Tijuana Street Fries.
I’ve got a way to make your Monday better.
How about a little trip down to Tijuana?
Ok, ok, for most of us a little trip over the border is probably not possible, but we can eat like we are there, and then dream a little about it in the process.
Or at least that is what I did, because um, you know… it snowed all day yesterday. Surprise, surprise.
In full disclosure, I have never been to Tijuana, or Mexico either for that matter. The truth is this name just kind of popped into my head and I built a recipe off it.
I do know that street food is very popular down in Tijuana and that their food trucks are crazy awesome.
I feel like these fries are something that should be served down in Tijuana.
Also, let’s start counting how many times I say Tijuana throughout this post. Guaranteed it’s gonna be a lot, because well – it’s just a fun word. Especially on this cold, dreary and snowy Monday.
So, this recipe is kind of long. Like really long, BUT please do not let that scare you off because it is too good. While there are a lot of ingredients, most of them are dried spices. You obviously do not need to make your own fries, salsa and queso, but none of it is hard or time-consuming so if I were you I would try and go the homemade route, if you can.
Especially for the queso. It’s so simple and so good.
I was “this” (picture me pinching my thumb and index finger together) close to actually frying my fries, but then I just got lazy and decided to bake them. I guess it’s healthier this way, but if you want to try frying them I think that would be awesome too.
Alright, now I have to ask?
The people who have been to Tijuana, what’s it like? Please tell me your stories so I can live vicariously through you?? My Monday could really use some excitement.
Or just some more Mexican. That always seems to perk things up a bit.
I am thinking that with Cinco de Mayo being exactly a week from today that there needs to be some serious Mexican food going on over the next week. What do you think?
Oh, and have you guys noticed my back to back use of tequila on Mondays?
I think I need a little intervention….
Or maybe not. I mean, it’s Monday after all. We need something to get us through. Or maybe we should just all skip town and head to Tijuana for lunch?
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Tijuana Street Fries (Honey Glazed Chipotle Carnitas, Fries + Toppings).
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: chipotle, fries, honey
While there are a lot of ingredients, most of them are dried spices. You obviously do not need to make your own fries, salsa and queso, but none of it is hard or time-consuming so if I were you I would try and go the homemade route, if you can.
Ingredients
Pork
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder roast or butt
- 1 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt + pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup tequila or water
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 in large or 2 small chipotle chiles adobo minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
Salsa (or use your favorite salsa)
Fries
Queso
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 10 ounces oaxaca cheese shredded
- 10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 in chipotle chiles adobo minced
- fresh cilantro chopped
Toppings
- 2 avocados mashed with a pinch of salt and pepper, squirt of lime juice + chopped cilantro
- slices pickled or fresh jalapeno
- sour cream or greek yogurt
- fresh cilantro
- Cajita Cheese
Instructions
Pork
-
Combine seasonings (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, chipotle chili powder, oregano, cayenne, chili powder, garlic powder & cinnamon) together in a bowl and mix until combined. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Rub the pork all over with about 1/3 of the seasonings. Once hot, add pork and sear on all sides until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side).
-
Add the pork to the crockpot and sprinkle with remaining seasonings all over. Pour in water, tequila, orange juice, honey and chipotle chilies, then cook on low for 8-12 hours. Check once or twice if possible. Before serving, use forks or kitchen tongs to shred pork in the crock pot. Mix to combine with the remaining liquid in the crockpot. Keep warm until ready to use.
-
This can also be placed in an oven safe dutch oven and cooked at 350 degrees F for 3-4 hours or until tender. You may need to add more liquid during cooking. Shred as directed.
Salsa
-
Preheat your broiler to high.
-
Place the tomatillos on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Place under the broiler for 4-5 minutes or until the tomatillos are charred all over. Remove from the oven and place in a food processor or high powered blender
-
Use a pair of scissors to cut the stem off the chiles. Cut them open lengthwise and remove their seeds. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and place the garlic cloves (still in their paper/skins) near the edge. Place the chiles on the skillet. Working in batches, toast for 30 seconds or less per side. (Let the garlic continue to cook while you are toasting all the chiles).
-
Peel the skin away from the garlic and add the garlic + toasted chiles to a food processor with the tomatillos. Add the canned tomatoes. Puree until smooth. Stream in the olive oil. Season with salt and fresh cilantro. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
Fries
-
Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or grease with a little olive oil.
-
Cut each potato into very thin fries, lengthwise no more than a quarter-inch thick. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil. I think I used about 2 tablespoons. Add the salt and pepper and arrange the fries in single layer without crowding them (this is very important - I used two baking sheets).
-
Bake for 20 minutes, remove and toss, then bake for 15-20 minutes longer. I like to start checking them at 15 minutes and make sure that none are burning or getting too crisp.
Queso
-
Add the half and half and cream cheese to a medium size sauce pot. Bring the mixture to a low bowl and then reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring until the cream cheese is mostly melted. Add the shredded oaxaca and sharp cheddar cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth. Stir in the chipotle chiles and chopped cilantro. This can be made ahead and gently reheated on the stove or in the oven until smooth and creamy.
To assemble
-
Divide the fries among 4 plates or bowls and drizzle them with a little of the queso. Top each with a serving of carnitas and then dollop with some mashed avocado. Add sour cream or greek yogurt, jalapeño slices, cajita cheese and cilantro. Drizzle with the salsa + more queso. EAT!
Recipe Notes
*To make this recipe less involved feel free to use store bought frozen fries, salsa and queso if needed. I of course recommend going the homemade route, only if you have time though!
Yup, let’s do that. See you on the other side of the border!
Mexican food is my absolute FAVORITE! Ah, I’m all giddy about these, haha! I’ve never been to Mexico, but I sure do like to eat the food 😀 These look so so great!
Mine too! I love it!!
Thanks Rachael!
I live 9 miles from TJ. I used to go all the time. Not just there but down to Rosarito usually. It used to be a lot easier and less of a hassle but it’s still worth it. The stories are not fit to share on blog comments 🙂 It’s a great time, great food and drinks, and you just have to be smart about it all. Your images are gorgeous!
Like you I grew up in San Diego and mexico was my second home. Weekly trips to puerto nuevo for the lobster dinner, and trips to la bufadora bring back fond memories… And yes, the stories…..
I live in San Diego as well. I’m going to Rosarito/Ensenada next weekend and don’t plan to be able to share any of those stories. Kidding. I’m kind of an adult now. Tijana is much safer to go now, and definitely has great street food. Carne asada fries, similar to your recipe here, is very popular in San Diego as well, especially after a night of drinking. It was my go-to food in college. You need to put Mexico (and San Diego) on your list of places to visit! Love this recipe and your photos!
Thanks Darcie! Have fun on your trip!!
As others have posted, living in San Diego, carne asada fries are our thing, and don’t get me started on the California Burrito…. Noms noms … Anyway, There is an amazing resterunt here in San Diego that occasionally does a pork version similar to this, it’s called Carnitas Snack Shack. You definitely need to come on down and try the delicious Mexican food both in SD and TJ. I was lucky enough to try Mexican street food in Mexico City and my mind was blown! Mexican food is so amazing and it varies in incredible ways depending on what region you are in. People in San Diego are proud of our Mexican food and Mexican food hybrids and for good reason, we are so lucky to have best of both worlds!
Sounds super fun! 🙂
9 miles! Sounds like an awesome time!
Thanks so much, Averie! I appreciate the comment! 🙂
Thanks for sharing. Street food is my favorite! I never thought about eating carne asada fries in Tijuana before, but after reading your blog, I’m dying to try! I just love walking around Tijuana and exploring all the different eateries, markets, and shops!
Tijuana’s an amazing place to visit with so much to eat, see, and do! I actually just started offering food tours in Tijuana, so come check us out (Wild Foodie Tours) sometime for an authentic food and cultural adventure!
Awesome! Thanks so much Albert!
Yup, you’re right. This has pretty much made my Monday. I’m absolutely starving + craving these and it’s only 10am!
Ya! That makes my day! Thanks so much, Kathryn!!
Now that is a sight for tired, Monday eyes! I’m not sure if these fries are an acceptable pre-gym food…but I’m going with it since it then totally cancels out any of the calories right? YES. Pinned!
Haha! Thanks Taylor! Hope your Monday was good! Thanks for pinning!
Yea, I would make this in a heartbeat, it’s just my thing! Can’t wait to try these Tieghan, love the photos too!
Thank you, Kathy!! 🙂
Your post caught my eye. We lived in Tijuana for 3 years and I am always craving the food. Every taco stand has awesome comfort food served up with love.
Your recipe does fit the Tijuana vibe!
Karen
Oh ya! So glad you approve!! Thanks Karen!
I adore tomatillos and salsa verde..I could drink the stuff it’s so good and these fries look awesome. I’ve been to Tijuana when I lived in Santa Monica and the besides being quite festive…they make a killer Caesar salad…supposedly Caesar salad was invented there and the flan….so good. You’ll have to go one day
Ha! I read about the caesar salad online! Sounds awesome!
Thanks!
Love your animated GIF! Holy smokes, these fries look epic!!
Thanks Ali!
These look incredible! Love the animated image too, so fun 🙂 I need these!
Thanks Amanda!
same feeling as Ali – Loving the GIF!! such a fun edition to your already amazing photos 🙂
dear god ADDITION. help me lord, it’s Monday 😉
Thnaks! So happy you all love the gif!
These fires look crazy good. I live in San Diego (4 yrs), very close to TJ (as the locals call it) but have never been. It’s not very safe but now that I know Averie went maybe I will try. Mexico is so beautiful and lucky to get great cuisine in SoCal.
I am so jealous of where you live. Sounds incredible. I need to visit! 🙂
Thanks Liz!
The pork alone is insanely amazing!!! I want all of this. Fries are my weak spot!
THNAKS Liz!! 🙂
Wow – just Wow!!
Thank you!
I would even eat these separately, like pork on side and salsa on top. I love the flavors, FLAVOR explosion! You best believe I am trying this marinade!!
Thanks Sophia!!
Oh my goodness, love street food, this looks like a dish made from the heart.
Thanks so much, Cheri!! Hope you had a great start to the week!
I have been to Tijuana and I have to say, I’d much rather visit these fries.
Ha! I do hear it’s a little scary, but I am pretty sure you can handle it like a pro! 🙂
Thanks Jackie!
Yeah, I’m going to need a basket…..or two.
Thanks Lauren! Hope you had a great start to the week!
These. Look. So. Good….
Loving the layers of deliciousness on top of the fries! And I always bake my fries–it’s just so much easier. Though my new goal is crispy fries on the grill.
Abby
p.s. Sorry about your snow. You might want to consider moving to the tropics for a year to detox lol.
Yes!! I need to move to the tropics for a year. That sounds AMAZING! 🙂
Thanks so much, Abby!
I might just show up at your house for lunch today because I need these fries in my life!
Please do!! I need a foodie friend in this house! 🙂
Oh, my, goodness… That is the way fries are meant to be devoured.
Haha! Agreed! Thanks!
Oh my goodness, I pretty much want to face plant into those fries!
Hehe! Than my job is done! 🙂
Thanks Jessica!
I cook a lot. I love to cook. And I have to say, on pintrest, you are my absolute favorite to pin from. Seriously, you should write a cookbook and make money, you could!! And your so young!! Serious cash!! Cookbook!! I would buy it! Love your stuff!!
THNAK YOU!!! That means so much!!
Not sure about a cookbook, but we will see. Thanks again!
My parents took my to Tijuana when I was 4, I can’t remember much about it. I’m not nearly as adventurous as they were, there’s no way I would take my kids! I would however love a huge plate of these fries, out of this world!
Haha! I am hearing its not such a safe place!
Thanks so much, Miss!
Oh man, I could really use a big bowl of these in my life right now.
Wish I could share some! Hope you had good Monday!
You sure did make my Monday better! Just looking at these pictures made me smile – so delicious!!!
Ya! That makes me happy! Thanks Cate!
these are PRETTY spectacular!
Thanks Julianne!
Your photo is making my mouth water. This recipe sounds fabulous and I can’t wait to try it. I haven’t been to Tijuana either. Maybe one day.
Your photo’s make my mouth water too! Reminds me of carne asada fries in San Diego. You could do a twist on this and throw it all in a burrito- fries in a burrito in SD is called a California burrito, but most Californians don’t look like they are putting fries in the burritos!
I have heard of that and was so close to doing it, but I don’t know then I didn’t. It’s next on my list!
Thanks!!
I saw your post this morning and since than I thought about these all day!! Need to make these soon!
Thank you!!
Wow. those look amazing! I also love the time lapse video/picture of the assembly… I kinda stared into it for a good few minutes before I remembered real life. 😉
Thanks for the visuals!
Thanks!! Happy you like the photos!
Okay, so this is better than anything I’ve ever had in Tijuana, that’s for sure. I’m dying for these!
Thanks so much, Dorothy!!
Made it tonight and it was amazing! I used ground pork instead just because I don’t care for shredded meat. SO….yummy!
So happy you loved this dish!! Thanks!
So I’ve been to Tijuana three times AGES ago, and it was just Mexico with no frills. Mechanical bulls, and authentic food. I don’t recall seeing anything there that looked THIS good, however. These truly are some of the best fries I’ve seen!
Thanks Marcie!!
Oh my goodness this sounds amazing! Pulled Pork, fries, spicy queso and guacamole?! I should never read your blog when I’m hungry because I immediately want the food in the pictures! Looking forward to trying this one out 🙂
Thank you so much, Maria! Hope you love these fries! 🙂
I would love these fries regardless of whether it involves Tijuana. LOL!
Thanks!
Do you ever get bored of being told how epic your photography is? Just wow. And this recipe is really speaking to me, as a vegetarian I could totally sub seitan for the pork and roll with it. Bottle of beer, backyard on a summers day, BOOM. 🙂
Aww! Thank you so much! I have never had seitan, but I bet that would work awesome!
Thanks again!! 🙂
Pork is in the crock pot and I am fixing to make the salsa! I would like to do these in wraps minus the fries. Any suggestions? Burritos, fajitas…how would you prepare? Open to eating them with forks…
I did wrap the pork in a burrito, put generous salsa in a casserole, laid the burritos on top, drizzled with queso and heated in oven. AMAZING flavors in all components. Crazy good. How long will the queso keep? It made a LOT and we went light on it. Seriously one of the best things I have put in my mouth in a long time!! Was skeptical about the salsa, but WOW!
Oh, couldn’t find Oaxaca cheese so I used a Mexican melting cheese instead. Same thing?
Well done!
Thrilled you loved this!! The queso will last 4-6 days in fridge. And yeah, I think mexican melting cheese is pretty similar.
Thanks so much! 🙂
Oh sorry, I think I am late on this one. If not, I would go fajita style with some peppers. That would be awesome!
Hope you loved this!
Thanks!
Just wanted to let you know, we loved this recipe so much we featured it on our list of 7 Over the Top(pings) French Fry Recipes! Thanks for sharing your Tijuana Street fries, we’re big fans!
Thanks!!
Okay I stared/drooled at these for waay too long.
🙂
Thanks!!
Where in Tijuana can you buy these fries
You are a girl after my own heart!
I have to laugh because every time I visit Foodgawker it is ALWAYS your posts that I am drawn to, like a magnet.
Thank you for the continual inspiration.
Wow! Thank you so much!! 🙂
These are basically carne asada fries. They look good though!
Thank you!
Looks yummy, can’t wait to try this out
Thank you Leashy!
Hi Tieghan, Literally just found this recepe online and ran to the market to grab the ingredients. Hope it comes out good
That is so amazing! I hope this turns out so well for you! xTieghan
Kids loved it. very good and easy recipe, i tried it last night
Thank you Elina! I am so glad you all enjoyed this! xTieghan