Asa Gulash / Asa Tibs Bahir Dar (Lake Tana Berbere, Lime & Garlic Pan-Seared Fish) – Authentic Ethiopia Recipe
From lakeside Bahir Dar and Hawassa: crispy fish cubes tossed in a bright, spicy berbere-tomato-lime pan sauce.
- Country of Origin
- 🇪🇹 Ethiopia (East Africa, Africa)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Bite-sized firm white tilapia or sea bass cubes, Diced tomatoes and red onions, Fresh lime wedges, Ethiopian berbere, Garlic
Ingredients for Asa Gulash / Asa Tibs Bahir Dar (Lake Tana Berbere, Lime & Garlic Pan-Seared Fish) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) bite-sized firm white tilapia or sea bass cubes, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups diced tomatoes and red onions, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup fresh lime wedges
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with Ethiopian berbere
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Ethiopia seasoning (garlic, ginger, fresh cilantro, lime juice)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and Ethiopian berbere for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add bite-sized firm white tilapia or sea bass cubes and diced tomatoes and red onions along with garlic, ginger, fresh cilantro, lime juice, searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with fresh lime wedges and serve straight from the skillet.