How could anyone make nachos more delightful? Simple: replace the tortilla chips with fries! Carne Asada Fries tops seasoned hearty and crispy fries with a melty, creamy, and sharp cheese sauce and beautifully seasoned steak strips. Savory, indulgent, and wonderfully customizable, Carne Asada Fries has everything you’d want from nachos dialed up to eleven. You never need to worry about leftovers when you make this!
Ingredients
For the marinade and steak:
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak
For the fries and cheese sauce:
- 1 (16-20 ounce) bag frozen seasoned fries, baked according to package directions
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
For the optional toppings:
- avocado, sliced
- pico de gallo, to taste
- sour cream, to taste
- cilantro, to taste
- jalapenos, sliced
Directions
Step 1 –Combine the lime juice, the orange juice, the olive oil, the garlic, the salt, the black pepper, the cumin, and the oregano in a mixing bowl.
Step 2 –Put the steak in a plastic, sealable bag and pour the marinade on top of it. If possible, allow the steak to marinate for 30 minutes. If possible, marinate for at least 6 hours and up to overnight.
Step 3 –Preheat the grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat.
Step 4 –Cook the steak to the desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare (135 degrees F).
Step 5 –Remove the meat from the heat and cover it with foil. Set the steak aside.
Step 6 –Cook the fries according to package directions.
Step 7 –As the fries cook, melt the butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan.
Step 8 –Add the flour and whisk for 2 minutes.
Step 9 –Add the milk and garlic salt and allow the mixture to thicken, whisking constantly, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 10 –Add the cheese to the saucepan in two batches to ensure it doesn’t burn, whisking constantly as you add it until the cheese is melted and a smooth sauce forms.
Step 11 –Cover and keep warm until the fries are cooked.
Step 12 –Once the fries are ready, slice the steak against the grain. This helps ensure the most tender meat.
Step 13 –Drizzle some of the cheese sauce over the fries and top with the steak.
Step 14 –Add more of the cheese sauce.
Step 15 –Garnish with your favorite toppings, and serve!