Carne Asada Fries

Name: Carne Asada Fries with Grilled Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs thin-cut steak (such as flank or skirt); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tsp garlic salt; 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder; 1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped; 1/4 white onion, sliced; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 bag (32 oz) frozen french fries; salt, to taste; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 1 cup guacamole, for topping; 1/4 cup Mexican crema, for drizzling

Carne asada fries are crispy french fries piled high with citrus-marinated grilled steak, melted cheese, fresh guacamole, and tangy crema. This Mexican street-food favorite brings restaurant flavor to your home kitchen with a simple marinade and a quick grill.

🌍Mexican 🏷️Carne asada fries 🏷️Loaded fries 🏷️Tex-mex 🏷️Steak Cheese

🏷️

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TikTok

Total

1h 45m

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$25–$41

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1.5 lbs thin-cut steak (such as flank or skirt)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
1/4 white onion, sliced
1 lemon, juiced
1 bag (32 oz) frozen french fries
salt, to taste
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 cup guacamole, for toppingoptional
1/4 cup Mexican crema, for drizzlingoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large bowl, combine the steak, olive oil, minced garlic, garlic salt, and chicken bouillon powder.
2
Add the chopped cilantro, sliced onion, and the juice of one lemon.
3
Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands to ensure the steak is evenly coated.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the steak marinate for at least one hour.
5
Preheat your oven and spread the frozen french fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake according to package directions until golden and crispy.
6
While the fries are baking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated steak for a few minutes on each side until done to your liking.
7
Remove the cooked steak from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.
8
Once the fries are cooked, remove them from the oven and season with salt.
9
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the hot fries.
10
Return the baking sheet to the oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Transfer the cheesy fries to a serving plate.
12
Top the fries with the chopped carne asada.
13
Add a generous amount of guacamole over the steak.
14
Finish with a drizzle of Mexican crema and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat the steak dry before grilling to maximize browning and char.
Cook the steak to medium-rare (130–135°F internal temp) for tenderness—flank and skirt dry out quickly if overdone.
Top the hot fries with cheese immediately after frying so it melts; add guacamole and crema last to prevent sogginess.
Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier eating.

Substitutions

Flank or skirt steak → Carne asada marinade works with carne asada meat, sirloin, or even chicken breast (reduce marinade time to 1–2 hours for chicken)
Crema → Mexican crème fraîche, sour cream thinned with lime juice, or Mexican Cotija crumbles for a sharper note
Frozen french fries → Fresh-cut fries fried twice (blanch, then finish-fry) for superior crispness

Storage & make-ahead

Assemble and serve immediately for best texture. Leftover cooked steak keeps refrigerated 3–4 days; reheat gently and use for nachos or tacos.

Common Questions

What cut of steak is best for carne asada fries?

Flank or skirt steak are ideal—they're thin, tender, and absorb the citrus-garlic marinade quickly, cooking in minutes over high heat.

How long should I marinate the steak?

At least 30 minutes for basic flavor, but 2–4 hours is better for deeper marination. Don't exceed 8 hours or the citrus juice will over-tenderize the meat.

Can I make carne asada fries without a grill?

Yes. Use a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Sear the steak 2–3 minutes per side until charred and cooked to your preference.

Should I make the fries from scratch or use frozen?

This recipe calls for frozen fries for convenience. Bake or fry per package directions until golden and crispy, then assemble immediately before cheese melts.