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

Ayala-Uribe’s family has organized a fundraiser, selling tamales, carnitas and pozole on Saturday, to raise money for his funeral.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 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

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

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