Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions

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

Tender beef cubes sautéed with fragrant spices, red onions, and green peppers, creating a savory Ethiopian dish perfect for sharing. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, large (8 oz) red onion, sliced, medium green bell pepper, sliced 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes and sear for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides but not fully cooked.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large sliced red onion, 1 medium sliced green bell pepper, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp minced ginger. Sauté for 4 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 1 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper over the beef and vegetables, stirring well to coat evenly. Cook another 3-4 minutes until beef is cooked through and spices are aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with injera or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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-Inspired Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions?

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 mix from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions?

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 Onions 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 Onions?

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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