Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Fresh Herbs

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

A quick Ethiopian-style sauté of tender beef cubes tossed with onions, berbere spice, and fresh herbs for a savory main dish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, large red onion, sliced, medium green bell pepper, sliced 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 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 shimmering. Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes and sear for 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large sliced red onion and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp berbere spice mix, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme to the pan. Stir for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef cubes to the skillet, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 3 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges to squeeze over the meat.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Fresh Herbs 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 Stir-Fry 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 large red onion, sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tibs Stir-Fry 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 Tibs Stir-Fry 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 Tibs Stir-Fry 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.

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