Awaze Tibs Recipe

Introduction

Awaze Tibs is a flavorful Ethiopian dish featuring tender pieces of beef cooked in a spicy, aromatic sauce. Perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors, this recipe combines berbere spice and niter kibbeh to create a rich and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef, chopped into bite-sized pieces (ribeye or lamb works well)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon niter kibbeh
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1-2 spicy chilies, chopped (jalapeno recommended)
• 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
• 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons berbere spice blend (or more to taste)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (use 2 cups for a saucier version, or substitute beef stock)
• 1 tomato, chopped
• For serving: Injera, warmed pita, or rice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the beef with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the beef in batches and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef to a bowl and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add the remaining oil and niter kibbeh to the same pan and heat briefly.
4. Step 4: Add chopped onion and chilies to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
5. Step 5: Stir in garlic, ginger, and berbere spice blend. Cook for 1 minute while stirring to release the spices’ aroma.
6. Step 6: Pour in the tomato sauce and add the chopped tomato. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Return the browned beef to the pan. Simmer everything together for about 10 minutes until the beef is cooked through and flavorful.
8. Step 8: Serve hot with injera, warmed pita, or rice as preferred.

Tips & Variations

• Use lamb instead of beef for a variation with a richer taste.
• Adjust the amount of berbere spice to control the heat level.
• For a saucier dish, increase tomato sauce to 2 cups or substitute with beef stock.
• Niter kibbeh can be replaced with clarified butter if unavailable, but it adds unique flavor.
• If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from chilies before chopping.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is niter kibbeh?

Niter kibbeh is a spiced Ethiopian clarified butter infused with herbs and spices, giving dishes a distinct aromatic flavor. It can sometimes be found in specialty stores or online.

Can I make Awaze Tibs less spicy?

Yes, reduce or omit the spicy chilies and adjust the berbere spice blend to your taste. Removing chili seeds also lowers the heat while keeping the flavor.

Awaze Tibs Recipe

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4.6 from 54 reviews

Awaze Tibs is a flavorful Ethiopian dish featuring tender seared beef sautéed with aromatic spices, including the fiery berbere blend, garlic, ginger, and niter kibbeh. This spicy and savory stew is typically served with traditional injera bread, making it a hearty and authentic East African meal.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Ethiopian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Seasoning

• 2 pounds beef, chopped into bite-sized pieces (ribeye recommended, lamb optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats and Spices

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon niter kibbeh
• 2 tablespoons berbere spice blend (adjust to taste)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1–2 spicy chilies (jalapeno recommended), chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
• 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce (use 2 cups for a saucier version, or substitute beef stock)
• 1 tomato, chopped

For Serving

• Injera or warmed pita bread, rice if desired

Instructions

1. Season Beef: Generously season the beef pieces with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
2. Sear Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. In batches, add the beef pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the seared beef from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
3. Heat Oil and Niter Kibbeh: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan along with the niter kibbeh. Heat until fragrant but not smoking, preparing the pan for sautéing the aromatics.
4. Sauté Onion and Chilies: Add the chopped onion and chilies to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and release their sweetness.
5. Add Garlic, Ginger, and Berbere: Stir in the chopped garlic, ginger, and the berbere spice blend. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to bloom the spices and develop depth in the flavor.
6. Add Tomato Sauce and Tomatoes: Pour in the tomato sauce followed by the chopped fresh tomato. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
7. Simmer Beef: Return the seared beef to the pan, stir to coat with the sauce, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the beef is cooked through and tender.
8. Serve: Traditionally, serve the Awaze Tibs hot alongside injera bread. Alternatively, you can serve with warmed pita or steamed rice.

Notes

• For a saucier dish, increase tomato sauce to 2 cups or substitute some sauce with beef stock.
• Adjust the amount of berbere spice blend and chilies according to your preferred spice level.
• Niter kibbeh, a spiced clarified butter, adds authentic flavor but can be substituted with regular clarified butter or ghee if unavailable.
• Use ribeye for tender beef; lamb can be used as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
• Cooking beef in batches prevents overcrowding the pan, ensuring a proper sear.

Keywords: Awaze Tibs, Ethiopian beef stew, Berbere spice, Niter Kibbeh, Spicy beef dish, Ethiopian cuisine