Kitfo-Style Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Awaze

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

Ethiopian-inspired finely minced raw beef seasoned with traditional mitmita chili powder and served with a spicy awaze dipping sauce for bold flavors. This Ethiopian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, layers lean beef sirloin, mitmita spice, niter kibbeh into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound finely minced lean beef sirloin with 1 tablespoon mitmita spice, 2 tablespoons melted niter kibbeh, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly until spices are evenly incorporated.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon berbere spice, 1 teaspoon honey, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove to create the awaze sauce.
  3. Step 3: Serve the spiced beef tartare chilled with the awaze sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kitfo-Style Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Awaze take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Kitfo-Style Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Awaze?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kitfo-Style Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Awaze?

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 Kitfo-Style Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Awaze 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 Kitfo-Style Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Awaze?

Ethiopian 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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