Spiced Tibs Stir-Fry with Ethiopian Berbere and Onions

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Sautéed tender beef cubes with onions and peppers, infused with berbere spice for a fiery Ethiopian-inspired stir-fry. This Ethiopian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs beef sirloin, red bell pepper, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 380 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 lb cubed beef sirloin to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for 4-5 minutes without stirring until browned on one side, then stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until beef is browned and nearly cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large sliced yellow onion, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary (if using) over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly, cooking for 2 minutes until spices are aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve immediately with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Tibs Stir-Fry with Ethiopian 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 Spiced Tibs Stir-Fry with Ethiopian 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 beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Tibs Stir-Fry with Ethiopian 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 Spiced Tibs Stir-Fry with Ethiopian 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 Spiced Tibs Stir-Fry with Ethiopian 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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