Coffee-Braised Beef Tibs with Ethiopian Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef cubes braised in rich Ethiopian coffee and aromatic spices for a unique savory dish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, Ethiopian coffee, brewed strong, red onion, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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: 40 min Serves 4 African cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp niter kibbeh in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes and sear for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Remove beef and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 cup sliced red onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 1/2 tbsp berbere spice over the onions and garlic, stirring for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  6. Step 6: Return the beef cubes to the skillet and pour in 1 cup brewed Ethiopian coffee, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  7. Step 7: Add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover partially.
  8. Step 8: Simmer gently for 30 minutes until beef is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  9. Step 9: Serve hot with injera, rice, or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coffee-Braised Beef Tibs with Ethiopian Spices take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Coffee-Braised Beef Tibs with Ethiopian Spices?

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 red onion, sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coffee-Braised Beef Tibs with Ethiopian Spices?

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 Coffee-Braised Beef Tibs with Ethiopian Spices 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 Coffee-Braised Beef Tibs with Ethiopian Spices?

African 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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