Ethiopian Awaze Beef Tibs with Spiced Chili Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cubes of beef sautéed with onions and peppers, tossed in a fiery awaze chili paste for a vibrant Ethiopian stir-fry. This african-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, large, sliced red onion, medium, sliced green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 African cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp niter kibbeh in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb cubed beef sirloin and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned but still juicy inside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large sliced red onion and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper to the skillet, sautéing for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and edges caramelize.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 3 tbsp awaze paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant and sauce coats the beef and vegetables.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/4 cup water into the skillet, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 7 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian Awaze Beef Tibs with Spiced Chili Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Ethiopian Awaze Beef Tibs with Spiced Chili Sauce?

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 large, sliced red onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian Awaze Beef Tibs with Spiced Chili Sauce?

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 Ethiopian Awaze Beef Tibs with Spiced Chili Sauce 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 Ethiopian Awaze Beef Tibs with Spiced Chili Sauce?

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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