Tibs (Ethiopian Sautéed Beef)

Name: Tibs (Ethiopian Sautéed Beef)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Ethiopia
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb beef sirloin, cut into small cubes; 3 tbsp niter kibbeh or oil; 1 red onion, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 2 jalapeños, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp rosemary, chopped; 1 tbsp berbere spice blend; Salt and pepper to taste

4 servings15 min prep20 min cookEasy Ethiopia

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Tibs (Ethiopian Sautéed Beef)

Story updated September 17, 2026

Tibs, cubes of meat sautéed with garlic, ginger, and berbere in spiced butter, is one of Ethiopia's most common home and restaurant dishes. Its precise origins aren't documented, though food historians link Ethiopia's taste for quickly seared meat back to the ancient Aksumite Empire. Traditionally reserved for festivals and honored occasions, since meat was off-limits during frequent fasting periods.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

1 1/2 lb beef sirloin, cut into small cubes
3 tbsp niter kibbeh or oil
1 red onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 jalapeños, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp berbere spice blend
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1Heat niter kibbeh in a heavy skillet over high heat until shimmering.
2Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch.
3Remove beef and set aside, keeping the fat in the pan.
4Add onion and cook until starting to soften, about 4 minutes.
5Add bell pepper, jalapeños, and garlic and cook 3 minutes.
6Return beef to the pan with rosemary and berbere and toss to coat.
7Cook 3-4 more minutes until vegetables are just tender and beef is cooked through.
8Season with salt and pepper and serve with injera.

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