Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Onions
Quick sautéed cubes of beef with onions and berbere spice blend for a flavorful Ethiopian-inspired stir-fry. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs large red onion, thinly sliced, 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 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 pound beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons berbere spice mix
- 3 tablespoons niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter)
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small (optional) green chili, sliced
- to taste salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons niter kibbeh in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound cubed beef sirloin and sear for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides but still tender.
- Step 2: Add 1 large thinly sliced red onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 small sliced green chili (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions soften and become translucent.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons berbere spice mix and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary over the beef and onions. Toss to coat evenly and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Season with salt to taste, then remove from heat and serve immediately with injera or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Onions 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 Onions?
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 Tibs Stir-Fry with Berbere and Onions?
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 Onions 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 Onions?
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.
