Carne Asada Fries Recipe

Carne Asada Fries are topped with cheese, steak, pico de gallo, guacamole, jalapenos and sour cream – they’re the definition of fully loaded!

Whenever I’m in charge of meal planning for a special occasion like a cottage weekend, my friends always ask me to make these fries. I was inspired after taking a trip to Los Angeles where I had them at this Tex-Mex restaurant and boy let me tell you, everyone loves these!!!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Full of flavour: These loaded fries are packed with Tex-Mex flavour thanks to the delicious marinade and toppings.
• Easy to prep: Chop up the toppings and marinate the steak beforehand to save on prep time.
• Restaurant-worthy: These fries are better than anything you’d get at a restaurant and healthier too!

Ingredients and substitutions

• Frozen fries – you could also make homemade fries.
• Top sirloin – flank steak or skirt steak would both be good.
• Cheddar cheese – use mozzarella, Monterey Jack or a Tex Mex blend instead.
• Jalapeño pepper – bell peppers are a milder option.
• Sour cream – use light sour cream to cut down on calories.
• Cilantro – skip this if you’re not a fan.
• Pico de gallo – jarred or homemade salsa would also be good.
• Guacamole – make your own with my super easy guac recipe or use a store-bought guac.

Carne asada marinade

• Olive oil – or another neutral cooking oil like avocado oil.
• Lime juice – use a combo of lime and orange juice for extra flavour.
• Soy sauce – coconut aminos or tamari are the best substitutes.
• Chili powder – make your own using a blend of paprika, oregano and cumin.
• Cumin – add more chili powder instead.
• Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.

How to make carne asada fries

Step 1: Bake the fries.

Bake the fries, then add the cheese and bake until melted.

Step 2: Marinate the steak.

Marinate in the carne asada marinade.

Step 3: Cook the steak.

Let it rest then dice up into pieces.

Step 4: Assemble your fries.

Top the fries with all your toppings directly on the sheet pan or a large dish and serve.

Frequently asked questions

What are carne asada fries?

Carne asada fries are loaded crispy fries topped with marinated grilled steak and all the yummy Tex-Mex toppings like cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream. They’re basically carne asada tacos but without the tortillas!

What type of steak should you use?

I like to use a good fast fry steak like top sirloin, but you can use any steak of your choice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness.

Can I make a healthier version?

Yes! Bake the fries instead of frying them. Use lean cuts of meat and trim any visible fat. Load up on fresh toppings like pico de gallo and guacamole, and go easy on the sour cream and cheese. Try them with sweet potato fries too!

What to serve with this dish

These carne asada fries are a full meal on it’s own, but if you’re looking to really round it out, here are some ideas:

• Extra pico de gallo, guac, corn salsa or cowboy caviar with chips
• Simple green salad with an easy homemade dressing
• Grilled or roasted veggies and corn on the cob with elote seasoning
• Add more plant-based protein and fibre with black beans, pinto beans or refried beans
• Cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice are always a win

How to store and reheat

Store: Refrigerate leftover carne asada fries in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s best to store your toppings separately.

Reheat: Reheat the fries in an air fryer or oven to regain crispness. Reheat the carne asada separately. Assemble just before serving.

Freeze & reheat: I definitely do not recommend freezing this dish once it’s assembled. Instead, you can try to freeze each component separately, but I think the quality will be compromised, especially the fries.