Simmered Kitfo Spiced Beef with Niter Kibbeh Butter

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

A rich Ethiopian dish of finely chopped beef gently cooked with spiced clarified butter and mild chili, delivering a velvety texture and vibrant flavor. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs teaspoon mitmita spice blend, garlic cloves, minced, teaspoon salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium skillet over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons niter kibbeh until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon salt, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 teaspoon mitmita spice blend and 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 pound finely chopped lean beef tenderloin and gently cook over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is just cooked through but still tender.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, stir well, and remove from heat.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm with injera or flatbread for scooping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Kitfo Spiced Beef with Niter Kibbeh Butter take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Simmered Kitfo Spiced Beef with Niter Kibbeh Butter?

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 teaspoon mitmita spice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Kitfo Spiced Beef with Niter Kibbeh 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 Simmered Kitfo Spiced Beef with Niter Kibbeh 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 Simmered Kitfo Spiced Beef with Niter Kibbeh 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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