Kitfo-Style Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Ethiopian Butter

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

Finely chopped raw beef seasoned with spicy mitmita and enriched with traditional Ethiopian clarified butter for a tender, flavorful dish. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 15 minutes layers pound lean beef sirloin, finely chopped, tablespoon mitmita spice blend, teaspoon salt 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 450 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: 15 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound finely chopped lean beef sirloin with 1 tablespoon mitmita spice blend, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 tablespoons softened niter kibbeh and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves to the beef mixture.
  3. Step 3: Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the beef is coated with the spiced butter.
  4. Step 4: Shape the mixture into small patties or mounds and chill for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately on 4 pieces of injera flatbread, using the injera to scoop up the kitfo as is traditional.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Ethiopian Butter?

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 Ethiopian Butter?

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 Ethiopian Butter 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 Ethiopian Butter?

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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