How to Make the Perfect Tibs
Ethiopian · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
Tibs is a popular Ethiopian stir-fried meat dish made with sauteed beef or lamb, vegetables, and aromatic spices in a hot skillet or clay pot. It is one of the most versatile dishes in Ethiopian cuisine and can range from mildly spiced to fiery hot.
Why this recipe works
This Tibs recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 600 g beef sirloin cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 medium red onions thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes chopped
- 2 tbsp niter kibbeh
- 2 tsp berbere spice blend
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Heat a large heavy skillet or clay pot over high heat until it is smoking hot. Add the niter kibbeh and allow it to melt completely. Add the beef cubes in a single layer without crowding and sear for 3 to 4 minutes without stirring so a deep brown crust forms on one side. Flip and sear for another 2 minutes.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Push the beef to the edges of the pan and add the sliced onions to the center. Cook for 4 minutes until the onions soften and begin to caramelize. Add the berbere spice and fresh rosemary sprigs, tossing everything together so the spice coats the meat and onions evenly.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and stir everything together. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down slightly and release their juices, creating a light sauce around the beef. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove the rosemary sprigs and taste the tibs for seasoning. If you prefer a spicier version, add an additional teaspoon of berbere and toss over high heat for 1 final minute. Serve immediately in the hot skillet or on a warmed plate alongside injera or bread.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- beef sirloin → lamb shoulder cut into cubes for a richer more traditional flavor
- niter kibbeh → ghee with a pinch of turmeric and black pepper
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcrowding the pan which causes the beef to steam instead of sear and results in chewy grey meat
- Cooking on low heat which prevents the essential caramelization and smoky flavor characteristic of good tibs
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 38g protein, 12g carbs, 29g fat, 3g fiber.
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