California Burrito Recipe

Introduction

The California Burrito is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines juicy steak, crispy fries, and fresh toppings all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. This recipe brings the best of California’s vibrant cuisine together in one hearty dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
• 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound steaks (your favorite)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups cooked French fries
• 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pico de gallo
• 1 cup guacamole
• ¼ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
• Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine lime juice, garlic, kosher salt, ground cumin, and black pepper in a Ziplock plastic bag to create the marinade. Add the steaks to the bag, making sure they are well coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat until it begins to lightly smoke. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry. Cook the steaks about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare or until they reach 135°F internally. Remove from heat when about 10°F below target temperature and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Then slice thinly against the grain.
3. Step 3: While the steak rests, warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet until pliable and heated through.
4. Step 4: Lay out the warmed tortillas. Evenly distribute the steak slices, cooked fries, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, and guacamole on each. Add a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema if desired.
5. Step 5: For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped cilantro and drizzle hot sauce over the fillings. Fold in the tortilla edges over the filling and roll up tightly to secure the burrito.
6. Step 6: If you prefer a crispier burrito, place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a hot skillet and grill until golden brown on the outside.
7. Step 7: Serve hot with additional hot sauce on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use skirt or flank steak for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Substitute sweet potato fries for a slightly sweeter twist.
• Add pickled jalapeños for extra tang and heat.
• For a vegetarian option, replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu.
• Warm the sour cream slightly before adding to make it easier to spread inside the burrito.

Storage

Store leftover burritos wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, unwrap and warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy, or microwave briefly and then crisp in a hot pan.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for the California Burrito?

Yes, chicken, carne asada, or even carnitas pork work well as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time to suit the meat you choose.

What can I do to make the burrito less messy to eat?

Be sure to firmly roll the burrito and tuck in the edges tightly. Grilling seam-side down helps seal the burrito and makes it less likely to fall apart while eating.

California Burrito Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 122 reviews

This California Burrito recipe combines marinated and skillet-cooked steak with crispy French fries, melted cheddar cheese, fresh pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, and tangy sour cream, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. This flavorful burrito can also be lightly grilled for a golden, crispy exterior, making it a satisfying and hearty meal perfect for any time of day.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 burritos 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
• 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steak and Cooking

• 1 pound steaks (your favorite cut)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Burrito Assembly

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups cooked French fries
• 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pico de gallo
• 1 cup guacamole
• ¼ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
• Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Marinate: Combine fresh lime juice, chopped garlic, kosher salt, ground cumin, and freshly ground black pepper in a Ziplock bag. Place the steaks in the bag and ensure they are completely coated with the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 hour to enhance the flavor penetration.
2. Cook Steak: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat until it starts to lightly smoke. Remove the steak from the marinade, pat dry to prevent splattering, and cook steak approximately 2 minutes per side for medium-rare or until the internal temperature reaches about 125°F (to allow for carryover cooking). Remove from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute juices, then slice thinly against the grain.
3. Warm Tortillas: While the steak rests, warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat to make them pliable and enhance their flavor.
4. Assemble Burritos: Lay out the warmed tortillas and distribute steak slices evenly among them. Add cooked French fries, shredded cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and guacamole to each tortilla. Add a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema if desired.
5. Roll Burritos: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and drizzle hot sauce over the fillings if using. Fold in the edges of each tortilla and roll tightly to enclose the fillings, forming burritos.
6. Grill Burritos (Optional): For a crispy texture, place the rolled burritos seam-side down in a hot skillet. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Serve: Serve the burritos hot with additional hot sauce on the side to add more flavor if desired.

Notes

• Marinating the steak for at least one hour intensifies the flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Adjust the steak cooking time based on thickness and preferred doneness level.
• Use homemade or store-bought cooked French fries for convenience.
• Grilling the burrito is optional but adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall texture.
• Customize with extra toppings like jalapeños or sour cream as per taste preferences.
• For easier rolling, warm tortillas just before assembly to keep them flexible.

Keywords: California Burrito, steak burrito, Mexican fusion, French fries burrito, skillet cooking, hearty burrito