🍲 Grilled Beef in a Clay Pot (Shekla Tibs)
Indulge in the rich flavors of grilled beef, seasoned to perfection and served in a traditional clay pot. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner for two.
🌍 What Is Shekla Tibs?
Shekla Tibs is a traditional Ethiopian dish that features tender beef marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection. Typically made with cuts like beef tenderloin or ribs, this dish is known for its juicy texture and robust flavor, often enjoyed with friends and family.
🧾 Ingredients
**Base:**
- 1 lb beef steak (preferably tender cuts)
- 2 tablespoons YeBerbera (hot pepper paste)
- 1 tablespoon Senafich (spicy mustard)
- 1 teaspoon Mitmita (ground hot spice mix)
- 1 tablespoon rosemary (fresh or dried)
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- 1 teaspoon powdered thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
**Optional:**
- Butter (for serving)
- Additional spices as desired
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Meat:**
- Slice the beef steak into thin strips, ensuring each piece has a blend of muscle and fat for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- If needed, use scissors for easier cutting.
2. **Marinate the Meat:**
- In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with YeBerbera, Senafich, Mitmita, garlic powder, black pepper, rosemary powder, powdered thyme, and salt.
- Add a dash of vegetable oil.
- Mix well until the meat is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover and let it marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.
3. **Prepare the Clay Pot:**
- Heat coal in the clay pot until it is glowing. If using a gas stove, place the coal carefully in the pot.
4. **Cook the Meat:**
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated beef strips.
- Fry the meat, turning it frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Cook until the beef reaches your desired level of doneness and color.
5. **Assemble the Dish:**
- Once cooked, remove the beef from the heat.
- Place sliced red onions and rosemary in the heated clay pot.
- Arrange the grilled beef on top.
- Add a pat of butter on top of the beef to melt and enhance the flavor.
🍽️ How to Serve
Serve the grilled beef hot, directly from the clay pot. It can be enjoyed as a main dish for one or two people, or scaled up for larger gatherings by preparing more meat and serving it in individual clay plates.
💡 Pro Tips
- For an authentic flavor, consider using beef tallow instead of vegetable oil if available.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference, adding more or less of the hot pepper paste and Mitmita.
- Let the meat rest after marinating for the spices to fully penetrate.
🔥 Why You’ll Love This
This grilled beef dish is not only delicious but also brings a taste of Ethiopian culture to your table. The combination of spices creates a mouthwatering flavor profile, while the clay pot cooking method enhances the overall experience, making it a perfect dish for sharing and enjoying with loved ones.
