Coffee-Infused Ethiopian Spiced Beef Tibs

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

Sautéed cubes of beef tossed with Ethiopian spices and a hint of strong brewed coffee for a bold, tender stir-fry dish. This ethiopian-inspired african ready in about 35 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice mix, ground cardamom 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed beef sirloin and brown on all sides for 5-6 minutes until a deep crust forms. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 medium sliced yellow onion and 1 medium sliced red bell pepper; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to skillet and pour in 1/4 cup brewed strong Ethiopian coffee, stirring to deglaze the pan.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes over medium heat until sauce thickens and coats the beef.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Spiced 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 berbere spice mix from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coffee-Infused Ethiopian Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced Beef Tibs?

Ethiopian african 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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