Grilled Tibs Skewers with Mitmita and Berbere Marinade

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

Tender cubes of beef marinated in a fiery blend of Ethiopian mitmita and berbere spices, grilled to smoky perfection on skewers. This african-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, mitmita spice powder, berbere spice blend into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 tbsp mitmita spice powder, 1 tbsp berbere spice blend, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  4. Step 4: Thread marinated beef cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the beef is browned on the outside and cooked to medium-rare or preferred doneness.
  6. Step 6: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tibs Skewers with Mitmita and Berbere Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Tibs Skewers with Mitmita and Berbere Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tibs Skewers with Mitmita and Berbere Marinade?

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 Grilled Tibs Skewers with Mitmita and Berbere Marinade 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 Grilled Tibs Skewers with Mitmita and Berbere Marinade?

African beef 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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