Tibs Sautéed Beef with Onions and Berbere

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cubes of beef sautéed with onions and berbere spice for a fragrant, slightly spicy Ethiopian-style dish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, garlic cloves, minced 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add 1 1/2 cups sliced red onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 small sliced green chili pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Increase heat to high and add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes, seasoning with 1 1/2 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sear the beef for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with injera, rice, or flatbread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tibs Sautéed Beef with Onions and Berbere 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 Tibs Sautéed Beef with Onions and Berbere?

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 blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tibs Sautéed Beef with Onions and Berbere?

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 Tibs Sautéed Beef with Onions and Berbere 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 Tibs Sautéed Beef with Onions and Berbere?

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.

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