Carne Asada Cheese Fries

Name: Carne Asada Cheese Fries
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika; 1 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 1/4 teaspoon sugar; 1 1 (22-ounce) package frozen French fries; 1 12 ounces skirt steak, trimmed if necessary; 1 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 4 ounces sharp cheddar (about 1 packed cup); 1 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 1 3–5 dashes hot sauce, such as Cholula (optional); 1 Cubed avocado; 1 sour cream; 1 cilantro leaves; 1 salsa; 1 and/or pico de gallo (for serving; optional)

From the kitchen of Carly

Crispy fries meet charred skirt steak in this loaded handheld that skips the sit-down dinner vibe. Paprika and garlic season everything; melted cheddar pulls it together. Fast enough for weeknight cravings, impressive enough for sharing.

Prep: n/a
Cook: n/a
Total: n/a
Servings: 4
Difficulty: medium

Ingredients

4 servings

11 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
11 1/2 teaspoons paprika
11 teaspoon garlic powder
11/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11/4 teaspoon dried oregano
11/4 teaspoon sugar
11 (22-ounce) package frozen French fries
112 ounces skirt steak, trimmed if necessary
12 tablespoons vegetable oil
14 ounces sharp cheddar (about 1 packed cup)
12 teaspoons cornstarch
11/2 cup evaporated milk
13–5 dashes hot sauce, such as Cholula (optional)
1Cubed avocado
1sour cream
1cilantro leaves
1salsa
1and/or pico de gallo (for serving; optional)

Instructions

Whisk salt, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, oregano, and sugar in a small bowl.
Spread fries on a rimmed baking sheet, toss with 1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt, and bake according to package directions, tossing halfway through.
Meanwhile, rub steak with remaining seasoned salt. Heat oil in a large (preferably cast iron) skillet over medium-high. Sear steak 2, 3 minutes per side for medium rare. Let rest 10 minutes. Thinly slice against the grain, then cut strips into 1" pieces. Transfer fries to a large platter; top with steak.
Toss cheese and cornstarch in a medium heatproof bowl. Pour evaporated milk over and cook in microwave on high 40 seconds. Whisk and continue to cook in 20-second increments, whisking in between, until melted and smooth (about 2 minutes total). Stir in hot sauce, if using.
Spoon cheese sauce over steak. Top with avocado, sour cream, cilantro, salsa, and/or pico de gallo, if using.