How to Cook Oxtails

Oxtails are a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in many different ways. They are best known for their rich, meaty flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

How to Cook Oxtails

Oxtails can be braised, stewed, or even grilled. However, the most popular way to cook oxtails is to slow cook them in a flavorful broth.

Recipe to Cook Oxtail

Ingredients

  1. 2 pounds beef oxtails
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 carrots, chopped
  5. 2 celery stalks, chopped
  6. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  8. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  9. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  10. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  11. 4 cups beef broth
  12. 1 cup red wine (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
  2. Season the oxtails with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the oxtails to the pot and sear on all sides until browned.
  5. Remove the oxtails from the pot and set aside.
  6. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  7. Add the thyme, rosemary, and black pepper to the pot and cook for 1 minute more.
  8. Return the oxtails to the pot and add the beef broth and red wine (if using).
  9. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  10. Simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the oxtails are tender.
  11. Serve the oxtails with rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.

Tips to Cook Oxtail

  1. For extra flavor, sear the oxtails in bacon fat instead of olive oil.
  2. Add a splash of red wine to the broth for a richer flavor.
  3. Add other vegetables to the broth, such as potatoes, tomatoes, or mushrooms.
  4. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can cook the oxtails in a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours.
  5. To make gravy, remove the oxtails from the broth and set aside. Strain the broth into a bowl and skim off any excess fat. In a small saucepan, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened. Return the oxtails to the gravy and warm through.

FAQs

What are oxtails?

Oxtails are the tail bones of cattle. They are a tough cut of meat, but when cooked slowly, they become tender and flavorful. Oxtails are often used in stews and braises.

Where can I buy oxtails?

Oxtails can be purchased at most grocery stores, but they may be more difficult to find in smaller stores. You can also ask your butcher to special order oxtails for you.

How do I prepare oxtails for cooking?

Before cooking oxtails, you should trim off any excess fat and silver skin. You can also cut the oxtails into smaller pieces, if desired.

What is the best way to cook oxtails?

The best way to cook oxtails is to slow cook them in a flavorful broth. This will help to tenderize the meat and bring out the flavor. Oxtails can be braised in the oven or cooked in a slow cooker.

How long does it take to cook oxtails?

Oxtails need to be cooked slowly for several hours in order to become tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the method of cooking. Oxtails braised in the oven will take 2-3 hours to cook, while oxtails cooked in a slow cooker will take 8-10 hours to cook.

What can I add to the broth to flavor my oxtails?

You can add a variety of vegetables and herbs to the broth to flavor your oxtails. Some common additions include onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. You can also add a splash of red wine or vinegar to the broth for extra flavor.

How do I know when my oxtails are done cooking?

Oxtails are done cooking when the meat is tender and falls off the bone easily. You can test the doneness of the oxtails by piercing them with a fork. If the fork goes through the meat easily, the oxtails are done cooking.

How do I serve oxtails?

Oxtails can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. You can also serve oxtails with a side of vegetables or a salad.

Some popular oxtail dishes include:

  • Oxtail stew
  • Braised oxtails
  • Oxtail soup
  • Oxtail chili
  • Oxtail tacos

Can I freeze oxtails?

Yes, you can freeze oxtails. Cooked oxtails can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Raw oxtails can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Conclusion

Oxtails are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in many different ways. They are best known for their rich, meaty flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Oxtails are often used in stews and braises, but they can also be grilled, roasted, or fried.

The best way to cook oxtails is to slow cook them in a flavorful broth. This will help to tenderize the meat and bring out the flavor. Oxtails can be braised in the oven or cooked in a slow cooker.