Authentic Ethiopian Tibs: A Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking Flavorful Tibs at Home

Ingredients

1 kg beef, cut into cubes
2 large onions, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons of berbere spice
2 tablespoons of niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced butter) or regular unsalted butter
1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1 teaspoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of salt
2 large tomatoes, chopped
2 green bell peppers, chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped (optional)
Fresh rosemary, to taste

Steps and instructions

Heat the niter kibbeh or butter in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the onions and sauté until they're translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes.
Add the berbere spice, black pepper, turmeric, and salt to the pan, stirring well to combine the ingredients.
Add the beef cubes to the pan, stirring well to ensure the beef is coated with the spice mixture.
Cook the beef for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's well browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Add the chopped tomatoes, green bell peppers, and jalapeno peppers (if using) to the pan, stirring well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Adjust the seasoning if required, then sprinkle fresh rosemary over the top of the dish just before serving.

Tools for making

Large pan - A pan large enough to accommodate the beef and vegetables.
Spatula - Used for stirring and flipping the beef cubes.
Knife - To chop the onions, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers.
Cutting board - To provide a safe and clean surface for chopping ingredients.
Measuring spoons - For accurate measurement of spices and salt.
Cooking spoon - To stir and combine the ingredients in the pan.

Recipe variations

Substitute the beef with lamb or chicken for a different protein option.
Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the dish for added texture and flavor.
For a vegetarian/vegan version, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of butter.
Experiment with different spices or spice blends to customize the flavor profile, such as adding cumin, paprika, or cardamom.
Include a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar at the end to add a tangy twist.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of berbere spice or add extra chili flakes.
Serve the tibs with injera (traditional Ethiopian flatbread) or rice instead of bread or naan.
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.

Recipe overview

Tibs is a popular traditional Ethiopian dish that's typically made with beef. The meat is sautéed in a blend of flavorful spices, including berbere - a key spice blend in Ethiopian cuisine - along with onions, garlic, and butter, often niter kibbeh which is a spiced clarified butter. This hearty dish also includes fresh tomatoes and bell peppers, and for those who like a little extra heat, jalapeno peppers can be added. Finally, the dish is finished off with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary. This recipe provides a wonderful way to explore the rich and savory flavors of Ethiopian cooking. Whether you're familiar with Ethiopian cuisine or trying it for the first time, you'll find this dish delightful and satisfying.

Common questions

Can I use a different meat instead of beef? Yes, you can use lamb or chicken instead of beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is berbere spice easily available? Berbere spice is a traditional Ethiopian spice blend. You can find it in specialty stores or online. If you can't find it, you can make your own by combining chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, ground cardamom, ground coriander, ground fenugreek, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Certainly! You can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable oil instead of niter kibbeh or butter. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve Tibs with? Tibs is typically served with injera, a spongy Ethiopian flatbread. You can also serve it with rice, quinoa, or bread.
How spicy is this dish? The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or less berbere spice. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of berbere spice or omit the jalapeno peppers.
Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Tibs tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - A sturdy cutting surface for chopping vegetables and preparing the ingredients.
Chef's knife - A sharp knife for cutting the beef, onions, and other ingredients.
Large pan - A spacious pan for cooking the beef and vegetables together.
Wooden spoon - A utensil for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
Measuring spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the spices and salt.
Serving platter - A large dish or platter for presenting the finished Tibs.
Garnish - Fresh rosemary sprigs or other herbs for garnishing the dish before serving.

Origin stories

Tibs is a popular dish in Ethiopia, often enjoyed during social gatherings and festivities. Tradition holds that the dish was initially a way for hunters to cook their game, using the simple methods at their disposal. Spices were added to the meat to enhance its flavor, and over time, the dish evolved into the flavorful, aromatic version we know today as Tibs. It's a testament to the resourcefulness of the Ethiopian people and their ability to turn simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast. It's not uncommon to see Tibs being enjoyed in a communal setting, with everyone gathered around a shared plate, reaffirming the strong sense of community that lies at the heart of Ethiopian culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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