Carne Asada Fries

Carne asada fries are an addicting appetizer or game-day food that everyone loves! This southern California recipe features crispy fries smothered in a cheese sauce and topped with juicy marinated beef, pico de gallo, and guacamole.

this recipe

Carne Asada Fries Origin

Carne asada fries are a popular recipe invented in San Diego, California. The recipe features french potato fries, topped with melty cheese, carne asada (Mexican grilled meat), and salsas such as pico de gallo and guacamole.

Sometimes a dollop of Mexican crema, hot sauce, and pickled jakapeños are added to the toppings. The recipe pretty is pretty much customizable to everybody’s preferences.

The star of this recipe is, of course, the carne asada, a Mexican method for grilling meat. The traditional recipe for carne asada calls for cooking the meat on a grill, but modern recipes use other methods, such as cooking it on a griddle

The marinade can be as simple as using only salt and pepper, but of course, for a richer flavor, some people like to use other spices like garlic, cumin, chili powder, and even beer and lime juice.

What type of meat to use for carne asada

• The first choice is, of course, beef. It can be any type of steak you like, from cheaper to expensive cuts, but remember that the thickest the slices, the longer will take to cook.
• My option will be always cheaper cuts, as you’re adding lots of toppings and other flavors, there’s no need to expend too much for this simple recipe.

Tips for making a juicy carne asada.

• Cut the meat in thin slices, you’re not making a regular steak, you need a cut that cooks faster.
• Use a little bit of oil (as suggested for the marinade), but not too much that you will fry the meat!
• Don’t overcook. I know this is the hard part but if you use thin slices, you’ll notice the meat changes color as soon as it touches the griddle.
• Make the carne asada as the last step, right before assembling your fries, so it won’t dry out.

About the potato fries

I am using frozen french fries for this recipe because that’s a nice shortcut and I can find very good quality brands where I live.

I also decided to deep fry those frozen potatoes but you can either make homemade potato fries and cook them with your favorite method: Deep frying, Air Fryer or baked.

The step by step recipe

Start with carne asada: Place beef in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, chili flakes, and garlic. Add lemon juice and oil, then toss to coat well. Allow marinating while continuing with the recipe.

Now, make the homemade cheese sauce, or skip this step if you using jarred cheese sauce.

• In a medium saucepan toss cheese and flour to combine.
• Add milk and hot sauce, then place the pan over medium-low heat.
• Cook for about 5 minutes while stirring regularly or until you will have a smooth sauce.
• Fill a large pot with hot water and place inside the saucepan with the cheese sauce to keep it warm until needed (add more hot water if necessary).

Make the fries: Heat enough oil in a pan and fry the potatoes until done on the inside and crispy on the outside. Once the fries are done, place them on a cooling rack or a plate lined with paper towels.

While you are frying the potatoes, start cooking the meat: Heat a griddle or a cast-iron skillet until smoking.

Cook beef for about 3 minutes per side (less if the slices are too thin). Place the cooked carne asada on a cutting board and chop it.

Assemble

• Place the potato fries on a serving plate.
• Drizzle them nicely with cheese sauce.
• Add chopped carne asada, then top with pico de gallo and guacamole.
• Serve with lime wedges, hot sauce, or your favorite dip/dressing.

Most asked questions:

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