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Crispy baked steak‑cut fries topped with perfectly seasoned skirt steak, fresh pico de gallo, and melted white cheddar. A hearty Tex‑Mex inspired dish that turns ordinary fries into a loaded masterpiece.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
Loaded steak fries, often called "asada fries," originated in Southern California as a fusion of Mexican street tacos and American comfort food. They reflect the region’s blend of Mexican flavors (lime, cilantro, pico de gallo) with the indulgent appeal of loaded fries, becoming a popular late‑night snack and bar food.
In San Diego, the dish is commonly topped with carne asada, queso fresco and avocado. In Texas, you’ll often find it with chili, cheddar and jalapeños. Some versions add refried beans or sour cream for extra richness.
It is typically served on a large platter or wooden board, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sometimes a side of extra pico de gallo. Diners eat it with a fork, often sharing it as an appetizer or a hearty side.
Loaded steak fries are a staple at sports‑watch parties, casual gatherings, and late‑night taco runs. They also appear on menus for Cinco de Mayo celebrations and backyard barbecues where comfort and flavor are prized.
Authentic ingredients include skirt or flank steak, fresh lime juice, cilantro, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and a meltable white cheese like queso fresco or white cheddar. Substitutes can be sirloin steak, lime zest, parsley, canned pico, or Monterey Jack cheese without drastically changing the flavor profile.
Loaded steak fries pair nicely with classic tacos al pastor, chicken quesadillas, guacamole, and a cold Mexican lager or margarita. A side of Mexican street corn (elote) also complements the savory, citrusy flavors.
Common errors include overcrowding the fries on the rack, which steams them; not drying the soaked potatoes before coating; over‑marinating the steak which can make it mushy; and cooking the steak too long, resulting in a tough texture.
Cornstarch creates a thin, dry coating that absorbs less oil and forms a crisp crust when baked. It helps the fries stay crunchy even after being topped with wet ingredients like pico de gallo.
Yes. Prepare the pico de gallo and marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance. Store the baked fries in an airtight container and reheat in a 400°F oven for 5‑7 minutes before adding toppings and melting the cheese.
Use an instant‑read thermometer: 130°F for medium‑rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium‑well. The steak should have a nicely browned crust and feel firm but still spring back slightly when pressed.
The YouTube channel All Wings Everything specializes in bold, flavor‑forward American and Tex‑Mex comfort foods, with a focus on wing recipes, loaded fries, and hearty bar‑food style dishes presented in a fun, energetic style.
All Wings Everything emphasizes high‑energy, fast‑paced tutorials that blend classic Tex‑Mex flavors with over‑the‑top indulgence, often using larger portion sizes and creative twists like extra cheese blends, whereas many other channels focus on traditional, home‑style cooking techniques.
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