Oxtail Recipe: A Rich and Flavorful Dish

Oxtail might not be the first cut of beef that comes to mind, but it’s one of the most flavorful and tender when cooked properly. With its rich, gelatinous texture and deep beefy taste, oxtail is a fantastic ingredient for slow-cooked dishes that warm the soul. If you’ve never cooked oxtail before, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make a delicious, fall-off-the-bone meal.

What is Oxtail?

Oxtail comes from the tail of the cow and is packed with connective tissue, marrow, and collagen. When slow-cooked, these elements break down, creating a thick and hearty dish with an incredibly rich flavor. Traditionally, oxtail is used in stews, soups, and braised dishes across different cuisines, from Jamaican oxtail stew to Korean-style braised oxtail.

How to Prepare Oxtail for Cooking

Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare the oxtail properly:

• Trim Excess Fat: While some fat adds flavor, removing excess fat helps keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
• Season Generously: Use a mix of salt, pepper, and spices like thyme, paprika, or allspice for extra depth.
• Sear for Maximum Flavor: Browning the oxtail in a hot pan before slow-cooking helps develop a rich, caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste.

Slow-Cooked Oxtail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs oxtail, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes (optional)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for added depth)

Instructions:

1. Sear the Oxtail: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the oxtail pieces until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Slow-Cook to Perfection: Return the oxtail to the pot and add beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove bay leaves and serve the oxtail over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

Final Thoughts

Cooking oxtail takes time, but the results are well worth the effort. Whether you're making a comforting stew or a gourmet braised dish, oxtail delivers unmatched richness and depth of flavor. Give this recipe a try, and experience the magic of slow-cooked oxtail for yourself!

Where to Buy High-Quality Oxtail

For the best results, choose high-quality, grass-fed oxtail for superior flavor and nutrition. 
👉 You can find premium beef oxtail at Ferguson Farms, where they offer responsibly raised meats that elevate any home-cooked meal.