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

See Examples For:

carnitas

Taquería El Cabrito — The best carnitas tacos in the area, in my opinion, can be found at Taquería El Cabrito on Milwaukee’s South Side.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

And we can all also have delicious carnitas tacos while doing it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 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

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

“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