Fragrant Ethiopian Tibs with Onion and Berbere

Name: Fragrant Ethiopian Tibs with Onion and Berbere
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Beef sirloin; Berbere spice mix; Olive oil; Lemon juice; Salt and pepper; Onions; Garlic; Ginger; Clarified butter (niter kibbeh); Bell pepper; Tomatoes; Tomato paste; Beef broth (or water); Fresh cilantro leaves; Green chili

A Savory Ethiopian Stir-Fry

Crafted with tender beef, aromatic spices, and rich flavors, this dish captures the essence of Ethiopian cuisine with each bite. Perfect for a gathering or a bold dinner at home.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Marinated Beef

Beef sirloin

1 lb, thinly sliced

Berbere spice mix

1 tablespoon

Olive oil

3 tablespoons

Lemon juice

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper

To taste

For the Aromatic Base

Onions

2 large, thinly sliced

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Ginger

1 tablespoon, grated

For the Stir-Fry

Clarified butter (niter kibbeh)

2 tablespoons

Bell pepper

1, thinly sliced

Tomatoes

2, chopped

Tomato paste

1 tablespoon

Beef broth (or water)

½ cup

For the Garnish

Fresh cilantro leaves

Green chili

1 small, thinly sliced

Preparation

Marinating the Beef

Combine ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine beef slices with berbere spice, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Coat and chill

Mix well to coat evenly and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Bring to room temperature

Remove from fridge to bring to room temperature before cooking.

Preparing the Aromatic Base

Sauté onions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a touch of oil if needed. Sauté onions until soft and translucent.

Add garlic and ginger

Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

Ensure not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Pro Tip: Add a dash of water if onions are sticking to the pan, to release caramelized flavors.

Cooking Process

Searing the Beef

Heat the skillet to high and add marinated beef, searing quickly to lock in juices (about 3 minutes).

Vegetable Blend

Add bell peppers, tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the seared beef. Stir well and combine with onions and garlic already in the skillet.

Simmer

Reduce heat to medium, cover and let simmer until everything melds together with a sauce-like consistency (about 10 minutes).

Plating & Serving