Hand-cut french fries topped with carne asada, pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo and guacamole. These are basically Mexican-style fries. They’re not only easy to make, but delicious as well! These are satisfying to not only lovers of Mexican food, but French fry lovers as well.
What are carne asada fries?
Carne asada fries are a southwestern style food that originated in San Diego. Carne asada is the meat that’s served on the fries; which is flank steak that’s been marinated in garlic, citrus juice, cilantro, olive oil, chili powder and other seasonings.
Once the meat is cooked, they are then topped with cheese and toppings of choice. Toppings that are more common is pico de gallo and guacamole.
Preparing carne asada fries
When it comes to preparing this dish, I say whatever floats your boat should work. I’m one that feel there is not a wrong way to prepare food, as everyone’s taste buds are different. The recipe I developed consist of hand-cut fries, pepper jack cheese, carne asada, pico de gallo and guac. However, feel free to use whatever cheese and toppings you like.
Carne asada’s typically made with flank steak. However, once my local grocery store was out of flank, so I used strip steak, and it was good as well. So, don’t feel obligated to use flank steak.
It is important to marinate your steak first. It should marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but not longer than 16 hours. My recipe calls for pineapple juice and lime juice, but orange juice and lime juice can be used as well. Whether you’re using orange or pineapple juice, it is important to not skip this step. When mixed with the lime juice, it gives it the perfect flavor.
I make this dish with hand-cut fries because I love fresh fries. However, if you are running late on time, or don’t feel like the hassle of cutting potatoes, then frozen fries can be used. If using frozen fries, ensure they are free of seasoning because this recipe calls from seasoning on the fries.
Any kind of cheese can be used, but my cheese of choice is pepper jack cheese. It pairs perfectly with the carne asada. Another favorite is Monterey jack cheese.
When topping your fries, any toppings can be used. I must say though, that the guac and pico sets it off, and I personally can’t eat this dish without it.
If you make this dish, please tag me on IG. I hope you enjoy!
Carne Asada Fries
Ingredients
Carne Asada Fries
- 2 lb flank steak
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped divided
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced or chopped
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 3 russet potatoes, rinsed and cut into vertical sticks
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded for fries
- guacomole
- pico de gallo
Pico de gallo
- 1 cup fresh tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- salt & pepper to taste
Guacamole
- 2 avocadoes, peeled and pitted
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
For the carne asada fries
- In a small bowl, mix oil, lime juice, pineapple juice, tbsp of garlic powder, tbsp of onion powder, chili powder, italian seasoning, salt, garlic and cilantro.
- Place flank steak in deep glass tray and pour marinade mixture on top. Flip steak over and coat other side. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate for a minimum and 30 minutes.
- Soak potatoes in water for 10 minutes. When ready to cook, rinse and drain until all of excess water is removed.
- In a large bowl, season fries with paprika, tbsp of garlic powder, tbsp of onion powder and a few pinches of salt.
- Heat two inches of oil in a pot or skillet to 350 degrees. In batches, cook potatoes until soft, approximately 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Potatoes will not be fully cooked at this point.
- Increase heat to 400 degrees. Once oil is heated, cook potatoes in batches again until crispy and golden brown.
- Heat a large skillet to medium high heat. Cook steak on for 7 minutes on each side for medium. If you prefer medium-well, cook for 8-10 minutes on each side. Remove steak to a cutting board, and let rest for a minimum of 5 minutes.
- Slice steak into small pieces.
- Place cooked fries in a cast iron skillet or baking sheet and top with shredded pepper jack cheese. Broil in oven for 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Top with carne asada steak, pico de gallo and guacamole. Serve with sour cream if wanted.
Guacamole
- Place peeled and pitted avocadoes in a small bowl. Use a fork and mash avocadoes until they have reached your desired consistency.
- Stir in red onion, cilantro, lime juice, pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and add more salt and lime juice if needed.
Pico de gallo
- In a small bowl, mix diced tomatoes, yellow onion, cilantro, lime juice, few pinches of salt and pepper. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if needed.
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