Main Course · African · Dinner ·

Ethiopian Kitfo with Spicy Berbere and Butter

Name: Ethiopian Kitfo with Spicy Berbere and Butter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 500g lean beef, minced finely; 3 tablespoons Niter Kibbeh; 2 teaspoons Berbere spice mix; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 clove garlic, minced; 250g unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds; 1 teaspoon cardamom pods; 1 cinnamon stick; A pinch of grated nutmeg; 3 cloves; 1 small onion, finely sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons paprika; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground allspice

Kitfo is a classic Ethiopian dish made from finely minced raw beef, seasoned with a blend of vibrant spices and clarified butter, creating a savory sensation that's both simple and deeply flavorful.

5(71 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 17, 2025

Ethiopian Kitfo with Spicy Berbere and Butter — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

20 min

Cook

1 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Kitfo

For the Niter Kibbeh

For the Berbere Spice Mix

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 1076 kcal
Protein: 33.5 g
Carbs: 9.5 g
Fat: 103 g
Fiber: 2.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 4302 kcal
Protein: 134 g
Carbs: 38 g
Fat: 412 g
Fiber: 10 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
500g lean beef minced finely	925	110	0	52	0
3 tablespoons Niter Kibbeh	333	0	0	37	0
2 teaspoons Berbere spice mix	12	0.5	2	0.5	1
1 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1 clove garlic minced	4	0	1	0	0
250g unsalted butter	1792	2	0	204	0
1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds	12	1	2.5	0.5	1
1 teaspoon cardamom pods	7	0	1.5	0.5	0.5
1 cinnamon stick	6	0	2	0	1
A pinch of grated nutmeg	2	0	0.5	0.5	0
3 cloves	6	0	1	0	0.5
1 small onion finely sliced	28	1	6	0	1
2 cloves garlic minced	8	0	2	0	0
2 tablespoons paprika	38	2	8	2	2
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper	6	0	1	0.5	0.5
1 teaspoon ground ginger	6	0	1.5	0	0.5
1 teaspoon ground coriander	6	0	1	0	0.5
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon	6	0	2	0	1
1 teaspoon ground allspice	9	0	1	0.5	0.5

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Beef

1
Combine Beef, Salt, and Garlic
In a bowl, combine minced beef with salt and garlic.
2
Add Niter Kibbeh and Berbere Spice
Add Niter Kibbeh and Berbere spice mix, massaging into the beef thoroughly.
3
Marinate
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Niter Kibbeh

1
Melt Butter
Melt butter in a pan over low heat.
2
Add Spices
Add fenugreek, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3
Simmer with Aromatics
Incorporate onion and garlic, simmering until aromatic.
4
Strain Butter
Strain solids from butter using a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
Tip: Ensure the butter does not burn; keep it on low heat. Strain Niter Kibbeh through cheesecloth for a clearer infusion.

How to Make Ethiopian Kitfo with Spicy Berbere and Butter

Total time: 1 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Mixing
Gently fold all marinated ingredients together before serving.
2
Toast Spices (Optional)
Lightly toast Berbere spices in a dry pan before mixing for enhanced flavor.
3
Heat Niter Kibbeh
Warm Niter Kibbeh slightly before incorporating into the beef.