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

Or, for weeknight ease, think fast, cooked proteins you can scatter on top: shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed steak, smoky black beans, crispy glazed tofu, shredded carnitas or gyro slices.

From Salon • Sep. 16, 2025

This one spot, El Cocinero in Van Nuys, makes homemade vegan carnitas out of jackfruit and homemade vegan cheeses, all the best Mexican food but with vegan options.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2025

I’m not sure if absence makes the taco heart grow fonder, but El Naranjo has stepped up its carnitas game since my last visit.

From Seattle Times • May 22, 2024

She laid out black-and-white cookies next to an Uno Attack card game and placed forks and knives next to the carnitas, chicken and tortillas that would be dinner.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2024

“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