Awaze Tibs is a popular Ethiopian dish made with tender beef cubes sautéed in aromatic niter kibbeh and coated in fiery awaze sauce. This stir-fry dish combines the warmth of garlic and ginger with the robust, earthy kick of Ethiopian spice blends. It’s vibrant, rich, and utterly satisfying especially for those who love their meals with a bit of heat. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an adventurous dinner party centerpiece, Awaze Tibs offers a taste of Ethiopia right from your kitchen. Serve it with injera for authenticity, or with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or sautéed greens for a keto-friendly version. However you serve it, this dish brings culture and spice to the forefront of your plate.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
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2 tablespoons niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)
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1 medium red onion, sliced
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1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
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2 tablespoons awaze sauce (or more to taste)
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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1 tablespoon minced ginger
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Salt to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for extra moisture)
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Fresh rosemary or jalapeños (optional for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the niter kibbeh.
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Once hot, add the sliced onions and sauté until translucent.
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Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the beef cubes to the skillet and sear on all sides until browned.
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Mix in the awaze sauce and stir to coat the beef evenly.
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Add bell peppers and sauté until tender but slightly crisp.
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Season with salt and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
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Garnish with rosemary or sliced jalapeños if desired, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 295 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Discovering the Bold Flavors of Awaze Tibs: A Spicy Ethiopian Beef Delight
Ethiopian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, deep-rooted traditions, and communal style of eating. Among its most beloved dishes is Awaze Tibs, a spicy and aromatic beef stir-fry that delivers an unforgettable culinary experience. This dish combines tender chunks of beef with the vibrant heat of awaze sauce and the savory richness of niter kibbeh, an Ethiopian spiced clarified butter. Whether you’re already a fan of African cuisine or just beginning to explore it, Awaze Tibs is an ideal recipe to expand your palate and bring the heat to your dinner table.
What is Awaze Tibs?
Awaze Tibs is a variation of “Tibs,” a common Ethiopian dish made by sautéing meat typically beef or lamb with onions, garlic, and spices. “Awaze” refers to the spicy red sauce made from berbere spice mix, Ethiopian mustard, and other flavor-enhancing ingredients that give the dish its signature fiery kick. The beef is stir-fried until tender and then coated with the awaze mixture, creating a savory and spicy medley that’s impossible to resist.
This dish is a true reflection of Ethiopian culinary tradition, where spices are used not just for heat but to layer complex flavors. It is typically served sizzling hot and accompanied by injera, a sourdough flatbread made from teff flour that doubles as a utensil and side. Alternatively, low-carb eaters can pair Awaze Tibs with roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or fresh greens.
A Cultural Icon in Ethiopian Cuisine
Tibs, including Awaze Tibs, are often served during special occasions or to honor guests. It’s a dish that signifies respect and celebration, much like a roast might be in Western homes. In Ethiopian households and restaurants, it’s common to see Tibs brought to the table in a misto a sizzling clay or metal pan that keeps the dish hot and aromatic throughout the meal.
Injera is traditionally placed underneath the meat to soak up the juices and sauces, turning the bread into a flavorful, edible accompaniment. This style of dining is highly social, meant to be shared and eaten together, making Awaze Tibs a perfect choice for gatherings and dinner parties.
Key Components that Define the Dish
To appreciate Awaze Tibs fully, it’s important to understand the ingredients that set it apart from a typical beef stir-fry.
Niter Kibbeh
Niter kibbeh is a clarified butter infused with Ethiopian spices like cardamom, cinnamon, garlic, and fenugreek. It imparts a unique depth of flavor that regular oils or butters simply cannot match. This seasoned butter is the foundation of many Ethiopian dishes and is crucial to achieving the authentic taste of Awaze Tibs.
Awaze Sauce
Awaze is the heart of this recipe. It’s a spicy sauce made from berbere spice blend, oil or water, and often Ethiopian mustard or honey wine (tej). This sauce brings not just heat, but a smoky complexity that permeates the meat. Adjusting the amount of awaze allows you to control the dish’s spice level, making it as fiery or mild as you like.
Berbere Spice
A cornerstone of Ethiopian cooking, berbere is a blend of chili peppers, paprika, garlic, ginger, basil, korarima (Ethiopian cardamom), and other spices. This mix brings a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile that is unmistakably Ethiopian. It is essential for giving Awaze Tibs its characteristic kick.
Health Benefits and Dietary Flexibility
Awaze Tibs is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. The use of lean beef provides a high-protein meal, while the inclusion of onions, garlic, and peppers adds beneficial antioxidants and vitamins. By replacing injera with a low-carb option like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, you can keep the dish within your dietary goals without compromising flavor.
This dish is also naturally gluten-free, which is excellent news for those with gluten sensitivities. For those watching fat intake, using a leaner cut of beef or moderating the amount of niter kibbeh can help reduce overall fat content while still keeping the rich taste.
Cooking Tips and Variations
While the original Awaze Tibs recipe is relatively simple, it leaves room for personalization:
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Protein Alternatives: Substitute beef with lamb, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
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Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for more texture and nutrition.
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Milder Version: Reduce the amount of berbere or use a milder chili blend to tone down the heat.
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Serving Suggestions: Traditionally served with injera, but it also pairs well with flatbreads, rice, or steamed greens.
When preparing Awaze Tibs, high heat is essential for getting a good sear on the meat. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the beef to lock in juices and flavor. For the most authentic taste, don’t skip on the niter kibbeh it’s what gives the dish its Ethiopian soul.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Awaze Tibs stands out as a dish that is both flavor-packed and accessible, making it an excellent gateway into Ethiopian cuisine. It’s quick enough to prepare on a busy weeknight yet special enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, it encourages culinary exploration and cultural appreciation two things that always enhance the joy of cooking.
If you’ve ever been intimidated by international cuisine, Awaze Tibs is a great place to start. The ingredients are increasingly available at international markets or online, and the cooking process is straightforward. Within 30 minutes, you can enjoy a taste of Ethiopia from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Conclusion:
In a world filled with repetitive meals and predictable flavors, Awaze Tibs offers a delicious detour into something bold, aromatic, and unforgettable. This dish is more than just a beef stir-fry it’s a cultural experience, a celebration of spice, and a reminder that good food knows no borders.
Whether you’re planning a themed dinner night, expanding your international recipe repertoire, or simply seeking something new and exciting for your next meal, Awaze Tibs deserves a spot on your table. Pair it with your favorite sides, serve it with a touch of flair, and watch as this fiery Ethiopian favorite becomes a regular in your home.