Awaze Tibs are tasty Ethiopian beef chunks, marinated and cooked to perfection. They’re often mixed with spices, garlic, and peppers, giving them a lovely, savory flavor.
Who knew beef could dance with so many spices? I can’t resist scooping them up with injera—and let’s face it, neither can you! 😄
I love serving Awaze Tibs with a side of warm injera. It’s perfect for sharing and brings everyone together for a fun meal. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or tenderloin are perfect choices for tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, consider using flank steak, though it might need a bit more cooking time to tenderize.
Awaze Spice Mix: If you can’t find this spice blend, mix 1 tablespoon of paprika and 1 tablespoon of berbere spice for a similar kick. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it!
Vegetable Oil: Canola or olive oil work as great substitutes if you prefer alternatives to vegetable oil. Olive oil brings a nice flavor, especially when sautéing vegetables.
Beef Broth: If you want to keep it lighter, replace beef broth with water or vegetable broth. This won’t change the dish too much—just adjust the seasoning if needed!
Cilantro: I love the fresh pop of cilantro at the end, but if you’re not a fan, fresh parsley is a great alternative!
How Do I Properly Sauté Onions for the Best Flavor?
Getting your onions just right is key for the base of flavor in this dish. Sautéing them properly can change everything! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil to your skillet. Let it heat up for a minute.
- Add the chopped onions and stir them occasionally. The goal is to make them soft and translucent.
- This should take about 5 minutes—don’t rush this step! It allows the natural sweetness to come out.
Getting those onions buttery soft will make your Awaze Tibs even tastier, so take your time!
How to Make Awaze Tibs (Ethiopian Beef Tibs)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs beef, cut into bite-sized chunks (preferably sirloin or tenderloin)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons awaze spice mix (or a mix of paprika and berbere spice)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, diced (green or red)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Injera or bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of preparation time and about 35-40 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes to have a delicious, hearty dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
2. Add Flavorful Ingredients:
Now, stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped jalapeño peppers. Cook everything together for about 1 more minute. This will fill your kitchen with delicious aromas!
3. Sear the Beef:
Add the beef chunks to your skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and the awaze spice mix. Sear the beef until it is browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to give it a good stir so everything cooks evenly!
4. Combine Everything:
Next, mix in the diced tomatoes, diced bell pepper, and tomato paste. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. This is where the colors start to come together beautifully!
5. Simmer the Dish:
Now, pour in the beef broth or water, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the flavors meld and the beef become nice and tender.
6. Final Touches:
After simmering, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove it from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot Awaze Tibs on a platter with injera or your favorite bread for dipping. Enjoy every flavorful bite of this Ethiopian delight!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for Awaze Tibs?
Absolutely! While sirloin or tenderloin is ideal for tenderness, you can use other cuts like ribeye or flank steak. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may take longer to become tender. If using a tougher cut, consider marinating the beef for a few hours beforehand to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
What If I Can’t Find Awaze Spice Mix?
No worries! You can easily create your own by mixing equal parts paprika and berbere spice. This combination provides a similar flavor profile. If you prefer a milder spice, adjust the berbere amount to taste. You can also add cumin or coriander for additional depth.
Can I Make Awaze Tibs Vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just sauté them until nicely browned, and then follow the same steps for seasoning and simmering. This will help you retain that rich flavor while keeping it plant-based!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Awaze Tibs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little beef broth or water if needed to keep it moist. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
