This Oxtail Recipe offers a hands-off approach to making a rich and hearty dish that impresses at any gathering. The succulent oxtails become tender and flavorful as they slowly cook in a savory broth. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even a cozy night in. When paired with creamy polenta, it transforms into a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily recreate at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: This recipe uses a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of red wine, tomato paste, and herbs infuses the oxtails with deep, complex flavors that will delight your taste buds.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve this dish with creamy polenta, rice, or crusty bread for a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone.
- Family-Friendly: With nourishing ingredients and incredible taste, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
- Cultural Fusion: Enjoy a taste of different cuisines with this blend of American, Brazilian, and Jamaican influences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These will help ensure that your Oxtail Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Heavy pot (if not using a slow cooker)
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This appliance allows for low-and-slow cooking that results in tender meat without much effort.
- Heavy pot: Ideal for browning oxtails and sautéing vegetables before transferring them to the slow cooker for enhanced flavor.
- Wooden spoon: Helps stir ingredients without scratching pots while mixing flavors together seamlessly.
Ingredients
This hands-off process of making oxtails results in a flavorful, aromatic, and fall-off-the-bone meal. Pair the succulent oxtails with creamy polenta for a restaurant-worthy dinner.
For the Oxtail
- 2-3 lbs oxtails
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup red wine
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp oregano
- salt and pepper (to taste)
How to Make Oxtail Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Oxtails
- Turn the slow cooker on sauté mode if available; otherwise, use a heavy pot.
- Add olive oil to heat.
- Season oxtails with salt and pepper.
- Brown the oxtails on all sides for about 8-12 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
- In the same pot or slow cooker on sauté mode, add diced onion and minced garlic.
- Cook until soft and fragrant.
- Season with oregano.
Step 3: Add Wine and Tomato Paste
- Stir in tomato paste and red wine.
- Let the wine reduce by half for about 4-6 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
- Transfer browned oxtails back into the slow cooker.
- If using a pot to sauté, pour the onion-wine mixture over the oxtails in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add Broth and Cook
- Pour in beef broth and add bay leaves.
- Cover and set timer for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low heat.
With these steps completed, your delicious Oxtail Recipe will be ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Oxtail Recipe
Serving your oxtail recipe can elevate your dining experience. With its rich flavors and tender meat, you’ll want to complement it with the right sides and garnishes.
Pair with Creamy Polenta
- Creamy polenta is a comforting choice that absorbs the rich sauce from the oxtails, making each bite satisfying.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the hearty dish.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth, enhancing every bite.
Accompany with Steamed Vegetables
- Steamed green beans or broccoli provide a fresh, crisp texture that balances the richness of the oxtails.
Offer a Side Salad
- A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch, making it an ideal counterpart to this rich meal.
How to Perfect Oxtail Recipe
To make your oxtail recipe truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Oxtails: Opt for fresh, well-marbled oxtails for better flavor and tenderness.
- Sear for Depth of Flavor: Browning the oxtails before slow cooking enhances their flavor profile significantly.
- Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade beef broth for a richer taste compared to store-bought options.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce at different stages and adjust seasoning as needed for a balanced flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully before serving.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices or herbs like bay leaves or thyme for extra layers of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Oxtail Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your oxtail recipe can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting base for the savory sauce.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Sweet and savory roasted carrots and parsnips complement the oxtail’s richness perfectly.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness, balancing out the hearty nature of the dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs serves as an excellent vehicle for soaking up all those delicious juices.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with savory oxtails, providing a delightful contrast in flavors.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans complements the savory notes of oxtails, making them an ideal side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your oxtail recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the oxtails first can result in a less flavorful dish. Browning adds depth and richness to the meat’s flavor.
- Not seasoning enough: If you under-season during cooking, your oxtail will taste bland. Be generous with your salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
- Ignoring cook time: Cooking oxtails for too short a time can leave them tough. Ensure you follow the recommended cooking times for tender, fall-off-the-bone results.
- Using low-quality wine: The wine you choose affects the sauce’s flavor. Opt for a good quality red wine that you would enjoy drinking.
- Overcrowding the pot: If you’re cooking too many oxtails at once, they may steam instead of brown. Work in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect sear.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Oxtails can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Freezing Oxtail Recipe
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- They can be kept for up to 3 months.
Reheating Oxtail Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place oxtails in a covered dish, and heat until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes).
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover lightly, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat with a bit of broth; stir occasionally until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an oxtail recipe.
What is the best way to serve oxtail?
Serving oxtail is best done with creamy polenta or mashed potatoes as they complement its rich flavors beautifully.
Can I make this an easy slow cooker oxtail recipe?
Absolutely! This oxtail recipe is designed for slow cooking, allowing you to set it and forget it while it develops incredible flavors.
How long does it take to cook oxtails?
Cooking time varies between 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low in a slow cooker. This ensures they become tender and flavorful.
What wine should I use for this oxtail recipe?
A good quality red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well, enhancing the sauce’s depth and richness.
Final Thoughts
This oxtail recipe offers an incredible balance of flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends. Its versatility allows for various side dishes, making it suitable for any dinner occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or spices!
PrintOxtail Recipe
This Oxtail Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. With a hands-off approach using a slow cooker, you can create tender and flavorful oxtails that practically melt in your mouth. Slow-cooked in a savory broth of red wine, tomatoes, and herbs, this dish is ideal for cozy family dinners or impressive gatherings. When served with creamy polenta or crusty bread, it transforms into a gourmet meal that will leave your guests raving. Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of this traditional dish that brings together influences from American, Brazilian, and Jamaican cuisines.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Brazilian, Jamaican
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs oxtails
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup red wine
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the oxtails in olive oil on all sides for about 8-12 minutes; set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic until soft in the same pot or slow cooker.
- Stir in tomato paste and red wine; reduce by half (4-6 minutes).
- Transfer oxtails back into the slow cooker and pour the onion-wine mixture over them.
- Add beef broth and bay leaves; cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
