Carne Asada Fries

Carne Asada Fries are made with crispy baked french fries smothered with tender grilled carne asada and delicious toppings like pico de gallo, melted cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Easily made at home, they’re a great way to use leftover grilled steak and make the perfect meal or appetizer for game days and parties.

One thing I miss most about living in Southern California is its incredible Mexican food. Walk down the street, and you’re guaranteed to fill your belly with some of the most authentic Mexican food north of the border. But you’ll also find less traditional Mexican dishes, like these loaded carne asada fries.

Originating in San Diego, carne asada fries, also known as Mexican steak fries, are basically nachos, but instead of tortilla chips, they’re made with French fries. Topped with juicy grilled marinated steak, gooey melted cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and whatever else your heart desires, it’s hard to deny the genius of these fully loaded fries.

Perfect for sharing with family and friends.

How to Make Carne Asada Fries

1. If you don’t already have leftover carne asada, you’ll want to begin by marinating the steak. Translated from Spanish, carne asada literally means “grilled meat,” but it’s key to marinate it first. If using skirt steak, marinate for at least 1-4 hours; flank steak will need at least 4 hours.

2. Next, cook the steak using an outdoor gas grill, charcoal grill, or on the stovetop using a cast iron grill pan. Skirt steak and flank steak cook pretty quickly, around 6-10 minutes per side. Thicker cuts of meat will take longer to cook.

3. Remove the steak to a clean cutting board and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Cut into small bite-size pieces.

4. Bake the frozen fries according to the package directions until they are golden and crispy. Remove the fries from the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a separate baking pan with parchment paper.

5. Assemble the carne asada fries. First, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then top with the prepared carne asada, followed by the shredded cheese and sliced jalapenos. Note: for extra cheesy fries, add an additional layer of cheese directly on top of the fries before adding the meat. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

6. Add your favorite toppings. Here I’ve added my homemade pico de gallo and guacamole with sour cream.

Recommended Toppings

To make the best carne asada fries, I highly recommend adding at least three of the following:

• Guacamole
• Salsa, Mango Salsa, or Pico de Gallo
• Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, Queso fresco or Cotija cheese
• Avocado
• Chipotle Crema
• Thinly sliced radish
• Jalapeños
• Pickled Red Onions
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Queso cheese

Storage and Reheating

Note that carne asada fries and best enjoyed immediately when the fries are hot and crispy, and the cheese is melty. The fries will soften over time – especially after refrigeration.

Storage: Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, wait to add sour cream and guacamole until just before serving.

Reheating: Transfer leftovers to a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave at 30-second intervals until reheated. You may also reheat in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until warm.

More Delicious Mexican Dishes

• Carne Asada Tacos
• Mexican Mole Sauce Recipe (Chicken Mole)
• Carnitas Recipe (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
• Mexican Birria Recipe (How to Make Birria)
• Pozole Rojo Recipe (Red Posole)
• Pozole Verde
• Caldo de Pollo Recipe (Mexican Chicken Soup)

If you try making this Carne Asada Fries Recipe, please leave me a comment below! I always love to read your thoughts and feedback!