Tibs Stir-Fry with Spiced Beef and Berbere Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick sautéed Ethiopian-style beef cubes coated in berbere-spiced butter with onions and peppers for a flavorful, tender tibs stir-fry. This african-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1/2-inch cubes beef sirloin, berbere spice mix, unsalted butter 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb beef sirloin cubes with 1 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl, coating evenly. Set aside 10 minutes to marinate.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts and foams. Add the beef cubes in a single layer and sear without moving for 3 minutes until browned on one side.
  3. Step 3: Stir the beef and add 1 large sliced yellow onion, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger root. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften and beef is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in remaining 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, cooking 2 more minutes until butter is absorbed and fragrant. Adjust seasoning with extra salt if needed. Serve immediately with injera or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tibs Stir-Fry with Spiced Beef and Berbere Butter 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 Spiced Beef and Berbere Butter?

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 Tibs Stir-Fry with Spiced Beef and Berbere Butter?

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 Spiced Beef and Berbere Butter 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 Spiced Beef and Berbere Butter?

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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