Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Lamb Tibs with Berbere and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb cubes sautéed with a fragrant blend of Ethiopian berbere spice and coffee grounds, accented by garlic and fresh herbs. This ethiopian-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs tablespoons berbere spice mix, teaspoon instant coffee granules, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Ethiopian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 1 pound lamb cubes with 2 tablespoons berbere spice mix and 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules until evenly coated; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and edges caramelize.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Increase heat to high and add the spiced lamb cubes, spreading them out in a single layer; cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until lamb is browned on all sides and cooked to medium rare.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; cook for another 1 minute to meld flavors.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately with 4 fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the lamb.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Lamb Tibs with Berbere and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Lamb Tibs with Berbere and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons berbere spice mix from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Lamb Tibs with Berbere and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Lamb Tibs with Berbere and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Lamb Tibs with Berbere and Garlic?

Ethiopian lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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