Beef Tibs with Green Pepper and Lime

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, savory stir-fry of tender beef strips with bell peppers, garlic, and citrus, seasoned with Ethiopian spices for a vibrant, satisfying dish. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes pairs Beef sirloin, medium, thinly sliced Green bell pepper, medium, thinly sliced Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1 lb beef sirloin against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and let sit for 5 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C) until shimmering. Add 2 medium thinly sliced green bell peppers and 1 medium thinly sliced onion, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize slightly.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 1/2 tbsp berbere spice mix and cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices without burning.
  4. Step 4: Add the seasoned beef strips to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside (medium doneness).
  5. Step 5: Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the beef and peppers, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 more minute until the liquid evaporates and the flavors meld. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef Tibs with Green Pepper and Lime take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beef Tibs with Green Pepper and Lime?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef Tibs with Green Pepper and Lime?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beef Tibs with Green Pepper and Lime for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Beef Tibs with Green Pepper and Lime?

Ethiopian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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