Jamaican Oxtail

If you’re in the mood for a comforting and flavorful dish, Jamaican Oxtail is perfect for you. This hearty dish brings a taste of the Caribbean to your table with robust flavors and tender meat that melt in your mouth. Not only is it delicious, but Jamaican Oxtail is also simple to prepare, making it a fantastic meal for busy days or special occasions.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 180 minutes
Total Time: 195 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 480
Protein: 38 grams
Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Fat: 24 grams
Fiber: 7 grams
Sugar: 5 grams
Sodium: 560 mg

Why Make Jamaican Oxtail

Jamaican Oxtail is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The rich broth, combined with the spices and tender meat, creates an explosion of flavor with each bite. This dish is also highly versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences by adjusting the spice level or adding extra vegetables. With its satisfying nature and ability to bring people together around the dining table, Jamaican Oxtail is an ideal choice for gatherings or family dinners.

How to Make Jamaican Oxtail Step by Step

Ingredients

Oxtail: 2-3 pounds, cut into sections
Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and sliced
Butter beans: 1 cup
Onions: 1 large, chopped
Thyme: 2 sprigs
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Scotch bonnet pepper: 1 (or more to taste)
Tomatoes: 2 medium, chopped
Allspice: 1 teaspoon
Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon
Beef broth: 4 cups
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

Directions

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil to the pot. Then, add the chopped onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, add the oxtail to the pot and brown the meat on all sides to seal in the flavor. After that, incorporate the tomatoes, carrots, butter beans, thyme, allspice, soy sauce, and brown sugar into the pot. Stir everything together.

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours on low heat, until the oxtail is tender and the sauce is thickened. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then remove the thyme sprigs. Serve the oxtail stew with rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

How to Serve Jamaican Oxtail

This Jamaican Oxtail is best served with fluffy white rice or brown rice, which can soak up the rich sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. If you prefer a heartier option, crusty bread or dumplings make a delightful accompaniment to mop up the flavorful sauce.

How to Store Jamaican Oxtail

If you have leftovers, Jamaican Oxtail can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, make sure to warm it gently on the stovetop to maintain the flavor and texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the oxtail stew for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove until warmed through.

Expert Tips for Cooking Jamaican Oxtail

• Consider searing the oxtail in batches for better browning.
• Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper to control the spiciness.
• For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of red wine before adding the beef broth.
• Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving; every palate is different!
• Let the dish sit for a few hours or overnight for the flavors to deepen.

Delicious Variations of Jamaican Oxtail

• For a spicy twist, add additional Scotch bonnet peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
• Experiment with herb variations by adding fresh cilantro or parsley for a herby flavor.
• For a citrusy kick, try adding a splash of lime juice or orange zest in the cooking process.
• If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using jackfruit or hearty mushrooms instead of oxtail.

Jamaican Oxtail is a wonderful dish to try at home. With its deep flavors and tender meat, it is bound to impress anyone fortunate enough to try it. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or hosting friends, this recipe will surely leave your guests asking for seconds. Give Jamaican Oxtail a go, and bring the taste of the Caribbean into your kitchen!

Jamaican Oxtail

A comforting and flavorful Jamaican Oxtail dish featuring robust flavors and tender meat, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds Oxtail, cut into sections
• 2 medium Carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup Butter beans
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 2 sprigs Thyme
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (or more to taste) Can adjust for spiciness
• 2 medium Tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Allspice
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
• 4 cups Beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

Method

 

Cooking

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil to the pot.
2. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the oxtail to the pot and brown the meat on all sides to seal in the flavor.
4. Incorporate the tomatoes, carrots, butter beans, thyme, allspice, soy sauce, and brown sugar into the pot. Stir everything together.
5. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Cover the pot and cook for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours on low heat, until the oxtail is tender and the sauce is thickened.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then remove the thyme sprigs.
8. Serve the oxtail stew with rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

Notes

This dish is best served with fluffy white rice or brown rice, which can soak up the rich sauce. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to three months.