Oh yes 😍🐂 braised oxtails are the ultimate comfort food—rich, gelatinous, and fall-off-the-bone tender. Here’s a classic, foolproof recipe that will make your kitchen smell like heaven.
🥘 Braised Oxtails
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 3 lbs oxtails, cut into segments
- Salt & black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (optional, adds depth)
- 3 cups beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes for warmth
Instructions
1️⃣ Sear the oxtails
- Season oxtails generously with salt & pepper.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown oxtails on all sides (2–3 min per side). Remove & set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté aromatics
- In the same pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened (5–7 min).
- Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste, cook 1–2 min to caramelize.
3️⃣ Deglaze
- Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape up browned bits from the bottom.
- Let wine reduce slightly, 2–3 min.
4️⃣ Braise
- Return oxtails to the pot.
- Add beef stock, thyme, bay leaves, and optional spices.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and braise low and slow:
- Stovetop: 2.5–3 hours
- Oven: 325°F (160°C) for 2.5–3 hours
- Slow cooker: 6–8 hours on low
Meat should be falling off the bone, and the sauce thick and rich.
5️⃣ Finish
- Remove oxtails.
- Strain or leave sauce chunky with vegetables.
- Adjust salt & pepper.
- Optional: skim fat, or swirl in a knob of butter for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
- Rice or buttery noodles
- Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Pro Tips
- Don’t rush the sear—browning = flavor
- Low & slow is key for tender, gelatinous meat
- Optional extras: splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire for umami, fresh parsley to garnish
If you want, I can give a luxury version with Caribbean spices or a pressure-cooker shortcut that keeps it fall-off-the-bone tender in under 90 minutes 😏.
Do you want me to do that?
