Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Lamb Tibs with Garlic and Rosemary
Tender cubes of lamb sautéed with garlic, rosemary, and Ethiopian berbere spice for a fragrant and bold meat dish. This ethiopian-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs lamb leg, trimmed and cubed, minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lamb leg, trimmed and cubed
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp berbere spice mix
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, sliced yellow onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- for serving lemon wedges
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium sliced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened and golden at edges.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp berbere spice mix and mix well.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb cubed lamb leg to the skillet, spreading pieces evenly. Cook without stirring for 3 minutes to sear, then stir and cook an additional 5-7 minutes until lamb is browned on all sides and cooked to medium.
- Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then remove from heat. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the lamb.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Lamb Tibs with Garlic and Rosemary take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Lamb Tibs with Garlic and Rosemary?
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 lamb leg, trimmed and cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Lamb Tibs with Garlic and Rosemary?
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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Lamb Tibs with Garlic and Rosemary for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Lamb Tibs with Garlic and Rosemary?
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.
