The first time I encountered Awaze Tibs was at a small Ethiopian restaurant tucked away in my city’s cultural district. As the sizzling platter arrived at my table, the aromatic cloud of berbere spices and clarified butter immediately transported me to another world. Watching the server demonstrate how to scoop the tender, spice-coated beef with pieces of spongy injera felt like being initiated into a beautiful culinary tradition. That evening sparked my love affair with Ethiopian cuisine, and now, years later, I’m thrilled to share this authentic recipe that brings those same incredible flavors right into your kitchen.
Why This Awaze Tibs Will Become Your New Obsession
This traditional Ethiopian dish represents everything I love about bold, fearless cooking. The berbere spice blend creates layers of complex heat that build gradually on your palate, while the niter kibbeh adds a luxurious richness that makes each bite unforgettable. Unlike many spicy dishes that rely solely on heat, Awaze Tibs achieves perfect balance through its careful combination of aromatics and spices.
What makes this recipe particularly special is its accessibility. Despite its exotic reputation, the cooking technique is refreshingly straightforward – essentially a high-heat sauté that develops incredible depth in just minutes. Furthermore, the ingredient list, while containing some specialty items, is surprisingly manageable for home cooks ready to explore new flavors.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Awaze Tibs
For the Beef and Base:
- 1½ pounds beef (sirloin or tenderloin), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Spice Blend:
- 2 tablespoons berbere spice blend
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Finishing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Injera bread for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Awaze Tibs
Preparing the Beef
Start by cutting your beef into uniform 1-inch cubes – this ensures even cooking and optimal texture. Choose a well-marbled cut like sirloin or tenderloin for the most tender results. Pat the beef dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Add the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding which would cause steaming rather than searing. Allow the beef to brown undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a beautiful caramelized crust. Once browned on all sides, remove the beef and set aside – it will finish cooking later.
Building the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the niter kibbeh. As it melts, you’ll notice the incredible aroma of the spiced clarified butter filling your kitchen. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and slightly golden – approximately 4-5 minutes.
Next, add the minced garlic and sliced jalapeños. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to prevent the garlic from burning while allowing the peppers to soften slightly. The combination should be fragrant and aromatic.
Creating the Spice Paste
Add the berbere spice blend, ground cumin, and ground ginger to the skillet. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and release their essential oils. This step is crucial for developing the deep, complex flavors that make Awaze Tibs so distinctive. The mixture should form a thick, aromatic paste that coats the aromatics.
Final Assembly and Cooking
Return the browned beef to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly with the spice mixture. The residual heat will finish cooking the beef while allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring gently to ensure even distribution of the sauce.
Remove from heat and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice. This bright acidity cuts through the richness while enhancing all the other flavors. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro before serving.
Serving Suggestions That Honor Tradition
Traditional Ethiopian Presentation
Serve Awaze Tibs immediately while hot, accompanied by injera bread. The traditional method involves tearing off pieces of injera and using them to scoop up the beef and sauce – no utensils required! This communal style of eating is central to Ethiopian dining culture.
Modern Adaptations
For those without access to injera, serve over basmati rice or with warm naan bread. The goal is to have something that can absorb the flavorful sauce while complementing the spiced beef.
Recipe Variations to Explore
Protein Alternatives
While beef is traditional, lamb works beautifully in this recipe, offering an even richer flavor profile. For a lighter option, substitute cubed chicken thighs, though reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
Heat Level Adjustments
Berbere spice blends vary significantly in heat level. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice, or add extra jalapeños for those who crave more fire. You can also incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper for additional heat without changing the flavor profile.
Vegetable Additions
Some cooks enjoy adding diced tomatoes during the final cooking stage, which creates a slightly saucier dish. Bell peppers also work well, adding sweetness and color contrast to the deep red berbere.
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Schedules
Prep Work Strategies
The beef can be cut and seasoned up to 24 hours in advance, stored covered in the refrigerator. Similarly, all vegetables can be prepped ahead of time. However, the actual cooking should be done just before serving to maintain the proper texture and temperature.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Awaze Tibs keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if needed to prevent sticking. The flavors often improve after a day, as the spices have more time to meld.
Important Notes for Success
Niter Kibbeh Substitute: If you can’t find niter kibbeh, you can make a simple version by melting butter with a pinch each of cardamom, cinnamon, and coriander. Alternatively, ghee works as a suitable substitute, though it lacks the complex spicing.
Berbere Quality: The quality of your berbere spice blend makes a significant difference. Look for freshly ground blends from Ethiopian grocery stores or reputable spice companies for the most authentic flavor.
Temperature Control: High heat is essential for proper searing, but be prepared to adjust quickly to prevent burning the delicate spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find berbere spice blend? Many well-stocked grocery stores carry berbere in their international sections. Additionally, online retailers offer excellent options, and Ethiopian grocery stores typically have the freshest, most authentic blends available.
Can I make this dish less spicy? Absolutely! Reduce the berbere by half and omit the jalapeños for a milder version. You can always add hot sauce on the side for those who want extra heat.
What’s the difference between niter kibbeh and regular butter? Niter kibbeh is clarified butter infused with Ethiopian spices like cardamom, cinnamon, fenugreek, and others. This creates a more complex flavor and higher smoke point than regular butter.
How do I know when the beef is properly cooked? The beef should be browned on the outside but still tender inside. Overcooking will result in tough, chewy meat, so aim for medium doneness for the best texture.
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe? Fresh beef works best, but if using frozen, ensure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. Excess moisture will prevent proper browning and dilute the flavors.
What vegetables pair well with Awaze Tibs? Traditional accompaniments include simple sautéed greens like collards or cabbage. Roasted root vegetables also complement the spicy beef beautifully.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4