Zilzil Wot: Spicy Beef Strip Stew
A robust and spicy Ethiopian stew featuring tender strips of beef simmered in a rich berbere-spiced sauce. This dish is hearty, deeply flavorful, and perfect served with injera or rice.
by Ruth HIngredients
- •1.5 lb Beef sirloin or flank steak (cut into 1/2-inch thick strips)
- •2 medium Red onions (finely chopped)
- •4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- •1 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated)
- •3 tbsp Berbere spice blend (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- •2 tbsp Tomato paste
- •1.5 cup Beef broth
- •3 tbsp Niter Kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) or unsalted butter/oil (Niter Kibbeh adds authentic flavor)
- •1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- •0.5 tsp Black pepper (or to taste)
- •1 piece Jalapeño (seeded and thinly sliced, for garnish (optional))
- •0.3 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish (optional))
Instructions
- 1
Heat the Niter Kibbeh (or butter/oil) in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very soft and lightly caramelized.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the berbere spice blend and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- 4
Add the beef strips to the pot. Increase heat to high and sear the beef for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. It doesn't need to be cooked through at this stage.
- 5
Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 6
Serve the Zilzil Wot hot, garnished with sliced jalapeño and fresh cilantro if desired. It's traditionally enjoyed with injera (Ethiopian flatbread) or can be served over rice.
Chef's Tips
- 💡For a deeper, more authentic flavor, allow the onions to cook down longer until very soft and almost jam-like before adding other ingredients.
- 💡If you can't find Niter Kibbeh, you can make your own or substitute with ghee or a mix of unsalted butter and a touch of neutral oil. Adding a pinch of ground cardamom and fenugreek to your butter/oil can mimic some of the Niter Kibbeh spices.
- 💡Adjust the amount of berbere spice to your preference. If you like it extra hot, add more; for milder, start with less.
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