Sautéed Beef Tibs with Garlic and Berbere
Tender cubes of beef quickly sautéed with garlic, berbere spice, and fresh herbs for a classic Ethiopian dish served with injera or rice. This african-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, berbere spice blend, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin
- 2 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, sliced red onion
- 1 sliced (optional) green chili pepper
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium sliced red onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp berbere spice blend and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes, spreading them evenly in the skillet. Cook without stirring for 3 minutes to sear the edges.
- Step 5: Stir the beef and add 1 sliced green chili pepper and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, continuing to sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the beef is cooked to medium doneness.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stirring well to coat.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately with lemon wedges and injera or steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Beef Tibs with Garlic and Berbere 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 Sautéed Beef Tibs with Garlic and Berbere?
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 Sautéed Beef Tibs with Garlic and Berbere?
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 Sautéed Beef Tibs with Garlic and Berbere 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 Sautéed Beef Tibs with Garlic and Berbere?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect as a weeknight dinner. The garlic and berbere combination is spot on.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So flavorful and easy to make.
- ★★★★★
Cooked for my family and they were all raving! The berbere gave it such a deep flavor.