Tere Siga
Tere Siga is a traditional Ethiopian dish of thinly sliced raw beef, typically served as a centerpiece for special occasions. The beef is presented as a whole muscle and sliced by diners at the table, then seasoned with a spicy blend of awaze (a chili paste) and mitmita (a chili powder), and optionally korerima (black cardamom). It is traditionally eaten wrapped in injera, a sourdough flatbread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500g High-quality, very fresh beef (lean whole muscle cut, e.g., sirloin, tenderloin, or eye of round)(Ensure the beef is from a trusted butcher and is intended for raw consumption. It should be chilled but not frozen.)
- 100g Awaze(A spicy Ethiopian chili paste, often made with berbere, garlic, ginger, and sometimes tej (honey wine). Store-bought or homemade.)
- 3 tbsp Mitmita(A fiery Ethiopian chili powder blend, typically containing bird's eye chilies, cardamom, cloves, and salt. Adjust to your spice preference.)
- 1/2 tsp Korerima (Black Cardamom)(Optional, but adds a unique smoky and aromatic depth. Can be ground fresh or used as is for garnish.)
- As needed Injera(For serving. This fermented sourdough flatbread is essential for the traditional experience.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the accompaniments: Ensure the awaze and mitmita are readily accessible in small bowls. If using korerima, have it ground or ready to sprinkle. Have the injera warmed or at room temperature, ready to serve.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Present the beef: Place the whole, chilled muscle of very fresh beef on a clean serving platter. It should be presented at the table as a centerpiece.
⏱️ immediate - 3
Slice the beef: Using a very sharp knife, diners should slice thin, bite-sized pieces directly from the whole muscle as they wish to eat. Aim for slices that are almost translucent.
⏱️ ongoing - 4
Season the beef: Dip each freshly sliced piece of beef into the awaze, or alternatively, dust it generously with mitmita. For an added aromatic layer, sprinkle a pinch of korerima over the seasoned beef.
⏱️ ongoing - 5
Serve and enjoy: Wrap the seasoned beef slices in pieces of injera and eat immediately while the beef is still cool and the flavors are vibrant.
⏱️ ongoing
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The absolute freshness and quality of the beef are paramount. This dish is only safe and enjoyable when made with the highest quality, food-grade raw beef.
- ✓The beef should be served chilled, directly from refrigeration, to maintain its texture and safety.
- ✓A very sharp knife is crucial for achieving the thin, delicate slices required.
- ✓This dish is often considered celebratory and is a communal eating experience.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of mitmita or awaze.
- Some variations include finely minced onions or garlic mixed with the beef before seasoning.
- Experiment with different spice blends for the dipping sauces.