Carnitas is a Mexican preparation of pork in which large pieces of pork — typically shoulder and leg — are slowly braised or simmered in lard or their own fat until tender, then crisped. The result is juicy, pull-apart meat with crispy caramelized edges. It is one of the most beloved taco fillings across Mexico and Mexican communities worldwide.
Names by country
| Country | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | Carnitas | Widely available in Mexican-American restaurants and taquerías across the US |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Carnitasprimary | A preparation as much as a cut — typically made from pork shoulder or leg slow-cooked in lard, a Michoacán specialty |
| 🇮🇹Italy | Carnitas | Mexican preparation rather than a butchery cut; not part of Italian tradition. |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Carnitas | Mexican preparation rather than a butchery cut; not part of German tradition. |
Find Carnitas near you
Ask your butcher for Carnitas. It's most likely to be stocked by a Mexican butcher or Latin market.
Find a Mexican butcher or Latin market near youOpens Google Maps at your location. Availability varies by shop — call ahead for specialty cuts.
