Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Green Pepper and Lime

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, savory stir-fry of tender beef strips with bell peppers, garlic, and citrus, seasoned with Ethiopian spices for a vibrant, satisfying dish. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes pairs Beef sirloin, medium, thinly sliced Green bell pepper, medium, thinly sliced Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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.

★ 3.6 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1 lb beef sirloin against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and let sit for 5 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C) until shimmering. Add 2 medium thinly sliced green bell peppers and 1 medium thinly sliced onion, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize slightly.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 1/2 tbsp berbere spice mix and cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices without burning.
  4. Step 4: Add the seasoned beef strips to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside (medium doneness).
  5. Step 5: Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the beef and peppers, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 more minute until the liquid evaporates and the flavors meld. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Green Pepper and Lime take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Beef Tibs with Green Pepper and Lime?

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 Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Green Pepper and Lime?

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 Beef Tibs with Green Pepper and Lime 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 Beef Tibs with Green Pepper and Lime?

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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