Carne Asada Fries
Crispy, golden french fries piled high with tender, marinated carne asada, gooey melted cheese, fresh guacamole, and cool sour cream. This is the ultimate shareable comfort food, perfect for game day or a fun weekend meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Steak (30 minutes to 4 hours)
- b.In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the orange juice, 60ml of lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, jalapeño, chopped coriander, cumin, oregano, and black pepper.
- c.Add the flank steak, ensuring it's fully submerged in the marinade. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2-4 hours for maximum flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare and Fry the Potatoes (20 minutes)
- b.Peel and cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick fries. Place them in a large bowl of cold water for at least 15 minutes to remove excess starch.
- c.Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 300°F (150°C).
- d.Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for safety and achieving crispy fries.
- e.Carefully add half of the potatoes to the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes until soft and pale. Do not brown them. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
- f.Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes again in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to the wire rack and immediately season with 6g (1 tsp) of salt.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Carne Asada (15 minutes)
- b.While the fries are cooking, heat a grill or a large cast-iron skillet over high heat.
- c.Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- d.Cook the steak for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (130-135°F or 54-57°C), depending on thickness.
- e.Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender result.
- f.After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare Guacamole and Assemble (5 minutes)
- b.In a small bowl, mash the avocados. Stir in the finely chopped red onion, the remaining 15ml of lime juice, and 3g (1/2 tsp) of salt. Mix gently.
- c.Spread the hot, crispy fries on a large platter or baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top so it melts from the residual heat.
- d.Evenly distribute the chopped carne asada over the cheesy fries.
- e.Dollop with guacamole and sour cream.
- f.Garnish with extra coriander and pickled jalapeños. Serve immediately for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest fries, the double-frying method is essential. Don't skip it!
- 2Patting the potatoes completely dry before frying prevents dangerous oil splattering and helps them crisp up.
- 3Let the steak rest for a full 10 minutes before chopping. This is the secret to juicy, tender meat.
- 4For extra gooey cheese, place the cheese-topped fries under a broiler for 1-2 minutes before adding the steak and other toppings.
- 5Use a meat thermometer to cook your steak to the perfect temperature.
- 6For a quicker version, you can use high-quality frozen french fries and cook them according to package directions in an oven or air fryer.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Swap the carne asada with grilled chicken (pollo asado), carnitas (slow-cooked pork), or al pastor for a different flavor profile.
Creative ToppingsCreative Toppings
Get creative with toppings! Add pico de gallo, black beans, cotija cheese, or a drizzle of chipotle crema.
Different BaseDifferent Base
Instead of regular fries, try using sweet potato fries or tater tots as the base for a fun twist.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, replace the steak with seasoned and grilled portobello mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The flank steak provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Healthy Fats
Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates
Potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy to fuel your body and brain.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Carne Asada Fries can range from 900 to 1200 calories, depending on the portion size and specific toppings. It's a very indulgent dish best enjoyed as a treat.