Simmered Tibs Beef with Onions and Ethiopian Spice
Tender cubes of beef sautéed with sweet onions and robust Ethiopian spices, perfect for a flavorful main dish. This ethiopian-inspired african ready in about 35 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, red onion, sliced, berbere spice blend 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium (200g) red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium (120g) tomato, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes and sear them for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Step 2: Add 2 medium sliced red onions, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Sauté for 7 minutes until onions soften and turn translucent.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper over the beef and onions. Stir well to evenly coat and cook for 2 minutes until spices are fragrant.
- Step 4: Mix in 1 medium diced tomato and cook for another 5 minutes until the tomato breaks down and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with injera or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Tibs Beef with Onions and Ethiopian Spice take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Simmered Tibs Beef with Onions and Ethiopian Spice?
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 red onion, sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Tibs Beef with Onions and Ethiopian Spice?
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 Simmered Tibs Beef with Onions and Ethiopian Spice 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 Simmered Tibs Beef with Onions and Ethiopian Spice?
Ethiopian african 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.
