Carne Asada Fries

Carne asada fries are a local San Diego specialty. But you can easily make them at home with oven baked fries, grilled carne asada and fresh ingredients. They’re perfect for parties, game days and whenever you’re craving a tasty appetizer or meal.

There are many things I love about Southern California – sunshine and gorgeous coastline, fresh farmer’s markets….and the most delicious Mexican food possible.

I’ve traveled quite a bit through Baja and there’s nothing that compares to a plate full of messy and delicious street tacos while you’re sitting on the side of the road, gazing out at the ocean and enjoying life.

Well, there is one thing that does come in a close second…as far as the food goes. Carne asada fries.

Carne asada fries might be known throughout SoCal (as Mexican hotspots in Los Angeles now offer them), but they’re really a San Diego classic. If you’re a native San Diegan, you know what I’m talking about. And if you’re not, let me introduce you to your new favorite gluten-free, corn-free nacho replacement.

Watch this Video of my Carne Asada Fries Recipe

Not only will I show you how to make the fries, but you’ll get some other delicious recipes ideas! Give it a watch.

How to Make Carne Asada Fries

Carne asada fries really are just that – a cross between loaded cheesy fries and nachos. But we’re making them a bit healthier. Because we’re starting with homemade oven baked fries that are golden and crispy with just a hint of paprika.

On top of those homemade fries comes a sprinkle of good quality cheddar cheese. I’ve never been a fan of yellow cheese (why do they make it yellow? milk isn’t yellow?) so I opt for organic cheddar cheese from happy, grass-fed cows that’s natural in color.

But let’s be honest, carne asada fries are really about the carne asada. And this Carne Asada is unbelievably flavorful as it’s marinated in a mix of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. After it’s marinated, toss it on the grill for 5-7 minutes each side, let it sit for 5 minutes, then chop it up into bite-sized pieces (and try not to eat it all up).

Pile the carne asada on top of the cheesy fries, then dollop some of my Best Ever Guacamole next to a dollop of sour cream. That’s it. Grab a fork, dig into it and imagine you’re in sunny San Diego. Enjoy!

More Healthy Mexican Recipes You’ll Love

• Ultimate Nachos
• Carne Asada Tacos
• Steak Fajitas
• Ceviche
• Grilled Fish Tacos
• Shrimp Tacos

Carne Asada Fries (Best Ever!)

5 from 13 votes

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Lisa Bryan

Print Pin Review

Carne asada fries are a local San Diego specialty. But this homemade version with baked french fries and grilled carne asada is just as delicious.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

1x2x3x

US CustomaryMetric

Carne Asada Fries

• ▢ 1/2 recipe carne asada
• ▢ 4 russet potatoes
• ▢ 2 tbsp avocado oil
• ▢ 1/4 tsp paprika
• ▢ 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ salt and pepper
• ▢ 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• ▢ 3 tbsp guacamole
• ▢ 3 tbsp sour cream

Instructions 

• Make the carne asada as per the those recipe instructions. Marinate the meat ahead of time, but you can grill it while your baking the fries.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees fahrenheit.
• To make the fries, slice each russet potato in half, then half again. Slice each quarter into strips, then slice the strips into equally sized fries.
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper and add the fries. You may need two baking trays to keep the fries on a single layer. Add the olive oil and spices and toss to coat.
• Bake the fries for 25-30 minutes and use a spatula to flip the fries halfway through.
• To serve, place the fries on a plate, sprinkle with cheddar cheese and add the carne asada. Top with a dollop of guacamole and sour cream.

Lisa’s Tips

• With the leftover 1/2 of Carne Asada, you should definitely make my Carne Asada Tacos.
• And for the guacamole, homemade is always better than store bought. Make sure to check out my Best Ever Guacamole recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 398.4kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 23.7g, Fat: 21.3g, Saturated Fat: 7.4g, Cholesterol: 68.2mg, Sodium: 210.3mg, Fiber: 3.3g, Sugar: 1.9g

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Carne Asada Fries, Carne Asada Fries Recipe

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Recipe originally posted January 2017, but updated to include new information.