Carne Asada Loaded Fries

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) flank steak 1 pound (450g) flank steak
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound (450g) frozen French fries 1 pound (450g) frozen French fries
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120g) pico de gallo (recipe below) 1/2 cup (120g) pico de gallo (recipe below)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• For the pico de gallo: For the pico de gallo:
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, lime juice, orange juice, and vegetable oil. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Place the flank steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the steak is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven according to the instructions on the frozen French fries package.
4. 4.
   Cook the French fries according to the package instructions until they are golden and crispy.
5. 5.
   While the fries are cooking, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
6. 6.
   Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
7. 7.
   Once the fries are cooked, transfer them to an oven-safe dish or baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the fries and place them back in the oven for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove the fries from the oven and top them with the sliced carne asada. Drizzle with pico de gallo and garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve the Carne Asada Loaded Fries immediately while they are still hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flank steak — For a more tender result, make sure to slice the steak against the grain.
• Pico de gallo — Adjust the amount of lime juice and salt according to your taste preferences. You can also add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can grill the fries instead of baking them.
• Customize your loaded fries by adding toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, or pickled jalapeños.
• If you prefer a spicier marinade, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the carne asada seasoning.
• To save time, you can use store-bought pico de gallo instead of making it from scratch.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the carne asada with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.

Serving advice

Serve the Carne Asada Loaded Fries as a main dish for a casual gathering or as a delicious appetizer for a Mexican-themed party. Pair them with a refreshing margarita or a cold Mexican beer for the ultimate experience.

Presentation advice

Present the Carne Asada Loaded Fries on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the pico de gallo and fresh cilantro to shine through. Garnish with additional lime wedges for squeezing over the dish before serving.