Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (2024)

Published on . Updated on . By Tayo. This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure. 16 Comments

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Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian beef tibs) is a spicy Ethiopian stir-fry that is so versatile, and you can eat it in different ways. It has a rich, bold, ethnic flavor and is ready in just 25 minutes!

Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (1)

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Beef tibs can best be described as a hearty, meaty dish with complex layers. Awaze tibs are somewhat between an Ethiopian stir fry and a stew, and you can eat them as a main meal or side dish.

Jump to:
  • What is Awaze Tibs (beef tibs)?
  • Ingredients Used
  • How to make Awaze sauce
  • How to make Ethiopian Beef Tibs
  • Storing and Reheating
  • What can I eat this recipe with?
  • Tips on making this recipe
  • Recipe variations
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Related Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

What is Awaze Tibs (beef tibs)?

Awaze tibs, also known as Ethiopian beef tibs, is a popular East African dish of beef cooked with various ingredients that combine to create a fragrant, delicious dish. In Ethiopia, tibs refer to a dish with cubed or sliced beef or lamb.
Awaze sauce is a spicy sauce or paste made using Ethiopian ethnic spices. When cooked together, you have a mind-blowing dish you won't forget in a hurry.

Ingredients Used

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Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (2)
  • Beef:I use 1.5 pounds of beef cut into 1-inch cubes for this recipe. You can use meaty chunks or bite-sized pieces of beef. I. usually get mine from my local grocery store or meat market.
  • Niter kibbeh:This is a remarkably tasty Ethiopian clarified butter used in many of their traditional dishes. You will only need a few tablespoons of niter kibbeh for this recipe. Check out this post on how to make your own niter kibbeh.
  • Veggies and aromatics:Chopped nions, garlic, and jalapeno peppers.
  • Berbere:This is an Ethiopian spice blend that is present in a lot of Ethiopian dishes. It usually includes jalapeno chili peppers, coriander, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, and a distinctive Ethiopian mix of spices. You can get authentic berbere spice online or make your own.
  • Lemon juice:It is sometimes mixed with red wine vinegar for an infusion of flavor.
  • Other spices:Ground cumin, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt.

How to make Awaze sauce

In a small bowl, add all the spices for the Awaze sauce. Add water and olive oil and mix till it forms a paste. Or you can blend it together using a food processor.

How to make Ethiopian Beef Tibs

  1. In a large skillet, add the olive oil, and when heated, add the chopped beef. You can also use a 12-inch cast iron pan. Add salt and black pepper, and stir for a few minutes on high heat till it is browned.
  2. Melt niter kibbeh (Ethiopian clarified butter) in a skillet, then add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Saute for a few minutes, then add the sliced jalapeno peppers.
  3. Add the Awaze sauce, simmer for 5 minutes on medium heat and add the browned beef.
  4. Top up with lemon juice and cilantro, and serve!
Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (3)

Storing and Reheating

To store leftover Awaze beef tibs, put in into an airtight container and in the refrigerator for a few days. It will keep fresh within this time.

To preserve this tasty little dish for longer, you can freeze it for a few months. Pour it into a sealable freezer-safe container first. For easy reuse, I recommend sharing leftover awaze tibs in ready-to-eat portions, so you don't have to reheat everything all the time.

Also, label the container with the name and date so you can eat it while it's still fresh. You can add a 'use before' date to be doubly sure.

To reheat, take it out of the freezer and put it in the fridge overnight to thaw out. Once it's defrosted, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.

What can I eat this recipe with?

Typically, Ethiopians eat awaze tibs with a special flatbread called injera. The tibs are spread on top of the injera bread, and you cut out parts of it and eat with the stir fry.
Since I'm on a low carb diet, I eat my beef tibs with keto bread or on a bed of cauliflower rice.

Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (4)

Tips on making this recipe

  • Once you put the beef in the heavy saucepan, allow the bottom of each piece to brown before you flip it to the second side.
  • Put the beef in a single layer without crowding the skillet to brown them properly.
  • In the absence of flavor-rich spiced butter (or niter kibbeh), you can use plain unsalted butter instead. One to two teaspoons of oil should do. You might have to add a bit more spices to taste.
  • Let the beef cook for more or fewer minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
  • If your awaze sauce turns out a bit watery, add some more berbere to it.

Recipe variations

  • Season beef with kosher salt and black pepper before browning to make them more tender and juicy.
  • Use your choice of beef cut or replace it with lamb meat, if you wish.
  • Add Ethiopian collard greens, fresh rosemary, or green peppers for a lovely variety.
  • If you have time, marinate your beef a few hours in advance. Marinated beef will be deliciously tender and juicy when cooked in this recipe.

Frequently asked questions

What meat is used for TIBS?

You can make awaze tibs with lamb or beef. Typically, either of them is the meat used for this flavorful delicacy. You can also use venison (deer) to prepare this dish if you wish.

What is TIBS made of?

Ethiopian tibs is a dish made from cubed beef or lamb, peppers, veggies, lemon juice, and other ingredients. It is a flavorful and delicious meal that is gaining popularity worldwide. Beef tibs recipe is made from beef as the protein, while Ethiopian lamb tibs will use lamb.

Check out these other delicious African recipes!

African Cabbage Stew

Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards

Liver and Onions Recipe

Nigerian Stew

Chicken Hearts and Mushrooms

Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (5)

📖 Recipe

Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (6)

Awaze Tibs - Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe

Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian beef tibs) is a spicy Ethiopian stir-fry that is so versatile, and you can eat it in different ways. It has a rich, bold, ethnic flavor and is ready in just 25 minutes!

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: African

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 486kcal

Author: Tayo Oredola

Ingredients

For the Awaze sauce

For the beef tibs

  • 1.5 lbs beef bite sized pieces
  • cup niter kibbeh Ethiopian clarified butter
  • ½ onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 jalapeno pepper sliced
  • 1 teaspoon berbere
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Make Awaze Sauce

  • In a small bowl, add all the spices for the Awaze sauce.

  • Add ¼ cup of water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil and mix till it forms a paste.

  • Or you can blend it together using a food processor.

  • Set aside.

Make Beef Tibs

  • Wash the cut beef pieces and place them in a colander to drain.

  • Chop the onions and jalapeno peppers, and mince the garlic.

  • In a large skillet, add the olive oil, and when heated, add the chopped beef.

  • Add salt, black pepper, and berbere to the beef.

  • Stir for a few minutes on high heat till it is browned.

  • Take out the beef and set them aside.

  • Melt niter kibbeh (Ethiopian clarified butter) in a skillet, then add the chopped onions and minced garlic.

  • Saute for a few minutes, then add the sliced jalapeno peppers.

  • Add the Awaze sauce and stir.

  • Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat and add the browned beef.

  • Add the lemon juice and simmer for a few minutes on medium heat.

  • Top with some cilantro, and serve!

Notes

This recipe serves 6 and contains 1 net carb per serving.

  • Once you put the beef in the heavy saucepan, allow the bottom of each piece to brown before you flip it to the second side.
  • Put the beef in a single layer without crowding the skillet to brown them properly.
  • In the absence of flavor-rich spiced butter (or niter kibbeh), you can use plain unsalted butter instead. One to two teaspoons of oil should do. You might have to add a bit more spices to taste.
  • Let the beef cook for more or fewer minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
  • If your awaze sauce turns out a bit watery, add some more berbere to it.

Nutrition

Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 779mg | Potassium: 341mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 390IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 5mg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (11)Tootsie says

    I have never made or prepared Ethiopian food but I came across this recipe and it looks DELICIOUS! I am curious thought, what do you serve it with? What would be a good "side"? I see that this is low carb but if I was serving to others that are not, would thins best be served with rice? Noodles? Something else? I am excited to try it!

    Reply

    • Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (12)Tayo says

      Hi Tootsie, beef tibs goes very well with rice. I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply

  2. Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (13)Mark says

    Hi Tayo, thank you for sharing this recipe, looks delicious and will be making it as part of our around-the-world recipes adventure! One question, what cut(s) of beef would you recommend? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (14)Tayo says

      Hi Mark, I use stew beef(chuck) for this recipe but you can use any cut you like.

      Reply

      • Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (15)Mark Rouleau says

        Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (16)
        Thank you Tayo for your response and the recipe. Made it last night with lazy, pre-cut "stir-fry beef", so I'm not for sure what cut it was. Nevertheless, it was delicious! I followed the recipe verbatim except leaving out the cilantro, everyone loved it! Spice level was about a 4 out of 10. Our stop in Ethiopia was a smash!

        Reply

        • Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (17)Tayo Oredola says

          Yay, I'm so glad this was a hit for you, Mark! Thanks for the lovely feedback!

  3. Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (18)Riley says

    Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (19)
    This recipe is AWESOME! It’s the most similar to the Beef Tibs I’ve eaten at Ethiopian restaurants. The other recipes out there on the web that I’ve tried don’t even come close to this one. Thank you very much for making it possible for me to have this dish at home!

    Reply

    • Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (20)Tayo says

      You're very welcome, Riley!

      Reply

  4. Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (21)em says

    Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (22)
    i grew up cooking, my family is italian - i’ve cooked some really great things in my life. i have to say this is hands down one of the top 3 meals i’ve ever cooked in my life, THANK YOU for sharing this recipe!!!

    Reply

    • Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (23)Tayo says

      Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. It made my day!

      Reply

  5. Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (24)Jonathan Graifer says

    two questions;
    1. is the 1/2tsp salt kosher salt, or table salt?
    2. would simmering the spices for the niter kibbeh in already-clarified ghee work, or does it really need to go in while the solids are still present?

    Reply

    • Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (25)Tayo says

      Regular salt will work. Also, it is better to simmer the spices with the solids as it cooks for a longer time, which really draws out the flavors.

      Reply

  6. Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (26)Riley says

    The flavors in this recipe are PHENOMENAL! I've tried several other recipes for Beef Tibs because it's one of my favorites at Ethiopian restaurants and they've just never hit the spot. This is the only recipe that comes close (and actually exceeds!) what I've had at restaurants. Thank you so much for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (27)Tayo says

      You are so welcome, Riley!

      Reply

    • Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (28)Kelly says

      Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (29)
      this is so delicious. it's the only recipe I've found that satisfied my craving for spicy ethopian food.

      Reply

      • Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (30)Tayo says

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Kelly!

        Reply

Leave a Reply

Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What is Awaze sauce made of? ›

Dry Red Wine, Honey, Berbere Spice Blend, Water, Red Wine Vinegar, Kosher Salt.

What does Awaze Tibs taste like? ›

The first meat dish was Awaze Beef Tibs. Pieces of beef are sautéed with the berbere pepper paste, onion, and jalapeño pepper. The flavor profile was just right with the proper heat and smokiness from the pepper paste, sweetness from onion, and the fresh green pepper adding more heat and its fresh vegetal note.

What does Tibs mean in Ethiopian? ›

Tibs: Sliced beef or lamb, pan fried in butter, garlic and onion, tibs is one of the most popular dishes among Ethiopians.

What to eat with Ethiopian Tibs? ›

Ingudai tibs can be served with injera bread for a delicious vegan Ethiopian meal. To up the protein even more, serve them with split pea stew Kik alicha , Ethiopian lentil stew (missir wot). Another great side would be potato cabbage atakilt wat and the various lentils and some injera or flatbread.

What does Awaze mean? ›

awaze (uncountable) A spicy sauce or paste, made with chili peppers and usually reddish in colour, used in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine.

What is Ethiopian Tibs made of? ›

Tibs is a popular choice in Ethiopia for its flavorful sauces with an incredible blend of seasonings and spices. These sauces commonly consist of berbere paste made from dried chilies, garlic, onion, ginger, basil, and other herbs and spices, as well as kibe (clarified butter), which adds a layer of flavor to the dish.

What is the most popular Ethiopian food? ›

1. Shiro wat. Along with injera, shiro wat, also just called just shiro, is one of the most widely consumed dishes in Ethiopia. If you ever order a mixed combination platter of food (like yetsom beyaynetu), or if you eat vegetarian food, shiro wat will nearly always be among the selection.

What does Wat mean in Ethiopian? ›

In the Kitchen Information Forum you can find a short glossary of Ethiopian food terms. The word WAT means a stew, and the basic spice mixture used in almost all stews are BERBERE. The recipes are economical, easy and tasty, and always served with INJERA (flatbread).

Is Ethiopian healthy? ›

Ethiopian cuisine is not only healthy and nutritious, but also a great way to expose children to new flavors and teach them about another part of the world at the same time. What kids will love most about Ethiopian food is that you use your hands — exclusively! Though a tad messy at times, it's the perfect finger food.

What is disrespectful in Ethiopian culture? ›

It is rude to use the left hand alone. Gifts are not opened at the time they are received. It is a nice gesture to bring food when visiting an Ethiopian home. If you are returning or visiting from a different place, it is a good idea to bring a gift from your country of origin or the places you have travelled.

What do Ethiopians eat for breakfast? ›

A classic Ethiopian breakfast dish made from pieces fried flatbread cooked with berbere and niter kibbeh, Ethiopian spiced butter, and then drizzled with honey.

What is the national dish of Ethiopia? ›

Doro wat (wett)

It is the most popular traditional food in Eritrea and Ethiopia. Considered the national dish, it is the food of choice during formal and informal gatherings, eaten together as part of a group who share a communal bowl and basket of injera.

What do Ethiopians eat for dessert? ›

Here are some examples:
  • Ethiopian honey bread - This is a sweet, slightly spiced bread that is often served for breakfast or as a snack. ...
  • Dabo kolo - Dabo kolo is a type of sweet and crunchy snack that is similar to pretzels or chips. ...
  • Atmit - Atmit is a sweet and sticky candy made from sesame seeds, honey, and sugar.
Dec 11, 2019

What vegetables do Ethiopians eat? ›

Vegetables that are a staple of Ethiopian dishes, including onion, carrot, tomato, cabbage, and collard greens. Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and field peas such as black-eyed, purple hull, and crowder peas, are front and center in stews and side dishes.

How do you pronounce Awaze? ›

Pronounced Ah-wah-zay. Awaze is an Ethiopian chili paste, a staple in the cuisine, made with one of their more famous spice blends, berbere. It's a sauce, it's a condiment, it's a marinade.

What is the Ethiopian berbere sauce made of? ›

Berbere (Amharic: በርበሬ bärbäre, Tigrinya: በርበረ bärbärä) is a spice mixture whose constituent elements usually include chili peppers, coriander, garlic, ginger, Ethiopian holy basil (besobela) seeds, korarima, rue, ajwain or radhuni, nigella, and fenugreek.

What is Mambo sauce made of? ›

In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, sugar, hot sauce, pineapple juice, vinegar, smoked paprika and soy sauce over medium heat; bring to a simmer. Cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.

What are the sauces in Ethiopia? ›

Awaze is a long-standing traditional Ethiopian sauce that starts with Berbere Seasoning, a spicy-hot blend of peppers and heady, fragrant spices. Berbere has more to offer than just heat; it's a little bit floral and pungent, with earthy depth, playful sweetness, and some citrusy overtones.

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