Carnitas and al pastor are popular Mexican meat dishes, but they differ in a few ways. Carnitas are made from braised pork cooked slowly until tender and crispy, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat. On the other hand, Al pastor involves marinating thinly sliced pork in a combination of spices, such as achiote, and cooking it on a vertical spit, giving it a distinct charred and smoky flavor. Additionally, while carnitas are often served in larger chunks, al pastor is typically sliced thin and served on tortillas with toppings like pineapple, onions, and cilantro.