Craving a taste of the West Coast? This homemade California Burrito is a San Diego favorite you can make in your own kitchen! Packed with carne asada, melty cheese, creamy restaurant-style tableside guacamole, crispy seasoned Air Fryer Frozen French Fries, and sour cream-every bite is pure burrito bliss.
What is a California Burrito?
A California Burrito is a specific type of burrito that originated in San Diego, California sometime in the 1980’s. It’s known for its unique combination of French fries within the burrito itself, alongside other traditional fillings. California Burritos begin with a large flour tortilla topped with juicy, marinated steak and piled high with crispy taco seasoned fries, lots of shredded cheese, restaurant style guacamole, and sour cream – a flavor burst in every bite!
Ingredient Notes
Marinade
- Cilantro– fresh cilantro is best as it gives a light, citrusy flavor to the marinade.
- Lime Juice– the citrus helps tenderize the steak when marinating, you can also use lemons in place of the limes.
- Olive Oil– you can also use avocado oil if desired.
- Garlic– fresh minced garlic is always best, if needed, you can use the pre-minced jars.
- Jalapeno– freshly chopped, you can keep the seeds or remove them depending on heat preference.
- Salt/ Black Pepper– adds flavor to the marinade. Feel free to adjust based on taste.
Burrito
- Steak– California Burritos are always made with Carne Asada. You can use flank steak, skirt steak, or bottom round steak.
- French Fries– store bought or homemade work great. You’ll season them with taco seasoning or if you can find Carne Asada seasoning, that makes for yummy Carne Asada Fries in this recipe. I use my air fryer to cook the crispy air fryer French fries with lots of yummy seasoning.
- Cheese– any shredded cheese works great for this recipe. I use Cheddar cheese since I always have it on hand, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are great options. Freshly shredded results in the meltiest cheese!
- Sour Cream– full fat sour cream has the most flavor and creamiest texture, however, any type works. You can also use plain Greek yogurt.
- Guacamole– store bought works good, however, my tableside guacamole is the best and can even be served on the side with some chips!
- Tortillas– you’ll need the burrito size flour tortillas to make sure all your ingredients can fit inside without the tortilla breaking.
How to make California Burritos
Prepare the marinade using a food processor.…