We love our burritos and tacos, but sometimes we skip them for an indulgent pleasure: Carne asada fries! Ever tried this?
Carne asada fries are a simple and satisfying dish. They probably aren't especially healthy, but sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind and just live large — right? Right!
To make carne asada fries, you start out with a large handful of French fries and top them with thinly sliced marinated flank steak (or carne asada). Next comes large dollops of sour cream (optional), guacamole, and occasionally salsa or a little cotija cheese. It all gets piled on, just like you were creating nachos — but with a French fry base!
Recipes:
• Flat Iron Steak with Salsa Verde
• D.I.Y. Pico de Gallo
• Guacamole
There really aren't words to describe their glory. Sure, we could probably try, but they're really something you just have to experience for yourself. The whole thing can be rolled into a tortilla and eaten on the go if you want, though we suggest cutting back the fries a little so it all fits. They can be eaten family-style and prepared in one big heap, or in individual portions. It's a great way to feed a lot of people with inexpensive ingredients and come out with something filling and fabulous!
Are you a carne asada fry convert? Don't worry, you can thank us later!
Related: Recipe Roundup: Guacamole
(Image: Flickr member ChippyCheeky licensed for use by Creative Commons)

Comments (17)
Mexico's answer to poutine?!?!?!
I made these recently for my boyfriend as a thank-you for going to a "foodie" festival with me. He loved them so much that I videotaped him eating them, it was hilarious! I think that carne fries need melted cheese, though, not just cotija.
The Kitchn, killing my diet since 2010.
This is a staple in San Diego and SoCal! It's so freaking good! You can also try it in it's burrito form- California burrito. Also wonderful!
I like it better with pollo asada and without the sour cream.
the question is, what can't you put on fries? heh.
Yes, big in SD. You can also do the same with tortilla chips. Just order Carne Asada nachos.
This doesn't sound good at all. I would so much rather have them in nacos form. Or on tortillas.
We have a store called Smoke's Poutinerie here in Toronto.
Nacho Poutine is my favourite:
-Guacamole
-Sour Cream
-Salsa
-and GRAVY (I get the veggie gravy)
Sounds gross, I know, but it isn't
The divey Mexican place around the corner from us makes carne asada fries smothered in green chile and hceese. Oh Jesus. So Good.
mmmm, I seriously love Carne Asada fries! I've only had them once while on vacation in San Diego and had forgotten about them. Must make them soon!
San Diego staple available at every corner taco shop!!! Fab for soaking up too much tequila or after a morning surf. Classic that I crave every time I travel away from San Diego.
OMG this is one of my favorite late night (early morning?) treats here in San Diego. The best is when the fries are nice and crispy. I also know one spot that has a "fancier" version with steak fries/wedges.
I know what I am eating tonight!!
Brandon
I love carne asada fries and I agree the best versions tend to have the crispier fries!
Everyone has their own favorite spot in San Diego for them but I prefer them in a more portable version: California Burrito!
Yay for all the San Diego people chiming in! I love them too, although I actually prefer carnitas to carne asada. And they really should have lots of melty cheddar in addition to the salsa and guacamole.
I also prefer in burrito form. And from El Cotixan on Genessee.
Love this. For something similar, but a bit on the richer, more authentic side, try Peruvian lomo saltado (beef) or pollo saltado (chicken).
Taco Bell (in Canada only) has this thing called Fries Supreme which is so totally disgustingly delicious I can't even say. It's basically a taco on french fries. With melted "cheese". Maybe I like it because there are no Taco Bells in Montreal and I can only eat it when I am hungover at Christmas in Ontario. Either way, that fancy real Mexican version up there looks to die for.