Carne Asada Fries are a delicious fusion dish made with crispy baked French fries topped with tender grilled carne asada and a variety of tasty toppings like pico de gallo, melted cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Easily prepared at home, these fries are a fantastic way to use leftover grilled steak and make the perfect meal or appetizer for game days and parties.

Imagine a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, filled with French fries smothered in carne asada, cheese, jalapeños, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole. One of the things I miss most about living in Southern California is its incredible Mexican food. Walking down the street, you’re sure to find some of the most authentic Mexican food north of the border. But you’ll also encounter less traditional Mexican dishes, like these loaded carne asada fries.

Originating in San Diego, carne asada fries, also known as Mexican steak fries, are essentially 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, carne asada fries are an irresistible treat that brings people together. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this beloved dish at your next gathering!

How to Make Carne Asada Fries

Marinate the Steak: If you don’t have leftover carne asada, start by marinating your steak. “Carne asada” means “grilled meat” in Spanish, and marinating is essential. For skirt steak, marinate for 1-4 hours; for flank steak, at least 4 hours is recommended.

Cook the Steak: Use an outdoor grill, charcoal grill, or a stovetop with a cast iron grill pan. Skirt and flank steaks cook quickly, about 6-10 minutes per side. Thicker cuts will require more time.

Rest and Chop: Let the cooked steak rest on a clean cutting board for 10 minutes, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Fries: Bake frozen fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F, and line a baking pan with parchment paper.

Assemble the Fries: Season the fries with salt and pepper, top with carne asada, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños. For extra cheesy fries, add more cheese directly on the fries before the meat. Bake for 6-8 minutes until the cheese melts.

Add Toppings: Finish with your favorite toppings like homemade pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.

To store carne asada fries

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid adding sour cream and guacamole until ready to serve. For reheating, microwave the fries covered with a damp paper towel in 30-second intervals, or reheat them in a 350°F oven until warm.

Ingredients for Carne Asada Fries

Carne Asada: Prepare using the ingredients and instructions below.
Frozen French Fries: 1 (2-pound) bag
Seasoning: Salt and black pepper
Cheese: 2 cups shredded Colby Jack
Jalapeño: 1, sliced
Pico de Gallo: 1 cup (or more if desired)
Guacamole: ½ cup (or more if desired)
Sour Cream: ½ cup (or more if desired)

Carne Asada Ingredients

Orange Juice: ½ cup
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
Cilantro: 2 tablespoons, minced
Lime Juice: 1½ tablespoons, fresh
Vinegar: 1½ tablespoons
Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Mexican Oregano: 1½ teaspoons
Ground Cumin: ½ teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
Chili Powder: ½ teaspoon
Steak: 1 pound skirt or flank
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon