Derek Tibs (Crispy Tibs)
Written by the robotThe recipe and its picture are AI-generated.
Beef sautéed at high heat until charred and crispy, served with a side of spicy mitmita.

Total
30 min
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Serves
5
Servings
Recipe serves 5
Units
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb Beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)
- 1 large Red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Jalapeño peppers, deseeded and sliced into strips
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Fresh ginger, grated
- 2 Rosemary sprigs, fresh
- 2 tbsp Mitmita (spicy chili powder blend)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 4 pieces Injera (Ethiopian flatbread)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the beef cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly rather than steaming.
- 2
Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet or wok over high heat until it begins to smoke slightly.
- 3
Add the beef to the dry pan in a single layer; do not crowd the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes without moving them until a dark, crispy crust forms.
- 4
Add the Niter Kibbeh to the pan along with the sliced onions and rosemary sprigs, tossing to coat the charred beef.
- 5
Sauté for another 3 minutes until the onions soften and the beef edges become crunchy and 'derek' (dry-fried).
- 6
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and jalapeño strips, cooking for just 1 minute until fragrant.
- 7
Season with salt and black pepper, then remove the rosemary sprigs before serving.
- 8
Serve immediately on a bed of injera with a small mound of mitmita on the side for dipping.
Goes well with this
Ethiopian dishes that round out the meal.

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A plant-based version of the traditional dish using olive oil instead of niter kibbeh.
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