Tibs
A classic Ethiopian dish of quickly sautéed meat, often beef or lamb, with vegetables and aromatics, known for its vibrant flavors and often served sizzling. This recipe focuses on a simple, yet delicious, home-style preparation.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Beef or lamb(Sirloin, tenderloin, or lamb leg are good choices. Cut against the grain for tenderness.)
- 2 medium Yellow onions(Thinly sliced.)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(Diced.)
- 2-3 medium Jalapeños or Serrano peppers(Finely minced. Adjust quantity to your spice preference. Remove seeds for less heat.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(Freshly grated or finely minced.)
- 3 tablespoons Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)(If unavailable, use regular clarified butter or a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.)
- 1-2 sprigs Rosemary(Fresh sprigs, lightly bruised.)
- Salt(To taste.)
- Black pepper(Freshly ground, to taste.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the ingredients: Cut the beef or lamb into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces). Thinly slice the onions. Dice the tomatoes. Finely mince the jalapeños (or serranos) and garlic. Grate or mince the fresh ginger. Lightly bruise the rosemary sprigs by gently pressing them with the back of a knife.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Heat the cooking fat: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the Niter Kibbeh (or your chosen fat). Allow it to melt and become fragrant, shimmering slightly.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Sear the meat: Add the cubed meat to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing. Sear the meat for about 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned and a good crust has formed. Remove the seared meat from the skillet and set aside.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and jalapeños. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Combine and cook: Return the seared meat to the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes and the bruised rosemary sprigs. Stir everything together. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through to your desired doneness and the tomatoes have softened.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 6
Serve: Remove the rosemary sprigs before serving. Serve the Tibs immediately, ideally sizzling hot, traditionally accompanied by Injera (Ethiopian sourdough flatbread).
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For authentic flavor, use Niter Kibbeh if possible.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the meat; this ensures a good crust rather than steaming the meat.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your personal heat preference.
- ✓Tibs are best served immediately while still sizzling.
- ✓Traditionally served with Injera, but can also be served with rice or other flatbreads.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Derek tibs (dry): Cooked with minimal sauce, focusing on the sautéed flavors.
- Zilzil tibs: Meat is cut into thin strips (julienned) and sautéed.
- Awaze Tibs: Incorporates Awaze sauce (a spicy berbere-based condiment) for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Tibs: Can be made with firm tofu, mushrooms, or paneer instead of meat.