Carnitas refers to shredded roast or barbecued pork, eaten wrapped in baby tortillas , usually accompanied by marinated red onion slices, green sauce and chopped fresh onion and cilantro/coriander . Carnitas is Mexican for "little meats," this dish is simply small bits or shreds of well browned pork. It is made from an inexpensive cut of pork that's simmered in a small amount of water until tender, then finished by cooking the pieces in pork fat until nicely browned all over. Carnitas is one of the national specialties of Mexico.