Carne Asada Fries

If you've ever lived or visited Southern California (specifically San Diego) you will know all about Carne Asada fries. Any good Mexican (ok, Mexican AMERICAN) food location will have them. And if you don't know, let me explain them to you...

Sub out the tortilla chips for fries in your favorite nacho recipe and boom... Carne Asada fries.

This recipe features tender homemade Carne Asada, crispy fast food style fries, and cheese.... LOT'S O' CHEESE!

The options for toppings are endless, but here's how I made mine...

For the Steak:
1 1/2 lbs Flank or thin cut steak
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup orange juice
3 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 fresh jalapeno, diced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
dash of salt and pepper

Your favorite bag of fries (or homemade if you're ambitious)

Toppings:
1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack and cheddar cheese blend
diced red onion
pickled jalapenos
sour cream
salsa
freshly made guacamole

Start by making the marinade: In a large bowl whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, vinegar, honey, red onion, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, and seasonings. Pour into a baking dish or large Ziploc bag and place the steak inside. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for 3-4 hours, turning or mixing every 1 hour.
When time is up, remove steak from the fridge and heat up a grill or grill pan (being sure to spray lightly with oil).
Remove steak from marinade, allowing access liquid to drip off and place on hot griddle. I cooked my steak for 4-5 minutes on each side to receive a medium done-ness. Otherwise, cook the steak to your liking depending on the thickness.

Set cooked steak on a plate and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes, covered with aluminum foil, while you make the fries.
Fry in hot oil carefully or bake in the oven depending on your liking. Season with salt and place in a baking dish or oven safe plate.
Dice up carne asada in cubes.
Sprinkle fries with cheese and the diced steak.

Place under broiler or oven left heated from making the fries and cook just until the cheese melts.

Sprinkle fries with diced onion, pickled jalapeno, sour cream, guac, and salsa.

Enjoy this amazing dinner or snack! This would be the PERFECT addition to your Super Bowl table. The steak is super tender, the cheese oozy, and you get the little kick from the salsa and jalapenos.... MMMMM!