Injera-Wrapped Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere Sauce

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

Tender cubes of beef sautéed with aromatic Ethiopian spices, wrapped in injera and served with a spicy berbere-infused sauce. This african-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes blends beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice mix, large (200g) yellow onion, sliced thin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 30 min Serves 4 African cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion is soft and golden.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle 2 tbsp berbere spice mix over the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb cubed beef sirloin to the skillet, seasoning with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary. Sear the beef, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until browned on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup water, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Warm 4 pieces of injera bread in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until pliable. Place a portion of the beef tibs on each injera piece and roll or fold them to wrap the filling.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm with the berbere sauce spooned over or alongside the wrapped beef tibs for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Injera-Wrapped Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Injera-Wrapped Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Injera-Wrapped Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere Sauce?

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 Injera-Wrapped Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere Sauce 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 Injera-Wrapped Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere Sauce?

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.

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