California Burrito
A San Diego classic, this hearty burrito is packed with juicy carne asada, crispy french fries, melty cheese, and fresh pico de gallo. No rice or beans needed for this flavor-packed meal, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Carne Asada
- b.In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, 1/4 cup cilantro, jalapeño, cumin, oregano, black pepper, vegetable oil, and 1 tsp salt.
- c.Add the flank steak, ensuring it's fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 4 hours. (Note: Marination time is not included in the prep time).
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare Pico de Gallo and Guacamole
- b.For the pico de gallo: In a small bowl, combine diced tomatoes, half of the diced onion, 2 tbsp cilantro, 1.5 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well and set aside.
- c.For the guacamole: In another bowl, mash the avocados. Stir in the remaining diced onion, 2 tbsp cilantro, remaining 1.5 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the French Fries
- b.While the steak marinates, heat the frying oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- c.Carefully add the frozen french fries in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fries to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately season with salt.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the Carne Asada
- b.Preheat a grill or a heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot.
- c.Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the marinade.
- d.Grill or sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for a medium-rare finish (internal temperature of 130-135°F or 55°C).
- e.Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This is crucial for a juicy result.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Chop the Steak and Warm Tortillas
- b.After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain, then chop the slices into small, bite-sized pieces.
- c.Warm the flour tortillas one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or in a microwave for 15-20 seconds until soft and pliable.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Assemble and Roll the Burritos
- b.Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface. Sprinkle a line of shredded cheese down the center.
- c.Top the cheese with a generous layer of hot french fries, followed by the chopped carne asada.
- d.Add a spoonful of pico de gallo and guacamole over the meat.
- e.To roll: Fold the two shorter sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then, holding the sides in, pull the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Continue rolling until you have a compact burrito.
- f.Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best sear on your steak, pat it completely dry with paper towels after removing it from the marinade.
- 2Use large, high-quality flour tortillas (at least 12 inches) that are fresh and pliable to prevent tearing.
- 3Assemble the burritos while the steak and fries are hot to ensure the cheese melts perfectly.
- 4Don't overfill your burrito. It's tempting, but it makes rolling nearly impossible and can cause it to burst.
- 5For an extra crispy, sealed burrito, place it seam-side down on a hot, dry skillet for 1-2 minutes after rolling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the carne asada with pollo asado (marinated grilled chicken) or al pastor (marinated pork).
Add CreaminessAdd Creaminess
Add a drizzle of sour cream or Mexican crema inside the burrito for extra richness.
Vegetarian VersionVegetarian Version
Replace the steak with thickly sliced, marinated, and grilled portobello mushrooms and use a vegetarian-friendly cheese.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or include minced serrano peppers in the pico de gallo for an extra kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The carne asada provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall body tissue.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocados, the main ingredient in guacamole, are packed with monounsaturated fats. These beneficial fats contribute to heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Provides Essential Minerals
Beef is a prime source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and crucial for preventing anemia. It also supplies zinc, a mineral vital for a strong immune system and wound healing.
Frequently asked questions
A typical homemade California Burrito is a very hearty meal, containing approximately 1100-1300 calories. The exact number depends on the size of the tortilla and the amounts of steak, fries, cheese, and guacamole used.
