Slow-Simmered Tibs with Berbere and Aromatic Onions
Tender cubes of beef sautéed with berbere spice and caramelized onions for a flavorful Ethiopian stir-fry classic called tibs. This african-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, medium, thinly sliced yellow onions, 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. 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, thinly sliced yellow onions
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp berbere spice mix
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 thinly sliced yellow onions and sauté for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until deeply golden and caramelized.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp berbere spice mix to the onions; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Increase heat to high and add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes to the skillet. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sear the beef for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides but still tender.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary over the beef. Stir and cook for an additional 5 minutes to combine flavors and finish cooking the beef.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the tibs. Toss gently and serve immediately with injera or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Tibs with Berbere and Aromatic Onions take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Slow-Simmered Tibs with Berbere and Aromatic 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Tibs with Berbere and Aromatic 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 Slow-Simmered Tibs with Berbere and Aromatic 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 Slow-Simmered Tibs with Berbere and Aromatic Onions?
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.
