Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired Beef Tartare with Mitmita Butter

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

Freshly minced lean beef seasoned with Ethiopian mitmita spice and spiced butter, served as a flavorful raw tartare dish. This Ethiopian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, layers extra lean beef, mitmita spice, unsalted butter 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 320 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 Ethiopian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small bowl and soften it by letting it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Mix in 1 teaspoon of mitmita spice and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder until evenly combined to make spiced butter.
  2. Step 2: Using a sharp knife, finely mince 200 grams of extra lean beef into small, even pieces, ensuring the beef stays cold for freshness.
  3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced beef with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro. Mix gently until well distributed.
  4. Step 4: Plate the beef tartare in a neat mound and top with the prepared mitmita spiced butter. Serve immediately with injera or toasted bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired Beef Tartare with Mitmita 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 Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired Beef Tartare with Mitmita 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 Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired Beef Tartare with Mitmita 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 Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired Beef Tartare with Mitmita Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired Beef Tartare with Mitmita 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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