Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired Beef Tibs

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

Tender cubes of beef sautéed with Ethiopian spices and a hint of coffee, creating a robust and aromatic stir-fry perfect for rice or injera. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, yellow onion, sliced 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. Add 1 lb cubed beef sirloin and sear for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 sliced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 tbsp berbere spice blend and 1 tsp ground roasted coffee, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced green bell pepper and 1 chopped medium tomato, cooking for 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the skillet, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and stir-fry for another 5 minutes until beef is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with rice or injera.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired 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-Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired 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-Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired 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-Spiced Ethiopian-Inspired 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.

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