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Loaded Carne Asada Fries Recipe Easy Loaded Carne Asada Fries with Creamy Queso and Jalapeño Crema

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A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy fries topped with marinated carne asada, creamy queso, and a spicy jalapeño crema for a bold and satisfying flavor combination.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 4 cups frozen French fries or homemade fries
  • Salt, to taste
  • 8 oz white American cheese or Monterey Jack, shredded
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
  • Salt, to taste (for queso)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste (for jalapeño crema)
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, fresh diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Carne Asada: In a bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced steak and toss to coat well. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours.
  2. Cook the Fries: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread fries evenly on a baking sheet, season with salt, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
  3. Prepare the Jalapeño Crema: Blend sour cream, chopped jalapeño, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
  4. Cook the Carne Asada: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated steak in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Make the Creamy Queso: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Gradually add shredded cheese and milk, stirring constantly until melted and creamy. Stir in diced jalapeño and season with salt. Keep warm on very low heat.
  6. Assemble the Loaded Carne Asada Fries: Arrange fries on a platter. Scatter chopped carne asada over fries. Drizzle with warm queso sauce and then chilled jalapeño crema.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and pickled jalapeños if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking steak to ensure proper searing. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Melt cheese slowly over low heat to avoid clumping. Jalapeño crema tastes better after chilling for a few hours. For crispier fries, toss with oil before baking and flip halfway through. Let steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Store leftovers separately and reheat fries in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: carne asada fries, loaded fries, queso, jalapeño crema, easy recipe, Mexican, comfort food, game day snack