carnitas

American  

[kahr-nee-tuhz, kahr-nee-tahs] / kɑrˈni təz, kɑrˈni tɑs /

plural noun

Mexican Cooking.

1. small or shredded pieces of crisp roast pork, eaten as a snack, used as a filling for burritos, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of carnitas

< Mexican Spanish, plural of carnita, equivalent to Spanish carn ( e ) meat (< Latin carnem, accusative of carō flesh, meat) + -ita diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

Use this guide to find the best tacos in L.A., spanning regional styles from Tijuana, Sinaloa, Mexico City and beyond, stuffed with carne asada, carnitas, birria, fish, potato and every filling you can imagine.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2025

A staple in Mexico City, this taco starts with a flour tortilla grilled with cheese until it forms a perfectly crispy, crunchy crust, then gets stuffed with unbelievably tender carnitas.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2025

Tons of just carne asada, carnitas and al pastor, steaks, burgers and lots of cheese.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2025

It was weekend carnitas tacos, hallacas around Christmas time, toaster-oven tostadas after school and so much in between.

From Salon • Jul. 16, 2023

“This is good for digestion and high cholesterol. After eating those carnitas tonight, we all need it.”

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez