Sautéed Beef Tibs with Berbere and Onions

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

Tender cubes of beef quickly sautéed with spicy berbere seasoning, onions, and garlic for a flavorful Ethiopian-inspired dish. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, yellow onion, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Increase heat to high and add 1 lb cubed beef sirloin, spreading evenly; sear without stirring for 3 minutes until browned.
  5. Step 5: Stir the beef, season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until beef is cooked through but still tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice, tossing gently to combine.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Beef 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 Sautéed Beef 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 Sautéed Beef 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 Sautéed Beef 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 Sautéed Beef 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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