Berbere Beef
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
Berbere spice mix is an Ethiopian flavoring made up of cumin and coriander seed, which are familiar from North African spice mixes, as well as a more localised blend of pepper, ajowan, fenugreek, allspice.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tbsp macadamia oil
- 500g organic beef mince
- 1 brown or red onion, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) finely diced smoked sausage, optional
- 2 tbsp Berbere spice mix
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) organic soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) rice malt syrup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free option, if preferred)
- veggies of choice, about 2 cups: broccoli florets, french beans, zucchini
- 2 tsp tapioca (arrowroot) or cornflour
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped mint
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Add beef and onion and sprinkle over with Berbere mix and cayenne, if using. Brown the meat, stirring and breaking up bigger chunks.
- Mix together soy sauce, rice syrup and Worcestershire sauce. Lower heat to medium-low and add sauce and broccoli to the mince and cook for a couple of minutes, add tapioca and water mixture and allow for the sauce to thicken. Mix through chopped parsley, mint and basil leaves.
- Serve the beef on its own, in lettuce cups or with rice.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: West African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is berbere spice mix and where do I find it?
Berbere is an Ethiopian spice blend described in the excerpt as combining cumin, coriander seed, pepper, ajowan, fenugreek, and allspice. It’s available at African grocery stores, specialty spice shops, and online — or you can blend your own using those components.
What is rice malt syrup and can I substitute it?
Rice malt syrup is a mild, less-sweet alternative to regular sugar made from fermented rice — it balances the savory soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce in the pan sauce. Honey or maple syrup can substitute in equal amounts (1/4 cup / 60 ml) if rice malt syrup is unavailable.
What does the tapioca (arrowroot) do in the sauce?
The 2 tsp of tapioca (or cornflour) mixed with 1 tbsp of water forms a slurry that is stirred into the pan sauce of soy sauce, rice malt syrup, and Worcestershire sauce, thickening it so it clings to the beef mince rather than pooling in the pan. 
I made this tonight and it was very good! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Huzzah! Thank you for letting us know, we always love to hear that!