🥘🍖 Braised Oxtail (Stovetop or Oven Method)
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
-
3–4 lbs oxtail, trimmed of excess fat
-
Salt & black pepper, to taste
-
2–3 tbsp oil (for searing)
-
1 large onion, chopped
-
2–3 carrots, chopped
-
2 celery stalks, chopped
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 tbsp tomato paste
-
1–2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
-
1 bay leaf
-
1 cup red wine (or beef broth)
-
3 cups beef broth
-
Optional: 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
-
Optional: 1 tsp paprika or a pinch of allspice for warmth
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Season & Sear
-
Pat oxtail dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
-
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
-
Brown oxtail pieces on all sides (in batches if needed), about 8–10 minutes total. Set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
-
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium.
-
Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
-
Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and caramelized.
3️⃣ Deglaze & Build Flavor
-
Pour in wine or a bit of broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
-
Add back the oxtail, along with beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and any optional seasonings.
-
Bring to a gentle simmer.
4️⃣ Braise
-
Stovetop: Cover and simmer on low heat for 3–4 hours, until oxtail is fork-tender.
-
Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Cover and cook for 3–3½ hours.
-
Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if it reduces too much.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve
-
Skim excess fat from the surface if needed.
-
Remove thyme stems and bay leaf.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning.
-
Serve hot over rice, creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered noodles.
✅ Tips
-
Better the next day: Like stews, flavors deepen after sitting overnight.
-
Use a fat separator or chill briefly to remove grease for a cleaner sauce.
-
Want it thicker? Remove the oxtail and reduce the liquid, or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Would you like a Caribbean-style version (with butter beans and browning), a pressure cooker/Instant Pot method, or suggestions for side dishes to go with it?
