Jamaican Oxtail

Jamaican Oxtail is a hearty and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Caribbean cooking. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for any home chef. This dish also allows for customization, whether you prefer a little extra heat or a twist of sweetness—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 160 minutes
Total Time: 180 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 430
Protein: 45 grams
Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Fat: 15 grams
Fiber: 8 grams
Sugar: 4 grams
Sodium: 320 mg

Why Make Jamaican Oxtail

Jamaican Oxtail is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table. This stew is packed with nutrients and flavor–the tender oxtail melts in your mouth while the vegetables offer a hearty bite. Cooking this dish is also an excellent opportunity to engage family members, allowing everyone to partake in the process while learning about Caribbean flavors.

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

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

How to Serve Jamaican Oxtail

Jamaican Oxtail pairs beautifully with white rice, allowing you to soak up the rich gravy. You could also serve it alongside some steamed vegetables for a more wholesome meal, or with warm crusty bread for a comforting touch. For a traditional feel, add coleslaw—its crunch complements the tender oxtail perfectly.

How to Store Jamaican Oxtail

To store Jamaican Oxtail, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the oxtail for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, adding a bit of broth if necessary to retain moisture.

Expert Tips for Cooking Jamaican Oxtail

• For deeper flavor, marinate the oxtail overnight with your spices and seasonings.
• If you enjoy a spicier dish, add additional scotch bonnet or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• Always skim the fat off the top before serving for a lighter dish.
• Consider using a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time without sacrificing tenderness.
• Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; try adding a bit of chopped scallion at the end for freshness.

Delicious Variations of Jamaican Oxtail

• For a herbed twist, incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley into the stew.
• A citrus variation can be achieved by adding orange or lime juice for a zesty flavor.
• For a spicy kick, increase the number of scotch bonnet peppers or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Conclusion

Jamaican Oxtail is a must-try dish that beautifully balances rich flavors and comforting textures. It’s perfect for any occasion, easy to prepare, and always satisfies. Dive into this delicious stew and share the joy of Caribbean cooking with family and friends!

Jamaican Oxtail

A hearty and flavorful Jamaican Oxtail dish that captures the essence of Caribbean cooking, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican

Calories: 430

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)
• 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 chopped onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the oxtail to the pot and brown the meat on all sides, sealing in the flavor.
4. Add tomatoes, carrots, butter beans, thyme, allspice, soy sauce, and brown sugar to the pot. Stir everything together.
5. Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours on low heat, until the oxtail is tender and the sauce thickens.
6. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove thyme sprigs.
7. Serve the oxtail stew with rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

Notes

To store Jamaican Oxtail, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or microwave, adding broth if necessary to retain moisture. For deeper flavor, marinate the oxtail overnight. Consider using a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time.