Loaded Steak Fries with Shrimp

Loaded Steak Fries with Shrimp is the ultimate surf-and-turf dish, combining marinated steak, spiced shrimp, and cheesy fries for an unforgettable meal. Bursting with bold flavors and rich toppings, this indulgent recipe is a must-try for fans of hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite. The juicy grilled steak, smoky achiote shrimp, crispy fries, and gooey melted cheese create the perfect foundation. Topped with fresh jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, onions, and cilantro, it’s a complete and satisfying meal on one plate. Whether for game day, weekend indulgence, or a family gathering, this recipe turns classic fries into something extraordinary.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak & Marinade:

• 1 whole skirt or flap steak, separated into 2–3 pieces

• 2.5 tablespoons chipotle garlic rub (or your favorite steak rub)

• 2 tablespoons BLK FYR hot sauce (or favorite hot sauce)

• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

• Juice of 2 medium limes

• Juice of 1 navel orange

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

Shrimp & Marinade:

• 1–2 pounds shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed

• 2.5 tablespoons achiote paste

• 2.5 tablespoons chopped cilantro

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• Salt, to taste

Fries & Toppings:

• Cooked French fries

• 2–3 cups melted cheese queso

• Sliced jalapeños

• Sour cream

• Guacamole

• Chopped cilantro

• Chopped red onions

directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together all steak marinade ingredients. Add the steak, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the shrimp with its marinade ingredients. Mix well and let sit for 15 minutes. Drain off any excess marinade before cooking.

3. Preheat your grill to 400°F. Lightly oil the grates using avocado oil.

4. Grill the marinated steaks for about 4 minutes per side, or until they reach medium-rare (120°F internal temperature). Remove from grill and let rest.

5. Meanwhile, heat a cast iron skillet or plancha over the fire with a bit of oil. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, until they curl into a “C” shape. Remove and set aside.

6. Slice the rested steak against the grain, then cube it.

7. To assemble, layer cooked fries in a serving dish, drizzle with melted queso, then repeat for a second layer.

8. Top with the sliced steak, cooked shrimp, jalapeños, chopped red onions, cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole.

9. Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 people

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Marinade Time: 4 hours

• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped chipotle peppers or extra hot sauce to the cheese sauce or marinade for extra heat.

• Cheese Options: Swap queso for shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack.

• Tex-Mex Twist: Add black beans, corn, or pico de gallo to the topping for extra flavor and texture.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the steak and shrimp and top fries with grilled veggies, black beans, and queso.

• Loaded Nacho Style: Replace fries with tortilla chips and enjoy as loaded nachos.

storage/reheating

For best results, store the components separately. Keep the steak and shrimp in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture. Fries should be stored separately and reheated in an oven or air fryer to regain crispiness. Toppings like guacamole and sour cream are best added fresh before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, flank steak or ribeye also work well for this recipe if skirt or flap steak is unavailable.

Is there a substitute for achiote paste?

You can use a mix of paprika, cumin, garlic, and vinegar to mimic the flavor, though the color may differ.

How do I make homemade steak fries?

Slice russet or Yukon gold potatoes, soak in water with a bit of baking soda, dry thoroughly, season, and bake until golden and crispy.

Can I cook this indoors?

Yes, use a grill pan or cast iron skillet for the steak and shrimp. Bake the fries in the oven or use frozen fries as a shortcut.

Can I prep any part of this ahead?

Marinate the steak and shrimp ahead of time, and cook the fries and toppings just before serving for best results.

What queso works best?

A homemade or store-bought white queso made with Monterey Jack or a cheddar blend works well. Ensure it’s melty and pourable.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely—add hot sauce, extra jalapeños, or spicy cheese for more heat.

What’s the best way to keep fries crispy?

Bake or air fry until golden, then layer toppings just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Can I grill the shrimp on skewers?

Yes, skewering makes it easier to flip and cook evenly on the grill.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead and reheat just before assembling.

Conclusion

Loaded Steak Fries with Shrimp takes comfort food to the next level with bold flavors, juicy grilled meats, and indulgent toppings. It’s a surf-and-turf feast that’s surprisingly easy to pull off and guaranteed to impress. Perfect for sharing, this dish is a delicious way to bring people together around the table.

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