🇪🇹 Ethiopia · Food
Zilzil Tibs
By eatmundo · September 8, 2026
🇪🇹 ETMohamed Olwy · PexelsZilzil Tibs consists of long, thin strips of beef sautéed with rosemary and garlic, resulting in a crispy yet succulent texture. It is a highly popular and aromatic dish often served as a highlight of Ethiopian social gatherings.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Slice 500g of beef into thin, matchstick-sized strips and set aside.
- 2
Finely slice 2 onions and 3 cloves of garlic.
- 3
Heat 50g of niter kibbeh in a large pan or wok over high heat until it ripples and shimmers.
- 4
Add the beef strips to the pan in a single layer to ensure they sear properly without steaming.
- 5
Fry the beef for 8 to 10 minutes until it develops a deep, dark brown crust.
- 6
Add the onions, garlic, and 3 whole green chilies, continuing to sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are caramelized.
- 7
Toss in 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary for the final 2 minutes of cooking, allowing their piney aroma to infuse the meat.
- 8
Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, remove the whole rosemary stems, and serve immediately while piping hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zilzil Tibs?+
Zilzil Tibs is an Ethiopian dish featuring beef cut into thin strips, pan-seared until crispy. The name refers to the long, string-like shape of the meat strips, which are seasoned with rosemary and garlic.
How do I get the meat crispy?+
Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan; if there is too much liquid in the pan, the meat will steam instead of searing.
Is Zilzil Tibs the same as regular Tibs?+
While similar, Zilzil specifically denotes the thin, long-cut shape of the meat, which allows for a crispier exterior than standard cubes.
Can I replace the Niter Kibbeh?+
Yes, you can use butter or oil, though Niter Kibbeh provides the authentic, deep flavor characteristic of this dish.
What should I serve this with?+
Zilzil Tibs is best served with warm injera, which is used to pick up the crispy strips and absorb the flavored butter sauce.
🇪🇹 ETMohamed Olwy · PexelsMundo Match
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