Game day or Cinco de Mayo, these easy Carne Asada Fries are the perfect party starter! Topped with velvety nacho cheese sauce, they're seriously addicting.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time25 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer, lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: carne asada, french fries, nachos
Servings: 6
Calories: 605kcal
Author: Kellie
Cost: $10
Equipment
baking sheet
Ingredients
For the Carne Asada:
2 1/2poundsflank steak or skirt steak
1orangejuiced and zested
3limes juices and zested
1 1/2tablespoonsolive oil
6garlic clovesminced
1 1/2tablespoonsMexican oregano
1tablespoonchili powder
1/2tablespooncumin
1/2teaspoonkosher salt
1/2teaspoonfreshly cracked pepper
1/4tablespooncayenne pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
2tablespoonsbutter
2tablespoonsall purpose flour
1cupmilk
2cupsgrated cheddar cheesefreshly grate the cheese because grated cheese from the store has anti caking agents that can cause the sauce to become lumpy or break.
1/2teaspoonground cumin
1/4teaspoonground cayenne
1/4teaspoonkosher salt
For the Fries:
1 28ouncebag frozen fries
1cuppico de Gallo
1/4cupsour cream
1/4cupguacamole
1/4cupdiced red onion
1/4cupsliced grape tomatoes
1/4cupchopped green onion
1/4cupchopped cilantro
1jalapenosliced (optional)
Instructions
Make the Carne Asada:
Whisk together the orange juice, zest, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper and cayenne to combine.
Place the steak in a large zip top bag or baking dish.
Pour the marinade over the steak and seal the bag or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap.
Refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the grill to medium high heat.
Remove the steak from the marinade and season with salt and pepper. Discard the remaining marinade.
Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side depending on the desired degree of doneness.
Remove the steak and rest for 5 minutes.
Cut into bite sized pieces and set aside.
Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook until the mixture starts to turn a golden brown.
Slowly add the milk, continuing to whisk while adding.
Turn the heat to low. Stir in the cheese, cumin, cayenne and salt.
Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth, approximately 5 minutes.
Keep Warm
Make the Fries:
While the meat rests, bake the fries according to package instructions. (I like mine extra crispy so they hold up to all the toppings which usually requires an additional 5-10 minutes baking time.)
Arrange the baked fries in a skillet or on a serving platter.
Top eat fries with carne asada, pico de Gallo, sour cream, guacamole and drizzle with the cheese sauce.
Sprinkle the fries with red onion, tomatoes, green onion, cilantro and jalapeño.
Serve immediately with extra cheese sauce for dipping.