Grilled Ethiopian-Inspired Tibs with Berbere and Garlic

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

Tender beef cubes marinated in berbere spice and garlic, then quickly grilled for a flavorful and juicy dish. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, berbere spice, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp berbere spice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill pan over high heat until hot and lightly oiled.
  3. Step 3: Grill the beef cubes in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to medium-rare or desired doneness, allowing a nice crust to form.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over and accompany with flatbread or salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Ethiopian-Inspired Tibs with Berbere and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 Grilled Ethiopian-Inspired 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Ethiopian-Inspired 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 Grilled Ethiopian-Inspired 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 Grilled Ethiopian-Inspired Tibs with Berbere and Garlic?

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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