The best carne asada fries made with tender marinated, grilled carne asada steak and crispy French fries topped with melted cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, all your favorite toppings! It's the ultimate game day or party appetizer.
Homemade Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Need a recipe idea for an upcoming party? Game Day celebration dish? Or do you just want to experience the ultimate nosh-worthy appetizer? Look no further. I got your recipe right here.
Carne Asada Fries. BOOM!
Carne Asada Fries is a popular appetizer made with crispy French Fries that are topped with chopped Mexican carne asada then smothered with shredded cheese.
The dish is then baked, and finally topped with some of your favorite fixings, which often include guacamole or sliced avocado, sliced jalapeno peppers, diced tomato and sour cream, though you can top it with pretty much anything you're in the mood for.
The recipe is popular in San Diego and Southern California, where you'll find it on many menus, though I've seen it recently in restaurants nearby. Even though it's got a lot of Mexican flare with the carne asada, you really won't find this in Mexican restaurants.
It's more of a Mexican-American mashup. What a beautiful thing!
You don't have to wait for any restaurant to add this awesome party food to their menu to enjoy it, because with this recipe, you can make it at home! Let's do it.
Carne Asada Ingredients
- Carne Asada. Use my carne asada recipe, though I include the recipe below as well. You can also use leftover carne asada, which works perfectly. Great time saver!
- French Fries. Use my recipe for homemade Baked Cajun-Spiced Fries, or use prepared frozen French fries as another time saver.
- Cheese. I love a combination of shredded Mexican cheese and salsa con queso.
- Your Favorite Toppings! I love it with guacamole, jalapeno, tomato, crema, hot sauce, though you can use your favorites.
How to Make Carne Asada Fries - the Recipe Overview
The recipe breaks down into THREE parts:
- Make the Carne Asada - Easily make ahead!
- Make the Fries - Make homemade, or great with frozen.
- Assemble, Bake, & Toppings
STEP 1: Make Carne Asada
Easily make grilled carne asada ahead and make this recipe with leftovers.
- Whisk together the marinade ingredients, then marinate the steak at least 2 hours, or overnight for more flavor penetration.
- Grill the marinated steak 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking. 135 degrees F is medium-rare. Slice the carne asada into bite-sized pieces.
STEP 2: Make The Fries
You can use store-bought frozen fries if you'd like, or run through your favorite fast food joint for an order, but I like to make mine at home. I also prefer to bake them, rather than fry them. Here is how I make mine nice and crispy:
- Wash, scrub, and slice 4 large potatoes into ¼ inch slices lengthwise.
- Soak the potatoes in cold water for 1 hour, then drain and pat dry.
- Season, then bake the fries on a baking sheet or in a cast iron pan. You'll bake these for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F, then another 20-25 minutes at 450 degrees F to get them nice and crispy. Try them with my Carne Asada Seasoning.
STEP 3: Making Carne Asada Fries!
Once your fries are done, spread them out onto a large baking sheet, or into a cast iron skillet.
Top with shredded cheese, salsa con queso (if using) - try my queso dip recipe or homemade nacho cheese - and chopped carne asada.
Bake the dish at 350 degrees F. for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely melted.
Best Carne Asada Fries Toppings
Top with your favorite toppings! You can really customize this recipe just how you like it. Here are some ideas:
- Guacamole! A must. Try my creamy homemade guacamole or Avocado Crema.
- Homemade Pico de Gallo. Or use fresh chopped jalapeno, tomato, onion, lime juice, chili flakes.
- Salsa. I have a lot of homemade salsa recipes.
- Mexican Crema (or use Sour Cream).
- Chopped Cilantro or Green Onion.
Here is what they look like on a baking sheet.
Storage & Leftovers
Leftover carne asada fries will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. The fries tend to get soggy from the cheese.
It is best reheated in the oven at 250 degrees until warmed through, then topped with fresh toppings.
That's it, my friends! It's time to enjoy your fries! But these aren't just ANY fries. Carne Asada Fries! Great stuff. Make it for your next party. People are going to FREAK OUT for this. You'll see.
Try Some of My Other Popular Appetizer Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Carne Asada Fries Recipe
Ingredients
FOR THE CARNE ASADA
- 1-2 serrano peppers minced (or use jalapeno peppers for a milder version)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ - ½ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice from 2 large oranges about a ¾ cup
- Juice from 2 limes
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar apple cider vinegar is good, too
- 1 tablespoon ancho powder optional, but I LOVE it
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 pounds skirt or flank steak
FOR THE FRIES
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 tablespoons taco seasoning blend
FOR TOPPING
- 2.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 8 ounces salsa con queso (optional, for extra cheesy) - use your favorite brand
- Creamy guacamole, sliced jalapeno peppers, sliced cherry tomatoes, Mexican crema, spicy chili flakes and fresh chopped cilantro, or whatever else you'd like.
Instructions
FOR THE CARNE ASADA (Easily Make Ahead)
- Whisk together the serrano peppers, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, ancho powder, cumin and salt and pepper in a medium sized bowl until well combined. Marinate the steak in a bowl or sealable baggie in the refrigerator at least 2 hours, or overnight for more flavor penetration.
- Discard the marinade, then grill the steak 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking. 135 degrees F is medium-rare. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
FOR THE FRIES (Or Use Prepared Frozen French Fries)
- Wash and scrub the potatoes, then slice them into ¼ inch slices lengthwise. Think “French fry” size. You can leave the skins on, if desired.
- Cover the potatoes in a bowl with cold water and soak for at least 10 minutes. 60 minutes is better. Drain the pat the potatoes as dry as you can get them.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 C).
- Toss the potatoes with olive oil and taco seasoning blend. Spread the fries out onto baking sheets and bake for 20 minutes, tossing them a bit about half way through.
- Increase the heat to 450 degrees F (232 C). and bake another 20-25 minutes, or until the fries are crispy. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F.
FOR THE CARNE ASADA FRIES
- Top the cooked fries with shredded cheese, salsa con queso (if using) and the chopped carne asada.
- Bake 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely melted.
- Top and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 6/10/24 to include new information and photos. It was originally published on 8/5/19.
Paul:-) says
Hi Mike,
I cooked this tonight for my Sister and youngest Niece.
The fries took a little longer to become crisp but the Taco seasoning was phenomenal. Similarly the marinade for the beef, a hefty 3/4 inch thick piece of Skirt which I deeply crosshatched before marinating was full of flavour.
Everyone loved it but from a personal perspective I would've preferred to not put the beef in the oven with the cheese as I found it overcooked by that time. I do like my steak to be able to be brought back to life by a good vet!
Because of that it's 4.5* for this one.
lovely flavours though
Paul:-)
Mike Hultquist says
Glad you enjoyed it overall, Paul. Perhaps a quick adaptation for next time. Cheers.
Glenn says
I made your pork carnitas recipe and loved it. I got a lot of leftover pork. Think this recipe would be as good using carnitas instead of carne asada?
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Glenn! Absolutely, YES. This recipe is GREAT with carnitas. I'm actually doing a nacho recipe with my carnitas, and hopefully fries soon! Enjoy!
Ramya says
Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use tofu i never had carne asada fries before perfect for my after office meals love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Mike Hultquist says
Enjoy, Ramya.
Eileen says
LOVE YOUR RECIPE
Could you use chicken instead of steak?
Thank You
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Eileen! Yes, it works great with chicken, actually. Enjoy!
col says
wow!