Delicious California Burrito Recipe

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, then you’ve probably heard of the famous California burrito. Flour tortillas are packed with delicious marinated carne asada, crispy French fries, avocado crema, Pico de Gallo, cheese, and sour cream! They are fulling and packed with amazing flavor!

The California Burrito is a San Diego specialty that has become a favorite among burrito enthusiasts. As the name suggests, it’s a burrito that originated in California and is filled with flavorful ingredients that make it truly unique.

We love Mexican food, tacos are a staple in our house, homemade fajitas are a favorite, but at the top of the list is this hearty and flavorful California burrito! I mean who can say no to grilled steak, Mexican cheese, guac, sour cream, fresh pico and French fries all wrapped in a warm tortilla??

While this recipe has A LOT of ingredients don’t be intimidated. I’ve included all of the steps to create this delicious California burrito recipe from scratch. It includes the carne asada marinade and rub, avocado crema recipe and pico de gallo recipe. There are a lot of ingredients but simple steps that create an amazing meal! You can always buy guacamole and pico for a quick and easy short cut!

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What goes in a California Style Burrito?

Tortillas– Large flour tortillas are the best wrapping for these burritos. They fit all of the delicious filling beautifully!

Carne Asada– Carne asada is a delicious marinated and freshly grilled flank steak or skirt steak, cooked to medium rare.

French Fries- Crispy fries top off the carne asada beautifully. You can use plain fries made fresh or from frozen, or doll them up and make them Mexican fries by adding spices like cumin, garlic powder,chili powder and cayenne pepper.

Avocado Crema or Guacamole– I prefer avocado crema for these burritos, it makes a tasty topping that blends well with the other ingredients. You can also use guacamole, fresh is best but you can use store bought too.

Pico de Gallo– Fresh pico de gallo adds a delicious fresh flavor to these California burritos. Made with with a splash of lime juice and fresh cilantro it adds a ton of freshness!

Shredded Cheese- You can use your favorite shredded cheese in these burritos. Cheddar cheese is a great option, shredded Mexican cheese is also delicious!

Sour Cream– Sour cream adds a delicious coolness and creaminess to these burritos.

Variations to this California Burrito Recipe-

These burritos can easily be personalized to your favorite flavors!

We like to use different varieties of salsa or pico de gallo to make this recipe My cucumber pico de gallo adds a delicious crunch and freshness or my pineapple pico de gallo adds a touch of sweetness! Dress up your burritos with your favorite!

Add more veggies– Shredded lettuce makes a great addition to these burritos. Sauteed peppers, onions and mushrooms add a tasty addition, corn or even black beans can add some delicious taste and texture.

Use different meat- While carne asada is the traditional meat for these burritos you can also use different meats. Thinly sliced chicken is delicious, pork is another great option, or you can even use seasoned ground beef.

What to serve with California Burritos-

These burritos are a complete meal on their own! But if you want to round out the meal there are several side dishes that go beautifully with them. Refried beans or Spanish rice are a delicious side. They are also tasty served up with a tasty side salad or your favorite steamed or grilled veggie.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe-

For the carne asada-

2- Lbs Skirt Steak or Flank Steak

For the marinade-

1/4 Cup Soy Sauce

1/4 Cup Fresh Lime Juice

1- Tbsp Brown Sugar

1- tsp Liquid Smoke

1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic

For the rub-

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Chili Powder

1/2 tsp Cumin

1/4 tsp Salt

Avocado Crema-

1- Ripe Avocado

1/2 Cup Sour Cream

2 Tbsp Mayonnaise

1/4 Cup Fresh Chopped Cilantro

1 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice

1/4 tsp Cumin

1/4 tsp Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp Salt

For the Pico de Gallo-

2 Cups Chopped Roma Tomatoes

1 Cup Diced Red Onion

1 Finely Diced Jalapeno

1/2 Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro

1/2 tsp Salt

Pinch of Pepper

1- 26 oz.- 32 oz. Package of Frozen French Fries (cooked according to package directions)

6-8 Large Burrito Size Flour Tortillas

1-2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Here’s how to make these California Burritos-

How to make the Carne Asada

To make the marinade-

Marinating the carne asada is the first step for the ultimate California burrito.

In a medium bowl mix together soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, liquid smoke and minced garlic.

Place the steak in an airtight container or zip top baggie pour the marinade mixture over top of the meat.

Place in the refrigerator to marinade at least 8 hours.

When you are ready to cook-

Place the salt, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl and stir together.

Remove the meat from the marinade and rub down both sides with the spice mixture.

Heat up your grill, griddle or cast iron skillet to high. Oil the grill or skillet to prevent the meat from sticking.

Cook the meat on high for 3-5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 130-140 you can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If you prefer your meat more cooked you can cook it to 145. You don’t want to overcook the meat or it will be tough.

Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Cut the steak against the grain in thin slices.

How to Make the Avocado Crema-

First cut the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit and skin, and chop the avocado into pieces.

Add the garlic and cilantro in the bowl of a food processor.

Add in the sour cream, mayonnaise and lime juice.

Finally add the chopped ripe avocado.

Pulse the mixture and process until smooth and well mixed, stopping to scrape down the sides and mix more. Process until it is the desired consistency, for thinner consistency just add a little bit of lime juice.

How to Make the Pico de Gallo-

After dicing your vegetables place the tomato, onion, jalapeno and cilantro in a large bowl. Gently stir to mix them.

Pour the lime juice over the top of the vegetables and sprinkle the salt over them. Stir again to evenly coat the veggies with the lime and salt.

How to Assemble the Burritos-

First warm the tortillas in the microwave. Cover with a moist paper towel and heat for about 30 seconds.

Place the tortilla on a plate or flat surface.

Place 3-5 strips of the carne asada in the center of the tortilla.

Top the meat with the french fries, and sprinkle with cheese.

Spoon pico de gallo over the fries and drizzle with avocado crema.

Fold in the ends of the tortilla first and then wrap the sides around the filling.

If desired preheat a skillet over medium high heat. Place the burrito in seam side down first and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flip and toast another 2-3 minutes.

Serve immediately.