Spiced Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Mixed Bell Peppers

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

Quickly sautéed beef cubes with berbere spice and colorful bell peppers for a vibrant Ethiopian-inspired stir-fry. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, berbere spice mix, medium red bell pepper, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons niter kibbeh or unsalted butter in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound beef sirloin cubes and 1 teaspoon salt to the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until beef is browned on all sides but still tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 medium sliced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon minced ginger; sauté for 3 minutes until onions soften.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tablespoons berbere spice mix along with 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until peppers are crisp-tender and spices coat the beef.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary if using; toss to combine and cook for an additional 1 minute to blend flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with injera or steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Mixed Bell Peppers 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 Spiced Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Mixed Bell Peppers?

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 mix from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Mixed Bell Peppers?

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 Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Mixed Bell Peppers 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 Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Mixed Bell Peppers?

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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