Marcus Samuelsson-Style Ethiopian Tibs with Berbere and Onions

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

Tender cubes of beef quickly sautéed with berbere spice, onions, and garlic for a spicy, aromatic Ethiopian classic. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, large red onion, sliced into half-moons for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 Ethiopian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large sliced red onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and beginning to caramelize.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Increase heat to high and add 1 lb cubed beef sirloin to the skillet. Sprinkle 2 tbsp berbere spice blend evenly over the meat.
  5. Step 5: Sear the beef for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned and cooked to medium doneness.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stir to combine.
  7. Step 7: Remove skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the tibs, tossing gently.
  8. Step 8: Serve immediately with injera or steamed rice for a flavorful Ethiopian meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Marcus Samuelsson-Style Ethiopian Tibs with Berbere and Onions 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 Marcus Samuelsson-Style Ethiopian Tibs with Berbere and Onions?

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 blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Marcus Samuelsson-Style Ethiopian Tibs with Berbere and Onions?

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 Marcus Samuelsson-Style Ethiopian Tibs with Berbere and Onions 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 Marcus Samuelsson-Style Ethiopian Tibs with Berbere and Onions?

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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