Grilled Tibs Beef Stir with Onions and Ethiopian Spices

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

Tender cubes of beef sautéed with onions and a blend of Ethiopian spices, grilled to perfection for a flavorful and hearty dish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, large, thinly sliced yellow onion, niter kibbeh 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and slightly caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 1/2 tbsp berbere spice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb 1-inch beef sirloin cubes to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is browned on all sides and cooked to medium doneness.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with injera or steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tibs Beef Stir with Onions and Ethiopian Spices 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 Grilled Tibs Beef Stir with Onions and Ethiopian Spices?

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 niter kibbeh from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tibs Beef Stir with Onions and Ethiopian Spices?

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 Tibs Beef Stir with Onions and Ethiopian Spices 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 Tibs Beef Stir with Onions and Ethiopian Spices?

African 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.