Slow-Braised Spiced Lamb Tibs with Berbere and Niter Kibbeh
Tender lamb chunks slowly braised in Ethiopian spiced clarified butter and berbere, creating a deeply flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. This Ethiopian-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 140 minutes, pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)
- 3 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 1 large, thinly sliced yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 4 tbsp niter kibbeh in a large heavy pot over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 8 minutes until soft and golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 tbsp berbere spice blend and 2 tbsp tomato paste, stirring for 2 minutes to release aromas.
- Step 5: Increase heat to medium-high and add 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes, browning on all sides for 6-8 minutes.
- Step 6: Pour in 1 cup water, season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7: Cover and reduce heat to low; braise lamb for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until fork-tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 8: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with injera or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Braised Spiced Lamb Tibs with Berbere and Niter Kibbeh take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Slow-Braised Spiced Lamb Tibs with Berbere and Niter Kibbeh?
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 berbere spice blend from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Spiced Lamb Tibs with Berbere and Niter Kibbeh?
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 Slow-Braised Spiced Lamb Tibs with Berbere and Niter Kibbeh for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Slow-Braised Spiced Lamb Tibs with Berbere and Niter Kibbeh?
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.
