Coffee-Infused Ethiopian Beef Tibs

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

Tender beef cubes sautéed with Ethiopian spices and a hint of coffee, delivering a rich and bold flavor profile. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 40 minutes pairs beef sirloin, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 6-7 minutes until soft and lightly browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1.5 tablespoons berbere spice blend, stirring for 1 minute to release aromas.
  4. Step 4: Increase heat to high and add 1 pound beef sirloin cubes, searing for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned on all sides.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup cooled strong brewed Ethiopian coffee and reduce heat to medium-low, simmering for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and beef is tender.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary if using. Stir well and cook for 2 more minutes.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coffee-Infused Ethiopian Beef Tibs take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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-Infused Ethiopian Beef Tibs?

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 Coffee-Infused Ethiopian Beef Tibs?

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-Infused Ethiopian Beef Tibs 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-Infused Ethiopian Beef Tibs?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes