Ethiopian Spiced Fish Tibs with Berbere and Garlic

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

Pan-seared fish cubes tossed in a vibrant berbere and garlic sauce, served with sautéed vegetables. This african-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs berbere spice mix, minced garlic cloves, chopped green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb cubed firm white fish with 1 1/2 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; set aside for 10 minutes to marinate.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup chopped red onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup chopped green bell pepper and 1 cup chopped tomato to the skillet, cooking for 4 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Push vegetables to the side and add marinated fish cubes to the center of the pan, searing for 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir fish and vegetables together gently, then add 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, tossing to combine.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian Spiced Fish Tibs with Berbere and Garlic 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 Spiced Fish Tibs with Berbere and Garlic?

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 Spiced Fish Tibs with Berbere and Garlic?

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 Spiced Fish Tibs with Berbere and Garlic 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 Spiced Fish Tibs with Berbere and Garlic?

African seafood 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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