Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Bell Peppers
Quick sautéed beef cubes with onions, bell peppers, and berbere spice for a flavorful Ethiopian-inspired stir-fry. This african-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, large yellow onion, thinly sliced, garlic cloves, minced 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 beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp berbere spice mix
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add 1 lb of 1-inch beef sirloin cubes and sear without stirring for 2 minutes to develop a brown crust.
- Step 2: Stir the beef and continue to cook for 3 more minutes until mostly browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper, cooking for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Stir in 2 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, tossing to coat the vegetables.
- Step 5: Return the beef cubes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the stir-fry. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and 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 Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and 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 garlic cloves, minced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and 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 Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and 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 Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Bell Peppers?
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.
