Awaze Tibs (Spicy Ethiopian Meat Stir-Fry)
Awaze tibs is a flavorful and aromatic dish that showcases the vibrant spices of Ethiopian cuisine. This dish is made with tender pieces of meat, such as beef or lamb, stir-fried with a rich and spicy sauce known as awaze.

Before you start
A quick setup makes the method easier to follow and keeps important steps from being missed.
Preparation checklist
- Read all 9 method steps from beginning to end.
- Measure and arrange all 13 listed ingredients.
- Keep the recipe open and follow each step in order; the source does not state a total time.
Recipe notes & preparation tips
Adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or less cayenne pepper and berbere spice, according to your taste preferences.
Awaze sauce can be found in Ethiopian grocery stores or made at home using a combination of spices and peppers.
Awaze tibs is traditionally served with injera, a sourdough flatbread that complements the spicy flavors of the dish. You can also serve it with rice or bread.
Serve the stir-fry with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
For a tender and flavorful meat, marinate it in the awaze sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Stir-fry the ingredients on high heat for a shorter duration to retain the juiciness of the meat.
Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or other vegetables to the stir-fry for added color and texture.
Experiment with different protein options like chicken or tofu for a variation in flavors and dietary preferences.
Adapted from the source recipe's notes.Method
- 01
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- 02
Add the thinly sliced meat to the hot skillet and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked meat from the skillet and set it aside.
- 03
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- 04
Add the berbere spice, tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
- 05
Return the cooked meat to the skillet and toss it with the spiced onion mixture.
- 06
Add the awaze sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and salt to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the flavors and coat the meat evenly.
- 07
Continue to stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- 08
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt or additional spices according to your preference.
- 09
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the with freshly chopped cilantro.
Ready to serve
Serve the dish as directed and enjoy it while it is at its best.
Bon appétit — enjoy your meal!Source & licence
This recipe was adapted and reformatted from Wikibooks Cookbook . Text: CC BY-SA 4.0. Image: CC BY 2.0, credited to Mark Lyon from New York, NY, USA; view original image record .



