Taco Tuesday just got Upgrade!

Who needs boring shells when you have PROTEIN STYLE?! This epic creation features Al Pastor Diced Pork from Costco's Isernio Sausage, all the fixings, and a melty cheese symphony on top. Fresh corn, refried beans, and pickled onions add the perfect crunch, while candy jalapeños (thanks Tacoma Boys!) bring the heat! ️

Leftover Al Pastor Diced Pork is a dream! Use it in salads, burritos, or even scrambled eggs for a protein-packed and flavorful twist!

Ingredients:

Base:

1 package Isernio Sausage Al Pastor Diced Pork (Costco Wholesale)
Protein Style Chips (your favorite brand)

Melty Goodness:
- Mexican Shredded Cheese (amount to your preference)
- Canned Diced Green Chilies (optional)
Flavor Bomb Toppings (pre-cooked):
- Fresh Corn (kernels or cobs, your choice!)
- Refried Beans (homemade or canned)
- Pickled Red Onions (store-bought or quick pickled at home)
- Candy Jalapeños (we love Tacoma Boys, but any brand works!)
Freshness Fiesta:
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
- Tacoma Boys Guacamole (or your favorite recipe)
- Cilantro Lime Crema Everything Sauce (or a combination of sour cream, lime juice, and chopped cilantro)
- Limes
- Fresh Avocado

PREP AND COOKING:

Prep the Protein: If using a crockpot, follow the instructions for cooking your Al Pastor Diced Pork. Otherwise, cook according to package directions.

Warm Up the Party: Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Assemble Your Masterpiece: On a baking sheet, arrange your protein style chips. Top with shredded cheese, diced green chilies (optional), and warmed Al Pastor Diced Pork.
Bake to Melty Perfection: Pop those beauties in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The Grand Finale: While the base gets melty, prepare your fresh toppings.
Unleash the Flavor: Take your masterpiece out of the oven and unleash the flavor party! Top with your favorite salsa, sour cream, guacamole, crema, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Don't forget the fresh corn, refried beans, pickled onions, and those delicious candy jalapeños for a touch of heat!

Tips:

Want to add some smokiness? Briefly broil your assembled dish for the last minute of cooking.
Get creative with your toppings! This recipe is all about customization. Add shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, or even pineapple for a Hawaiian twist.
Make it a family affair! Set up a taco bar with all the fixings and let everyone build their dream taco.

Al Pastor's flavor profile is a delicious combination of sweet, savory, smoky, and earthy notes. Here's a breakdown of the key contributors:

Sweetness:

Pineapple: Traditionally, marinated al pastor includes pineapple chunks, which add natural sweetness and help tenderize the meat. Pineapple juice is also often used in the marinade.
Achiote Paste: This paste, made from annatto seeds, adds a subtle sweetness and a vibrant red color to the dish.

Savory:

Pork: The base of al pastor is typically pork shoulder or loin, which provides a rich, savory flavor.
Chiles: Guajillo chiles are commonly used in the marinade, contributing a smoky and slightly earthy depth. Other chiles like ancho or chipotle can also be included for additional complexity.

Smoky:

Cooking Method: Al pastor is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie called a trompo, similar to shawarma. This method allows the meat to be seared by the flames, imparting a smoky flavor.
Achiote Paste: In addition to sweetness, achiote paste can also add a hint of smokiness.
Liquid Smoke (Optional): Some recipes incorporate liquid smoke for a more pronounced smoky taste.

Earthy:

Spices: Cumin, oregano, and cloves are common spices used in al pastor marinades, adding depth and warmth.
Chiles: The earthy notes of guajillo chiles contribute to the overall flavor profile.

By combining these elements, al pastor achieves its unique and irresistible flavor profile.

This protein style taco creation is sure to become a Taco Tuesday favorite. With its ease of preparation and endless customization options, it's a recipe you'll come back to again and again. So ditch the shells, grab your favorite protein style chips, and get ready to

savor the zest!