Spiced Ethiopian Awaze Beef Tibs with Peppers and Onions

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

Quickly sautéed beef cubes tossed with a spicy awaze sauce and fresh bell peppers for a vibrant and zesty dish. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cubed, awaze spice paste, medium red bell pepper, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 360 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 hot but not smoking.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed beef sirloin and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned but still tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced red onion, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 1 medium sliced green bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 4 minutes until vegetables soften but retain some crunch.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp awaze spice paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 2 minutes until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated and the sauce is fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Ethiopian Awaze Beef Tibs with Peppers and Onions take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Spiced Ethiopian Awaze Beef Tibs with Peppers 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 beef sirloin, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Ethiopian Awaze Beef Tibs with Peppers 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 Spiced Ethiopian Awaze Beef Tibs with Peppers 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 Spiced Ethiopian Awaze Beef Tibs with Peppers 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.