Protein, Tacos, and Mesquite Flavor: Why Protein Is a Big Deal at Backyard Taco

What Is Protein?

Protein is one of the key nutrients our bodies need every day. Along with carbohydrates and fats, it is considered a macronutrient, meaning the body requires it in larger amounts to function properly.

Protein is made up of smaller components called amino acids. These amino acids act like building blocks that help form muscles, skin, hair, and organs. They also play an important role in producing enzymes, hormones, and antibodies that help regulate many of the body’s daily processes.

Some amino acids can be produced by the body, but others must come from the foods we eat. Because the body does not store large amounts of protein, it is important to include protein-rich foods in your diet regularly.

Why Is Protein Important?

Protein helps the body grow, repair itself, and stay strong. It supports muscle development, helps heal injuries, and plays a role in maintaining healthy bones and tissues.

It is also essential for everyday functions. Protein helps create enzymes that support digestion, hormones that regulate body systems, and antibodies that help the immune system fight illness.

Without enough protein, the body can feel weak, recovery can slow down, and the immune system may struggle to keep up. That is why protein has become such a popular topic for people focused on fitness, strength training, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

The good news is that protein can be found in many foods that people already enjoy every day.

What Are Sources of Protein?

Protein comes from a wide range of foods. Animal-based proteins include meats like chicken, beef, pork, and turkey, as well as fish and seafood. Eggs and dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are also common sources.

These animal proteins are often referred to as “complete proteins” because they contain all of the essential amino acids the body needs.

Plant-based foods can also contribute to daily protein intake. Beans, lentils, chickpeas, nuts, seeds, and certain grains all provide protein. Foods like tofu, tempeh, and quinoa are also popular protein sources for people who follow vegetarian or plant-forward diets.

Many traditional cuisines naturally include protein-rich ingredients. Mexican cuisine is a great example.

Protein in Mexican Cuisine

Protein has been part of Mexican cuisine for centuries. Long before Spanish colonization, Indigenous cultures in the region relied on foods such as turkey, fish, rabbit, and deer for protein. These were often served alongside staple ingredients like corn, beans, squash, and chili peppers.

When Spanish settlers arrived in the 1500s, they introduced new animals, including cattle, pigs, goats, and chickens. These meats quickly became an important part of Mexican cooking and helped inspire many dishes we recognize today, including carnitas, barbacoa, and carne asada.

Over time, tortillas made from corn and later flour became a perfect way to hold these flavorful proteins. Tacos, burritos, and other handheld dishes made it easy to enjoy grilled meats with fresh toppings, beans, and salsas.

Mexican food continued to evolve, and gatherings centered around grilled meats became an important tradition.

Many families and communities host “asadas,” celebrations where friends and relatives gather to grill meats, enjoy fresh tortillas and salsas, and spend time together.

Those gatherings are a big part of the story behind Backyard Taco.

The Backyard Taco Story

The origins of Backyard Taco go back to Ruben and Marisela Alvarez cooking for family and friends in their own backyard.

They would grill meats over mesquite wood, creating the rich smoky flavor known as tacos al carbón. Before long, neighbors started noticing the incredible aroma drifting through the neighborhood. People began stopping by, hoping to taste the freshly grilled carne asada and pollo.

What started as backyard gatherings quickly grew into something bigger. Today, Backyard Taco continues that tradition by serving mesquite-grilled meats that bring people together around authentic Mexican flavors.

And at the center of it all is protein.

What Kind of Protein Can You Find at Backyard Taco?

At Backyard Taco, protein is at the heart of the menu. Our signature meats are grilled over mesquite, creating the bold flavor that made BYT famous.

Some of the most popular protein options include:

These meats can be enjoyed in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and bowls, allowing guests to build a meal that fits their appetite and taste preferences.

Protein also appears throughout other parts of the menu. Beans provide additional plant-based protein, while melted cheeses used in dishes like quesadillas and quesabirrias add both flavor and extra protein to your meal.

Together, these ingredients create meals that are both satisfying and full of the bold flavors Mexican cuisine is known for.

High-Protein Meal Ideas at Backyard Taco

If you’re trying to increase your protein intake, Backyard Taco makes it easy to build a meal that fits your goals. Because so many menu items start with mesquite-grilled meats, you can naturally create protein-packed combinations without sacrificing flavor.

One of the simplest ways to enjoy a high-protein meal is with tacos filled with carne asada or pollo asado. These meats are grilled fresh over mesquite, giving them the smoky flavor that Backyard Taco is known for.

Burritos are another great option for guests looking for a more filling meal. Burritos combine grilled meats with beans, cheese, and tortillas, which together contribute additional protein while creating a balanced and satisfying dish.

For guests looking to keep things simple, tacos paired with a side of beans can also deliver a protein-rich meal. Beans provide plant-based protein and are a staple ingredient in many traditional Mexican dishes.

Another favorite option is quesabirria. This dish combines slow-roasted birria with melted cheese inside a tortilla, delivering both flavor and additional protein from the cheese and meat combination.

Because the menu offers a variety of meats, tortillas, beans, and toppings, guests can easily create meals that work for their appetite, their taste preferences, and their nutrition goals.

Introducing Backyard Taco Protein Cups

One of the best things about Backyard Taco is how easy it is to customize your order.

Guests can add extra meat to quesadillas, burritos, and bowls to increase their protein intake while enjoying the same authentic flavors. Adding carne asada, pollo, or birria can quickly turn a meal into a protein-packed option.

Another simple way to add protein is by including beans or cheese with your order. Beans provide additional plant-based protein, while cheese contributes both flavor and extra protein to dishes like quesadillas and quesabirrias.

Guests looking for a quick protein boost can also add one of Backyard Taco’s Protein Cups.

Protein Cups include a 4-ounce serving of freshly prepared meat, making them an easy way to add extra protein to your meal.

Guests can choose from:

It’s a simple way to enjoy more of your favorite Backyard Taco proteins while fueling up with bold flavor.

Protein, Flavor, and Tradition

Protein may be trending in modern nutrition conversations, but in many ways, it has always been part of the heart of Mexican cuisine.

From backyard asadas to mesquite-grilled tacos, protein-rich ingredients have long brought people together to share food, flavor, and community.

At Backyard Taco, that tradition continues every day with freshly grilled meats, authentic recipes, and meals that are made when you order them.

Whether you’re stopping in for tacos, enjoying a burrito, or adding a Protein Cup on the side, there are plenty of ways to enjoy bold Mexican flavor while getting the protein your body needs.

Visit one of our Backyard Taco locations across the Phoenix Valley or order online today to experience the flavor of tacos al carbón.