Enjoy the iconic California burrito recipe at home. Filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and more, this San Diego favorite is easy to recreate.
Introduction: What is a California Burrito?
The California burrito is a legend in the world of Mexican-American fusion cuisine. Born and raised in the heart of San Diego, this burrito has made its way into the hearts of people everywhere. But what exactly is a California burrito, and why has it become so iconic?
At its core, the California burrito is a classic burrito with a twist. What sets it apart from its traditional counterparts is the addition of crispy French fries. These fries are wrapped up alongside tender carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa all rolled into a warm flour tortilla. While it may sound simple, the combination of ingredients and textures makes the California burrito a fan favorite that people crave from coast to coast.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about making the California burrito at home—from the origins of this iconic dish to step-by-step instructions on how to prepare and assemble your burrito just like a true San Diegan would.
The History of the California Burrito
To understand the California burrito’s place in culinary history, we need to trace its origins. The creation of the California burrito is often credited to San Diego, California. This vibrant coastal city is known for its diverse food culture, and it’s no surprise that a dish as innovative and unique as the California burrito would come out of this area.
In the late 1980s, taco shops in San Diego began experimenting with the idea of incorporating French fries into burritos. The result was a fusion of two beloved foods: the carne asada burrito and crispy French fries. As the dish gained popularity, it soon became a staple in taco shops across the city, spreading its influence to other areas of Southern California and beyond.
Many people argue that the California burrito was born in San Diego’s Mission Beach neighborhood, where local taco shops began to offer the dish to locals and tourists alike. Over the years, it has become a symbol of San Diego’s culinary creativity and its love for bold, delicious flavors.
Today, the California burrito is a must-try food for visitors to San Diego and remains one of the most famous dishes from the region.
Why is the California Burrito So Special?
The California burrito stands out because it marries two beloved comfort foods—carne asada and French fries—into one massive, flavor-packed meal. While many burritos rely on simple fillings such as beans, rice, and salsa, the California burrito goes above and beyond with its indulgent addition of crispy fries.
Here are a few key reasons why this burrito has garnered such a dedicated following:
- The Perfect Combination of Textures: The warm, soft tortilla wraps around the crispy fries, the tender carne asada, the melty cheese, and the creamy guacamole. Every bite offers a satisfying blend of crunch, chewiness, and creaminess.
- Bold, Flavorful Ingredients: The carne asada is marinated with a combination of tangy lime, smoky chili, and earthy cumin, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. The fries add an unexpected twist, offering a familiar yet surprising flavor profile.
- Customizable: Although the traditional California burrito consists of carne asada and fries, the beauty of this dish is that you can modify it to suit your tastes. Add extra guacamole, sour cream, or even pico de gallo for an extra layer of flavor.
It’s no wonder that the California burrito is such a hit among locals and visitors alike.
Essential Ingredients for the Best California Burrito recipe
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need to create the best California burrito at home. The key to a great California burrito is using high-quality ingredients and combining them in a way that balances flavors and textures.
1) For the Carne Asada:
- 1 lb flank steak (or skirt steak): Flank steak is a great choice for carne asada because of its tenderness and ability to absorb the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the meat cook evenly and adds flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Lime juice tenderizes the meat and adds a citrusy tang.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides a bold, savory base to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a smoky, spicy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Complements the chili powder with its earthy, warm notes.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Enhances the overall flavor and gives the carne asada a nice color.
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano: A small amount of oregano rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
2) For the Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for making crispy fries due to their high starch content.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For frying the fries to a crispy golden brown.
- Salt: To season the fries after frying.
3) For the Burrito:
- 4 large flour tortillas: These tortillas are large enough to hold all the filling while remaining soft and pliable.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For a gooey, melty texture that pairs well with the carne asada.
- 1/2 cup guacamole: The creamy avocado balances out the richness of the carne asada and fries.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy component that complements the richness of the other ingredients.
- 1/4 cup salsa: Adds freshness and a pop of flavor to the burrito.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the best California Burrito recipe
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making the perfect California burrito.
1. Marinate the Carne Asada
The first step to creating a flavorful California burrito is to marinate the carne asada.
- Combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined.
- Place the flank steak into the marinade and ensure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight.
- Allowing the steak to marinate overnight will help the flavors penetrate the meat more effectively, but a couple of hours of marinating time will still work.
2. Prepare the Fries
While the carne asada is marinating, you can prepare the fries. Crispy fries are an essential component of the California burrito, so be sure to get them just right.
- Peel and cut the russet potatoes into thin strips. Make sure the fries are uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
- Fry the potato strips in batches for about 5-7 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the fries on paper towels and sprinkle with salt immediately after frying to season them.
3. Grill the Carne Asada
Once the carne asada has marinated, it’s time to grill it. Grilling is the best method for cooking carne asada as it imparts a smoky char and locks in the juicy flavors.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the flank steak for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 130-135°F.
- After cooking, take the steak off the grill and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes.. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak even more tender.
4. Warm the Tortillas
To make the wrapping process easier, it’s essential to warm the tortillas so they become soft and pliable.
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Warm each tortilla for 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and flexible.
5. Assemble the Burrito
Now comes the fun part—assembling the burrito!
- Lay the warm tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Place a generous amount of grilled carne asada in the center of the tortilla.
- Add a layer of crispy French fries on top of the carne asada.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the fries.
- Spoon guacamole and sour cream onto the filling.
- Drizzle with salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Roll the Burrito
Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla to enclose the filling, then roll from the bottom up to form a tight, compact burrito. Be gentle, so the ingredients stay inside the tortilla.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While the classic California burrito recipe is unbeatable, here are a few variations you can try to make it your own:
- Add Pico de Gallo: For an extra layer of freshness and tang, add pico de gallo to the burrito.
- Try Different Proteins: Although carne asada is the most popular protein for this burrito, you can also use grilled chicken, carnitas, or even shrimp for a different twist.
- Customize the Heat: If you like a little heat, add jalapeños or hot salsa to your burrito for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Making a California burrito recipe at home is an incredibly rewarding experience. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy this San Diego favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen. From the tender carne asada to the crispy fries, every bite of this burrito is a mouthwatering treat. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or as a weekend indulgence.
Try making your own California burrito today and savor the delicious flavors of Southern California!