The Best Oxtails Recipe: A Hearty Dish with Timeless Flavor

If you are looking for The BEST Oxtails Recipe then look no further. This recipe is surprising easy to make and yields the most tender meat you can find. Oxtails are comfort food at it’s best and this is the BEST Southern Oxtails Recipe you will ever make. This recipe is full of rich flavors and cooked until they are fall off the bone tender. Whether you are eating them as a stew or with collard greens, cornbread and dirty rice, you will be satisfied. I have to admit, it took me a little while to perfect this recipe but it was well worth the wait. In this post, I will share the step-by-step process to this soul food classic. You and your family won’t be disappointed. So grab your ingredients and lets get cooking.

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How to Make The Best Southern Oxtails

The secret to what makes these oxtails so delicious depends on a few factors. The first factor is the oxtail. Make sure to select the best quality meat you can find. Using good quality meat will always give you the best and tastiest outcome. Once you start with good quality oxtails the next secret is all in the blend of seasoning. Use seasoning that will enhance the flavor of your oxtails. For this Southern oxtail recipe I use garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt and black pepper. These seasoning provide a balanced flavor that will make your oxtails taste supreme. Lastly, it is essential to allow the oxtails to slow cook. Whether you are preparing them stove top or in a slow cooker, ensure that your oxtails cook on medium to low heat for 3 1/2 – 4 hours. Allowing your oxtails to cook slowly will yield tender, delicious meat.

Why are Oxtails so expensive?

Oxtails use to be quite affordable but due to increased demand, limited supplies and the labor-intensive preparation the cost has skyrocketed. Their unique flavor and versatility in slow-cooked dishes make them highly sought after, but the high bone-to-meat ratio also contributes to their cost. Despite the price, many food lovers are willing to pay for oxtails because of their rich, succulent flavor and ability to elevate any meal.

If you’re looking to enjoy oxtails more affordably, consider buying them in bulk, shopping at butcher shops, or exploring local markets where prices may be lower.

Watch Video Tutorial for The Best Oxtails Recipe

Ingredients

• Oxtails – The Oxtails are the main ingredient. It give rich flavor and a delicious meaty taste.
• Onion – Onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish as it softens and melds with the other flavors.
• Garlic – Enhances the dish with a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the meat.
• Carrot – Brings a touch of sweetness and softens during cooking to balance the savory elements.
• Beef Broth – Serves as the flavorful liquid base, enriching the dish with a meaty depth.
• Water – Helps control the thickness of the sauce and ensures the oxtails stay tender during cooking.
• Browning – Adds a deep color and slight smokiness, giving the dish an appetizing, caramelized finish.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Provides a tangy, umami-rich complexity that enhances the flavor of the broth.
• Brown Sugar – Balances savory flavors with a hint of sweetness and aids in caramelization.
• Paprika – Adds mild warmth and a subtle smokiness to enhance the depth of the dish.
• Thyme – Imparts a fragrant, earthy note that complements the rich meat.
• Onion Powder – Boosts the onion flavor throughout the dish for a more consistent taste.
• Garlic Powder – Adds concentrated garlic flavor, enhancing the aromatic profile of the sauce.
• Salt – Elevates all the flavors in the dish and enhances the savory elements.
• Pepper – Adds a hint of heat and spice to balance the richness of the oxtails.

What You Will Need

• Dutch Oven or Large Pot
• Tongs

Instructions

Ensure your oxtails have been cleaned and dried before cooking.

Step 1: Preparing the Oxtails

Place the oxtails in a bowl then add the browning and Worcestershire sauce and mix until each piece has been well coated. Next sprinkle the oxtails with the salt and pepper and again mix until each piece has been well coated.

Step 2: Saute the Vegetable

Place a Dutch Oven over a burner and using medium heat bring your pot to temperature. Melt the butter then add the onion, carrot and garlic. Saute your vegetables for 3 minutes.

Step 3:Add the Oxtails

Place the seasoned oxtails in the Dutch oven with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Stir to combine the spices with the meat and vegetables.

Step 4:

Add the beef broth and water then bring to a light simmer. Add the brown sugar then cover the Dutch oven and allow it to cook on medium-low for 3-1/2-4 hours.

What to Eat With Oxtails

Oxtails pair well with a variety of sides, from hearty starches like dirty rice and roasted potatoes to traditional soul food sides like fried cabbage and collard greens. The key is to balance the richness of the delicious oxtails with complementary textures and flavors. Adding a side of cornbreadWith these pairings, your oxtail dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner!

What to Do With Leftovers

Oxtails can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure your oxtails have been completely cooled before store them in an airtight container and placing them in the refrigerator. If you want to freeze your oxtails, place them in a freezer safe container. It is helpful to label and date them to keep track. Oxtails can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Other Great Recipes

• Southern Slow Cooked Oxtails – Delicious, tender and slow cooked oxtails.
• The South’s Most Iconic Recipes– Southern recipes that are comforting and oh so good.
• Cranberry Sauce Recipe – made with orange marmalade and a great condiment to your holiday meal.

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The BEST Oxtails Recipe

Recipe by Soul Food Cooking

3.9 from 67 votes

Course: MainCuisine: SouthernDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

4

hours 

3

minutes

Ingredients

• 2- 1/2 lbs Oxtails

• 1 Cup Onion

• 2 Cloves Garlic

• 1 Carrot

• 4 Cups Beef Broth

• 2 Cups Water

• 2 Tbsps Browning

• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

• 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar

• 1 tsp Paprika

• 1 tsp Thyme

• 1 tsp Onion Powder

• 1 tsp Garlic Powder

• 1 tsp Salt

• 1 tsp Pepper

Directions

• Make sure you have thoroughly cleaned your oxtails.
• Add the browning and Worcestershire sauce to the oxtails.
• Now season with the salt and pepper and mix well.
• Melt your butter then saute the onions, garlic and carrots for 3 minutes.
• Add the oxtails to the pot the sprinkle with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and thyme.
• Add the beef broth and water then bring to a light simmer.
• Add the brown sugar then cover and allow it to cook on medium-low for 3-1/2-4 hours.

Recipe Video

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