Ethiopian Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Fresh Herbs

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

Quickly sautéed beef cubes seasoned with berbere spice and fresh herbs, making a lively and flavorful stir-fry perfect for a vibrant dinner. This Ethiopian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs beef sirloin, berbere spice blend, red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes and 1.5 tbsp berbere spice blend, searing the meat for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium sliced red onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 large diced tomato, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for another 3 minutes until the tomato softens and flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and serve warm with flatbread or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Fresh Herbs 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 Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Fresh Herbs?

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 Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Fresh Herbs?

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 Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Fresh Herbs 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 Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Fresh Herbs?

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.