Jamaican Oxtail is a beloved dish that boasts rich flavors and tender meat. This hearty recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. With its warm spices and savory broth, Jamaican Oxtail captures the essence of Caribbean cooking, making it a standout meal that is sure to impress.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 420
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make This Jamaican Oxtail
This Jamaican Oxtail recipe is not only a comfort food classic but also a symbol of cultural heritage. The slow-cooked meat becomes incredibly tender, falling apart with every bite, while the aromatic spices infuse the dish with a distinctive flavor. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family meal, this dish brings warmth and joy to the table.
How to Make Jamaican Oxtail
Making Jamaican Oxtail may take some time, but the process is straightforward and rewarding. With just a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful, flavorful dish that will transport you to the Caribbean directly from your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs oxtail
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) butter beans (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the oxtail with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Browning the Oxtail
Once the oil is hot, add the oxtail pieces to the pot. Brown the oxtail on all sides to develop a flavorful crust, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Sautéing Aromatics
Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Mixing Vegetables
Stir in the chopped carrots and green onions, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their aromas.
Step 5: Combining Ingredients
Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, allspice, thyme, and butter beans (if using). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 6: Cooking the Oxtail
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the oxtail is tender and succulent.
Step 7: Adjusting Seasoning
Towards the end of cooking, taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
How to Serve Jamaican Oxtail
Serve your flavorful Jamaican Oxtail over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or with traditional rice and peas. A side of steamed vegetables or fried plantains complements this dish beautifully. Don’t forget to drizzle some of that delicious broth over the top!
How to Store Jamaican Oxtail
To store Jamaican Oxtail, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Jamaican Oxtail
- For deeper flavor, let the oxtail marinate in the seasoning mixture overnight.
- If desired, you can add Scotch bonnet pepper for a bit of heat, but be cautious with the amount!
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time, making the oxtail tender in about 45 minutes.
Delicious Variations
- Substitute oxtail with beef short ribs for a different flavor profile.
- Add sweet potatoes to the mix for a hint of sweetness.
- For a unique twist, include some tropical fruits like pineapple or mango in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make Jamaican Oxtail in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Follow the initial browning steps, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. -
What do I serve with Jamaican Oxtail?
Traditionally, rice and peas (rice cooked with kidney beans), steamed vegetables, or boiled green bananas pair perfectly with Jamaican Oxtail. -
How can I thicken the sauce?
You can thicken the sauce by simmering it uncovered for the last 30 minutes or by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water. -
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is not spicy unless you add additional heat, such as Scotch bonnet pepper. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking. -
Can I use other cuts of beef?
While oxtail is traditional, you can also use beef chuck roast or short ribs as alternatives, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Conclusion
Jamaican Oxtail is a dish that offers a taste of the Caribbean with its warm spices and hearty texture. The comforting flavors and tender meat make it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with family or impressing friends, this dish will surely become a favorite. So roll up your sleeves and give this delightful recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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Jamaican Oxtail
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A beloved dish boasting rich flavors and tender meat, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs oxtail
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) butter beans (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the oxtail with salt and pepper.
- Once the oil is hot, add the oxtail pieces to the pot. Brown the oxtail on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped carrots and green onions, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, allspice, thyme, and butter beans (if using). Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours, until the oxtail is tender.
- Towards the end of cooking, taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
For deeper flavor, let the oxtail marinate in the seasoning overnight. A slow cooker can be used as an alternative cooking method.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cook
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
