Aug 27 2026

Awaze Tibs Recipe

Time35m
Serves4

Lean beef diced and cooked with seasoned butter, berbere, garlic, onions, tomatoes jalapeños, and house spices. Served with injera or rice. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

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Ingredients

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Beef & Marinade

Method

Beef & Marinade

  1. 1

    Season beef

    Place the diced beef in a bowl. Add 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp minced garlic. Toss to coat evenly and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce. This briefly seasons and tenderizes the meat.

Awaze Butter & Sauce

  1. 2

    Heat butter and oil

    In a large heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp neutral oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. When the butter is melted and foaming but not burned (about 1 minute), proceed.

  2. 3

    Brown the beef

    Add the seasoned beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Let the pieces sear without moving for 1 to 2 minutes to develop a brown crust, then stir and sear another 1 to 2 minutes until browned but not cooked through. Remove browned beef to a plate and set aside.

  3. 4

    Sweat aromatics

    Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the chopped jalapeño and cook 1 more minute. Stir in 2 tbsp berbere, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp paprika and toast with the onions for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

  4. 5

    Build the sauce

    Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook 30 seconds, then add 1 cup chopped tomato and 2 tbsp water or beef broth. Scrape any browned bits from the pan. Simmer the mixture for 3–4 minutes until the chopped tomato breaks down and the sauce thickens slightly.

  5. 6

    Return beef & finish

    Return the browned beef with any juices to the pan. Stir to coat in the sauce and reduce heat to medium-low. Add 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp additional berbere (if you prefer more heat). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef reaches your desired doneness — approximately 3–5 minutes for medium (internal temperature ~145°F / 63°C). If the sauce is too thick, add up to 1–2 tbsp water or broth to loosen. Taste and adjust salt and berbere as needed.

Finish & Serve

  1. 7

    Garnish

    Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley and scatter sliced scallions on top. Allow the flavors to rest 2 minutes.

  2. 8

    Serve

    Serve the Awaze Tibs hot with injera or steamed rice and lemon wedges on the side. Note: consuming undercooked meats can increase risk of foodborne illness; cook beef to at least 145°F (63°C) for medium and longer if desired.

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