Zesty California Burritos Recipe: A Sun-Kissed West Coast Delight

Sizzling streets of san diego inspired this legendary California burrito that packs a serious punch of flavor and tradition.

Crispy french fries tucked inside a warm tortilla create a mouthwatering masterpiece every food lover craves.

Loaded with tender carne asada and creamy guacamole, this burrito breaks all the classic rules.

Fresh ingredients blend into a handheld feast that delivers pure culinary excitement.

Bold and hearty, this recipe captures the essence of californian street food culture.

The combination of grilled meat, golden fries, and zesty salsa promises a dining experience you won’t forget.

Let’s find out this delicious creation and taste the magic of san diego’s most iconic street food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 850 kcal

Servings: 7

California Burritos Ingredient List

• Flank Steak, Skirt Steak, Sirloin Steak: Choose well-trimmed, high-quality cuts with minimal fat for tender, flavorful meat that absorbs marinades beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates a smooth, rich coating for the meat while preventing sticking during cooking.
• Limes: Adds bright, zesty acidity that tenderizes the meat and enhances overall flavor profile.
• White Vinegar: Provides additional tang and helps break down meat fibers for extra tenderness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify the meat's natural flavors and create depth.
• Garlic Cloves: Brings robust, aromatic intensity and provides classic Mexican cuisine undertones.
• Jalapeno: Delivers subtle heat and vibrant pepper flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Cilantro Leaves, Parsley: Introduces fresh, herbaceous notes that complement the marinade's richness.

• Tomatoes, Red Onion, Jalapeno: Classic pico de gallo components that create a bright, crisp, and slightly spicy blend.
• Lime: Adds citrusy brightness and helps balance the salsa's flavors.
• Cilantro, Parsley: Provides fresh, green aromatics that lift the entire salsa.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the raw vegetable flavors.

• Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable wrappers that hold all the delicious fillings together.

What Tools You Need for California Burritos

• Blender or food processor: Essential for creating smooth marinade quickly.
• Large baking dish: Perfect for marinating steak evenly.
• Fork: Helps tenderize meat by poking holes.
• Cast iron skillet or grill: Crucial for cooking steak to perfection.
• Cutting board: Ideal for resting and slicing meat against the grain.
• Frying pan: Used for sautéing burritos to golden brown.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing steak thinly.

Cooking Instructions for California Burritos

• Flavor Infusion Prep

Grab a large baking dish and pierce the flank steak thoroughly with a fork, creating pathways for maximum marinade absorption. This step transforms ordinary meat into a flavor-packed experience.

• Marinade Magic

Blend all marinade components into a silky smooth mixture that will coat every fiber of the steak. Let the meat luxuriate in these flavors inside the refrigerator for several hours, allowing deep penetration of spices.

• Cooking Preparation

Heat your grill or cast iron skillet to a robust medium-high temperature. Remove the steak from its marinade bath and generously season both surfaces with salt and pepper for an extra flavor punch.

• Meat Mastery

Grill the steak carefully, monitoring cooking time based on thickness and desired doneness. After cooking, let the meat rest peacefully on a cutting board, allowing juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

• Burrito Assembly

Lay out a warm tortilla and strategically place cheese, perfectly sliced meat, and crispy fries. Fold the tortilla into a compact, delicious package that promises pure satisfaction.

• Golden Finish

Sauté the burrito in butter until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown, creating a crispy exterior that crackles with every bite. Serve alongside fresh lettuce and zesty pico de gallo for a complete California culinary experience.

Tips to Make California Burritos Extra Flavorful

• Choose alternative cuts like skirt or sirloin if flank steak isn't available. Each cut brings its own unique texture and flavor profile to your California burrito.
• Swap out traditional ingredients with citrus juice, different herbs, or even beer for a surprising twist that enhances the meat's tenderness and taste.
• Experiment with various hot sauces or add jalapeños directly into the burrito for an extra kick of heat that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms, black beans, or plant-based protein to create a delicious meat-free version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Double-fry the potato fries for an ultra-crispy texture that adds an irresistible crunch to your California burrito. Season with garlic powder or cayenne pepper for an extra flavor boost.

Serving Style Ideas for Burritos

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Serve these California burritos with a vibrant array of fresh accompaniments that complement the rich, meaty flavors.
• Salsa Bar Spectacular: Create a DIY salsa station with homemade pico de gallo, spicy salsa verde, roasted tomato salsa, and cooling sour cream for guests to customize their burrito experience.
• Sidekick Sensations: Pair the burritos with Mexican street corn, cilantro-lime rice, or a crisp jicama slaw to add extra texture and bright, zesty notes that balance the hearty meat and crispy fries inside.
• Drink Pairing Perfection: Enhance the meal with an ice-cold Mexican beer, fresh margarita, or tangy agua fresca to cut through the richness and refresh the palate between delicious bites.

How to Store California Burritos

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Burrito Bundling: Wrap individual burritos tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave for best taste and texture.
• Meat Management: Store cooked, sliced flank steak separately in an airtight container within the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for maximum flavor and food safety.
• Prep-Ahead Power: Marinate steak and chop ingredients in advance, storing them in sealed containers. This strategy saves time and makes meal assembly quick and effortless during busy weekdays.
• Freezer Friendly: Assembled but uncooked burritos can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking, ensuring a delicious meal is always within reach.

Authentic California Burritos Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

California burritos deliver a West Coast twist on classic Mexican street fare. Crispy french fries, tender carne asada, and creamy guacamole create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5–2 lbs flank steak (or skirt or sirloin steak, trimmed of fat)
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (monterey jack or pepper jack)
• 6 10 or 12-inch flour tortillas
• 4 tomatoes (chopped)
• 0.5 cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 limes (juiced)
• 1 small red onion (diced)
• 1 handful fresh cilantro leaves or parsley
• 2 tbsps white vinegar
• 1 jalapeno (minced and seeds removed)
• 1 jalapeno (diced, seeds removed)
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Cooked french fries (Alexia Organic Yukon Gold)
• Shredded lettuce
• Sour cream
• Guacamole

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Pierce flank steak with a fork across its surface and immerse in a blended marinade mixture. Refrigerate for 6-8 hours to infuse deep flavors and tenderize the meat.
2. Preparation: Remove steak from refrigerator, allowing it to reach room temperature. Season exterior generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper while preheating grill or cast iron skillet to medium-high temperature.
3. Cooking: Sear steak for 5-10 minutes per side, using tongs to ensure consistent heat distribution and achieving desired doneness. Transfer to cutting board and let rest 5-10 minutes for internal juice redistribution.
4. Slicing: Cut steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness, creating ideal burrito filling with optimal texture and flavor profile.
5. Assembly: Warm tortillas and layer ingredients strategically – spread shredded cheese, arrange sliced steak, add crispy french fries, and sprinkle additional cheese to bind components together.
6. Finishing: Fold tortilla compactly, tucking sides to create sealed burrito. Melt butter in skillet and gently brown burritos seam-side down until achieving golden, crispy exterior.
7. Serving: Present burritos on fresh lettuce bed, accompanied by pico de gallo and optional garnishes like sour cream or guacamole for enhanced culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Let the steak absorb flavors for 6-8 hours to ensure maximum taste penetration and tenderizing of the meat.
• Temperature Control: Allow steak to reach room temperature before grilling to guarantee even cooking and prevent tough texture.
• Slice Strategically: Cut the cooked steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and create perfect burrito filling.
• Crispy Technique: Fold burritos tightly and cook seam-side down in butter to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in delicious ingredients.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 850
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 52g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg