unforgettable. Avocado slices add smooth richness, while pico de gallo brings a fresh and tangy crispness that balances the indulgent cheese and savory steak. A dollop of sour cream cuts through the richness and adds a cooling effect. Fresh cilantro provides a vibrant herbal aroma, and jalapeños offer a bold kick. Each garnish adds layers of texture and bursts of flavor that keep every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Though this dish feels like a complete meal, you can perfectly complement it with simple sides like a light Mexican street corn salad or a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette. These refreshing sides add brightness and make your meal feel well-rounded and satisfying without missing the spotlight on your Carne Asada Fries Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, serve this dish family-style on a large platter so everyone can dig in and customize their bites. If you’re hosting a party, try individual portions in cast iron skillets or mini casserole dishes for a fun and personal touch. Wrapping the fries and steak in warm flour tortillas also makes a delightful handheld option, transforming the recipe into a loaded carne asada taco experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Carne Asada Fries Recipe, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, keep the fries and steak separate from the cheese sauce when storing; then reassemble when you reheat.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for fully assembled Carne Asada Fries due to texture changes in fries and avocado, you can freeze the cooked steak slices in a sealed container or vacuum bag for up to 2 months. Reheat gently when ready to use in other dishes or to recreate this recipe quickly.
Reheating
Reheat leftover steak by warming it in a skillet over medium heat to keep it tender. For fries, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in a hot oven to regain crispness. Warm cheese sauce gently over low heat while stirring to keep it smooth. Then combine everything and garnish fresh to enjoy the best flavors even the next day!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While skirt steak is traditional and perfect for this recipe due to its flavor and texture, flank steak or ribeye can work well too. Just make sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Is it necessary to marinate the steak overnight?
Marinating for at least 6 hours is great for maximum flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, even 1-2 hours will make a noticeable difference compared to skipping the marinade.
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cheese sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove while stirring to restore its creamy texture before serving.
What can I substitute for pico de gallo if I don’t have fresh ingredients?
If fresh pico de gallo isn’t an option, you can use jarred salsa or chopped tomatoes mixed with some onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt as a quick alternative.
How spicy is this dish?
The base Carne Asada Fries Recipe is mild, but adding sliced jalapeños or spicy salsa can turn up the heat to your preference. You control the level of spice with these fresh garnishes.
Final Thoughts
This Carne Asada Fries Recipe is truly one of those special dishes that brings joy to the table every time. It’s a celebration of bold flavors, satisfying textures, and vibrant colors that come together in a comforting and fun way. Whether you’re sharing it with family, serving it at a casual gathering, or treating yourself to a homemade indulgence, you’re in for a fantastic culinary experience. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a go-to favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Carne Asada Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 6 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Carne Asada Fries are a flavorful, indulgent Mexican-inspired dish featuring marinated skirt steak served over crispy seasoned fries, smothered in a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce and garnished with fresh avocado, pico de gallo, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños. Perfect for game day or a satisfying meal with friends and family.
Ingredients
Marinade and Steak
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 ½ pounds skirt steak
Fries and Cheese Sauce
- 1 (16-20 ounce) bag frozen seasoned fries, baked according to package directions
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (not pre-shredded)
Serving
- Avocado, sliced
- Pico de gallo
- Sour cream
- Cilantro, chopped
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Marinate Steak: Combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, ground black pepper, ground cumin, and dried oregano in a bowl to create the marinade. Place the skirt steak in the marinade, making sure it is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook Steak: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a cast iron skillet on the stovetop. Remove the steak from the marinade and cook it on the grill or skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side to achieve medium-rare doneness. Once cooked, remove from heat and let the steak rest covered loosely with foil for several minutes to retain juices.
- Bake Fries: While the steak is resting, bake the frozen seasoned fries according to the package directions until crispy and golden brown.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and garlic salt, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese in two batches, whisking until the cheese is fully melted and smooth. Keep the sauce warm until ready to assemble.
- Assemble and Serve: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain for tenderness. Arrange the baked fries on a large serving platter or on individual plates. Drizzle generously with the warm cheddar cheese sauce, then top with the sliced steak and more cheese sauce as desired. Garnish with sliced avocado, fresh pico de gallo, dollops of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for added freshness and heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the steak overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use skirt steak for authentic flavor, but flank steak can be a substitute.
- For spicier fries, add jalapeños inside or spice the cheese sauce with cayenne.
- Cheese sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Resting the steak after cooking ensures juicy slices.
