Steamed Ethiopian Tibs with Sautéed Vegetables and Berbere Butter

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

Tender cubes of beef sautéed with onions and peppers in a berbere-spiced butter sauce, served with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 40 minutes pairs medium (about 3/4 cup) tomato, diced, tablespoons berbere spice mix, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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: 25 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons of niter kibbeh or unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and fragrant. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 medium sliced yellow onion, sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound cubed beef sirloin to the skillet, sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides but still tender inside.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons berbere spice mix, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, coating the beef and onion mix evenly. Add 1 medium sliced green bell pepper and 3/4 cup diced tomato, cooking for another 4 minutes until vegetables soften.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, steam 2 cups mixed chopped vegetables over boiling water for 5-6 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 1/2 cup water to the skillet with the beef mixture, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Serve the spiced tibs hot, accompanied by the steamed vegetables for a vibrant and hearty meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Ethiopian Tibs with Sautéed Vegetables and Berbere Butter take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Steamed Ethiopian Tibs with Sautéed Vegetables and Berbere Butter?

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 tablespoons berbere spice mix from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Ethiopian Tibs with Sautéed Vegetables and Berbere Butter?

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 Steamed Ethiopian Tibs with Sautéed Vegetables and Berbere Butter 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 Steamed Ethiopian Tibs with Sautéed Vegetables and Berbere Butter?

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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