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California Burritos Recipe

California Burritos Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

California burritos deliver San Diego’s legendary street flavor with crispy french fries tucked inside rich carne asada. Mexican-American fusion cuisine celebrates bold flavors and hearty ingredients that satisfy serious hunger cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.52 pounds flank steak (or skirt or sirloin steak, trimmed of fat)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)

Marinade Ingredients:

  • 0.5 cup olive oil
  • 2 limes (juiced)
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jalapeno (minced and seeds removed)
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro leaves or parsley

Pico de Gallo & Burrito Ingredients:

  • 4 chopped tomatoes
  • 1 jalapeno (diced, seeds removed)
  • 1 small red onion (diced)
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 6 10 or 12-inch flour tortillas
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack)
  • Cooked french fries (Alexia Organic Yukon Gold)
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole

Instructions

  1. Prepare the flank steak 6 to 8 hours before cooking by placing it in a large baking dish. Use a fork to create perforations approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) apart across the entire surface of the meat.
  2. Blend all marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor until achieving a smooth consistency. Thoroughly coat the steak with the marinade, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
  3. Prepare the additional ingredients by seasoning them with salt and black pepper according to personal taste preferences.
  4. Remove the marinated steak from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature. Preheat a grill or cast iron skillet to medium-high heat.
  5. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Cook the steak for 5-10 minutes on each side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Use tongs to flip the meat and ensure even cooking.
  7. Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute internally.
  8. Slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and create ideal burrito filling.
  9. Warm the tortillas slightly to increase flexibility. Layer shredded cheese on one side of the tortilla, followed by the sliced steak.
  10. Add crispy french fries on top of the steak, then sprinkle additional cheese to help bind the ingredients.
  11. Carefully fold the tortilla, tucking in the sides to create a tight, compact burrito.
  12. Melt butter in the same skillet used for cooking the steak. Gently place the assembled burritos seam-side down and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  13. Serve the burritos on a bed of fresh lettuce, accompanied by pico de gallo and optional additional toppings like sour cream or guacamole.

Notes

  • Marinate flank steak six to eight hours ahead for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
  • Blend marinade ingredients until smooth, creating a rich and complex seasoning base for the meat.
  • Generously season steak with salt and pepper before grilling or using a cast iron skillet for perfect caramelization.
  • Rest cooked meat for 5-10 minutes to ensure juices redistribute, guaranteeing succulent slices when cutting against the grain.
  • Layer tortillas strategically with cheese, meat, more cheese, and crispy fries before sautéing in butter until golden brown and crispy exterior develops.
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 785 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 830mg
  • Fat: 49g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg