Steamed Tibs with Berbere and Fresh Herbs
A quick Ethiopian sauté of tender beef cubes tossed with berbere spice and fresh herbs, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. This african-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, berbere spice mix, medium, sliced red onion 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin
- 2 tbsp berbere spice mix
- 1 medium, sliced red onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 small, sliced green chili pepper
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 lb beef sirloin cubes with 2 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl, coating the meat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned beef cubes and sear for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides but still tender inside.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced red onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 small sliced green chili pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic is fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, cooking for another minute to release their aromas.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over the tibs, tossing gently to combine before serving immediately with injera or rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Tibs with Berbere and Fresh Herbs 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 Steamed Tibs with Berbere and Fresh Herbs?
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 Steamed Tibs with Berbere and Fresh Herbs?
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 Tibs with Berbere and Fresh Herbs 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 Tibs with Berbere and Fresh Herbs?
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.
