What if I told you that you can make one of the most irresistible appetizers at home? These carne asada fries are a lot like nachos, but swapping tortilla chips for fries! The recipe is easy and can be done by following these simple steps:
Carne Asada Fries Ingredients
- Flank steak
- Fiesta Rub seasoning
- Orange juice
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Onion
- Lime
- Cilantro
- Frozen French fries
- Nacho cheese
- Avocado
- Tomato
- Jalapeño
What is a Flank Steak?
This carne asada fries recipe calls for flank steak. The flank is a lean, flat cut that comes from the abdominal portion of the cow. This cut is commonly used in fajitas and stir fry recipes.
Marinate the Steak First
You’ll first need to marinate to allow the flavors to absorb into the meat. Since this process will take hours, it’s best to do this ahead of time.
Create the marinade by seasoning the flank steak on both sides. Next, grab a gallon sized bag and pour in the wet ingredients: two cups of orange juice and a half cup of apple cider vinegar.
Then out in two cloves of garlic, half cup of diced onion, juice from half of a lime, and a fourth cup of cilantro. Seal the bag, place in the refrigerator and let marinate for four to six hours.
How to Grill Flank Steak for Carne Asada
Which Type of Fries Should I Use?
Since cheese sauce can make fries (and tortilla chips) get soggy over time, look for frozen fries that are labeled as “extra crispy”. This will help the carne asada fries stay firm for longer. simply follow the cooking directions on the bag. I suggest the bags of frozen fries in the 26 ounce range.
If you prefer homemade fries, I have an excellent fries recipe that rivals the taste of those from Five Guys HERE.
How to Make Carne Asada Fries
With the marinated steak grilled and the fries cooked, it is now time to assemble the carne asada fries recipe!
With the fries on a large baking sheet, drizzle your warmed up cheese sauce all over the fries. Next, top with the cubed up pieces of grilled flank steak. Then spread cut up avocado, tomato, and onion. Garnish with cilantro and cut up limes.
I also have a quick recipe for cilantro lime crema that makes for another great topping. These fries will vanish fast so make sure you dig in and grab a bite before you serve them!
How Long Are Carne Asada Fries Good for?
While this dish is best served immediately and will likely be gone in a matter of minutes, you can package them up and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
Similar Recipes
Cheesesteak Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Bacon Wrapped Chorizo Jalapeño Poppers
Carne Asada Fries
Carne asada fries are great as an appetizer or main dish. This also makes for the best game day snack!
Ingredients
- 1 flank steak (about 1 lb)
- 1 Tbsp fajita seasoning
- 1 26 oz. bag of frozen French fries
- 1 9 oz. can of Fritos cheese sauce
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 Cup tomato, diced
- Cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/2 lime, cut into quarters
- 1/2 Cup pickled jalapeño
Marinade
- 1 1/2 Cup orange juice
- 1/4 Cup vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 Cup onion
- 1/2 lime
- 1/8 Cup cilantro
Instructions
- In a gallon sized resealable plastic bag, put seasoned flank steak in with ingredients for marinade: orange juice, vinegar, onion, lime, cilantro, and garlic. Seal and put in refrigerator to marinate for at least four hours.
- When steak is finished marinating, fire up grill to high heat. Sear steak on both sides until internal temperature reaches 135 degrees. Remove, rest for five minutes, then cut into small cubes.
- At the same time the flank steak is grilling, place frozen fries in oven and remove when done. Let cool on baking sheet.
- Once baking sheet has cooled, drizzle warmed up cheese sauce all over fries. Next, spread chunks of flank steak all over. Finally, add diced avocado, tomato, and onion. Top with jalapeño slices and garnish with cilantro and lime. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Drizzle with cilantro lime crema. Easy recipe here.
- Substitute homemade fries for frozen fries.
- Jalapeños are optional, but go great with this recipe.
- Cook steak to your preferred doneness, but it is better as a topping on fries when cooked to at least medium temps.
