Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere and Shallots

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

Sautéed beef cubes tossed with berbere spice and caramelized shallots for a flavorful, spicy Ethiopian-style dish. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, shallots, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foaming.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced shallots and sauté for 8 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Push shallots to the side and add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes seasoned with 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Cook the beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides but still juicy inside.
  5. Step 5: Mix the caramelized shallots with the beef and add 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot alongside injera or steamed rice for a spicy, savory meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere and Shallots 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-Inspired Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere and Shallots?

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 blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere and Shallots?

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-Inspired Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere and Shallots 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-Inspired Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere and Shallots?

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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