Ethiopian Berbere-Spiced Beef Skewers with Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender beef cubes marinated in fiery berbere spice and grilled, paired with a cooling spiced yogurt sauce for balance. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef sirloin, berbere spice blend, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb beef sirloin cubes with 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat the beef evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: While beef marinates, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint. Season with a pinch of salt and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated beef cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the beef skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred on the edges and cooked to medium doneness.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with the chilled spiced yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian Berbere-Spiced Beef Skewers with Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Berbere-Spiced Beef Skewers with Yogurt 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 beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian Berbere-Spiced Beef Skewers with Yogurt 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 Berbere-Spiced Beef Skewers with Yogurt 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 Berbere-Spiced Beef Skewers with Yogurt Sauce?

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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