Spiced Kitfo Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Niter Kibbeh

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

A traditional Ethiopian dish featuring finely minced raw beef seasoned with spicy mitmita powder and fragrant niter kibbeh butter, served chilled. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 15 minutes layers finely minced lean beef sirloin, mitmita spice powder, freshly ground black pepper 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 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 pound finely minced lean beef sirloin in a chilled bowl. Add 1 tablespoon mitmita spice powder, 3 tablespoons melted niter kibbeh, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt.
  2. Step 2: Mix all ingredients gently but thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until the beef is evenly coated and the spices are well incorporated.
  3. Step 3: If you desire extra heat, fold in 1 small finely chopped fresh chili pepper.
  4. Step 4: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and chill the beef.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, stir again and plate the kitfo, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant touch. Serve with injera or flatbread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Kitfo Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Niter Kibbeh 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 Kitfo Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Niter Kibbeh?

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 Kitfo Beef Tartare with Mitmita 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 Spiced Kitfo Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Niter Kibbeh 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 Spiced Kitfo Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Niter Kibbeh?

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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