🇪🇹 Ethiopia · Food
Tibs
By eatmundo · September 8, 2026
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated imageA classic Ethiopian stir-fry dish featuring succulent beef sautéed with aromatic spices. It is vibrant, aromatic, and frequently shared during festive gatherings.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Cut 500g of high-quality beef into thin, uniform strips to ensure quick and even cooking in the hot pan.
- 2
Finely chop 2 large red onions and set aside, as they will provide the essential sweet base for the meat.
- 3
Heat 3 tbsp of niter kibbeh in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it begins to shimmer.
- 4
Add the beef strips in batches to avoid crowding the pan, searing them quickly until browned but still juicy.
- 5
Remove the beef and set aside; in the same pan, sauté the chopped onions until softened and lightly caramelized.
- 6
Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp of ginger, and 2 tbsp of berbere spice, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 7
Return the beef to the pan, toss everything together quickly to combine, and season with 1 tsp of salt.
- 8
Serve immediately, preferably still sizzling, accompanied by warm, fluffy injera bread for the perfect bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tibs?+
Tibs is a popular Ethiopian stir-fried meat dish, usually made with beef, lamb, or goat. It is sautéed with niter kibbeh, berbere, onions, and aromatics, resulting in a savory and slightly spicy dish.
Can I make it less spicy?+
Yes, you can reduce the amount of berbere spice or use a milder variety to lower the heat level without losing the depth of flavor.
Which beef cut is best?+
Use a tender cut like sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye that requires minimal cooking time to remain juicy.
Should it be crispy or soft?+
Tibs can be prepared 'firfir' (softer) or 'tibs' (seared and slightly crispy). High-heat searing results in the crispy texture preferred by many.
Is Niter Kibbeh mandatory?+
While you can use butter or oil, Niter Kibbeh is essential for that signature Ethiopian flavor, as it contains spices like cardamom and fenugreek.
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated imageMundo Match
This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines.
