📍 Where this dish comes from: Kenya · Maasai Mara
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Ethiopian Kitfo-Adjacent Bites, Keto (Steak Tartare Style, Cooked Option), plated and ready to serve

Kitfo is a celebration dish across Ethiopia — finely minced beef warmed gently in spiced butter and mitmita, a fiery chili blend. It’s traditionally served minimally cooked; this recipe includes both the classic method and a fully-cooked version for those who prefer it.

What You’ll Need

Ethiopian Kitfo-Adjacent Bites, Keto (Steak Tartare Style, Cooked Option)

Kitfo is Ethiopia's iconic minced beef dish, offered here with a fully-cooked option alongside the traditional preparation.

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 20

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: East African

Servings: servings

Calories: 340kcal

Ingredients

1 lb very fresh high-quality beef tenderloin, finely minced
3 tbsp niter kibbeh (spiced butter)
1 tsp mitmita spice blend
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
Salt to taste

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Instructions

Melt niter kibbeh with mitmita and cardamom; cool slightly.
Toss minced beef with the spiced butter and salt until well coated.
For traditional preparation, serve immediately at room temperature.
For a cooked option, sauté the mixture in a hot pan 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until just cooked through.
Serve with a side of extra mitmita for heat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 340kcal | Protein: 25g | Fat: 26g

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Cooking Ethiopian Kitfo-Adjacent Bites, Keto (Steak Tartare Style, Cooked Option) in the kitchen

Health Benefits

Beef tenderloin is a dense source of complete protein, iron, and zinc.
Niter kibbeh’s clarified butter base is rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Mitmita’s chili base contains capsaicin, associated with a modest metabolic boost.