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Authentic Oxtail Recipe - Jamaica Style and from around the world.

Updated: Mar 4, 2023


oxtail recipe
Jamaican Oxtail Saute

Jamaican Oxtail recipe and more

Jamaican oxtail is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed by generations of Jamaicans, Caribbeans, and food lovers around the world. This slow-cooked dish is made from the tail of a cow, which is packed with flavor and nutrition. Jamaican oxtails are typically cooked with a variety of herbs and spices, including thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet pepper, which give the dish its distinctive taste and aroma. Before delving into various oxtail recipe served in Jamaica and worldwide, let's take a brief look at this savory entre' dish.


Oxtail Cooking Variation in Jamaica

There are many variations of the Jamaican oxtail recipe, and each one has its own unique twist. Some cooks add coconut milk to the recipe to make it creamier and more flavorful, while others add a touch of brown sugar to balance out the heat of the Scotch bonnet pepper. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own signature version of this classic dish.


Oxtail Dish History

Jamaican oxtail has a long and interesting history that is closely tied to the island's culture and traditions. The dish has its roots in the days of slavery, when the slaves were often given the less desirable cuts of meat, including the tail of the cow. To make this tough and fibrous cut of meat edible, the slaves would slow-cook it with herbs and spices, creating a dish that was both tasty and nutritious. Over time, Jamaican oxtail became a beloved staple in Jamaican cuisine, and it is now enjoyed by people around the world. Oxtail comes in many variations, in Jamaica, Caribbean, and around the world. Below is the signed and approved Jamaican oxtail recipe, our Tast Vacation Cafe will use. Then next, I will share with you a few oxtail dishes from around the world. Enjoy!




A recipe for oxtails: Ingredients

To make authentic Jamaican oxtails, you will need the following ingredients:


4-5 pounds of oxtail, trimmed and cut into pieces.

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons of thyme

2 teaspoons of allspice

1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (depending on your heat preference)

3 cups of beef stock

2 cups of water

3 tablespoons Grace Browning sauce

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

2-3 carrots, chopped

2-3 potatoes, chopped or 2 cans of butter beans.

Salt and pepper, to taste


Preparation

To prepare Jamaican oxtails, follow these simple steps:


  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the oxtail pieces to the pot and brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.

  3. Add the onion, garlic, thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet pepper to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent, and the spices are fragrant.

  4. Return the oxtail to the pot, along with the beef stock, browning sauce, water, and tomato paste.

  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

  6. Add the chopped carrots and potatoes or butter beans to the pot and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.

  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.


Jamaican oxtail is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is loved by people around the world. This traditional Caribbean food recipe has a rich history and is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Jamaican people. If you want to experience the true taste of Jamaica, then you must try this classic dish. Furthermore, oxtail is not only enjoyed in Jamaica, but other parts of the world. This flavorful cut of meat can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some other recipes:



Oxtail Recipe Variations Worldwide

  • Oxtail Stew: This is a classic way to prepare oxtail. It involves slow cooking the meat in a flavorful broth with vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes.


  • Jamaican Oxtail: Like I have already discussed, this is a popular dish in Jamaica that is made with oxtail, onions, garlic, thyme, scallions, and hot peppers. It's usually served with rice and peas.


  • Korean Oxtail Soup: This is a hearty soup made with oxtail, daikon radish, and a variety of Korean spices like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. It's often served with rice.


  • Braised Oxtail: This is a slow-cooked dish that involves browning the oxtail in a pan, then braising it in a flavorful liquid like red dessert wine or beef stock.


  • Oxtail Tacos: This is a creative way to use oxtail. The meat is slow-cooked and then shredded and served in a taco shell with toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime.


  • Oxtail Curry: This is a flavorful curry made with oxtail, spices like turmeric, cumin, curry powder, and coriander, and vegetables like potatoes and carrots.


  • Oxtail Ragu: This is a rich and hearty pasta sauce made with oxtail, tomatoes, garlic, and red wine. It's often served with a pasta like pappardelle.


These are just a few other oxtail recipes out there. Oxtail is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, so feel free to experiment and find your own favorite way to prepare it. Up next, I will discuss oxtail meat nutritional value and serving suggestions.



Nutritional Value

Oxtail is a rich source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients that are important for maintaining good health. Remember, the oxtail is a tough and fibrous cut of meat that requires slow cooking to become tender, but the result is a dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition.


Serving Suggestions

Jamaican oxtail can be served with a variety of side dishes, including rice and peas, steamed vegetables, or fried plantains. You can also serve it with a Jamaican-style coleslaw or a side salad for a balanced and nutritious meal.


Conclusion

In conclusion, Jamaican oxtail recipe or any other ways of preparation is a delicious and nutritious dish that has a rich history and cultural significance. If you are looking for a new and exciting dish to try, then we highly recommend giving this classic Jamaican recipe a try or do further research on the other dishes mentioned. With its flavorful combination of herbs, spices, and tender oxtail meat, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead and give it a try and see for yourself why oxtail is one of the most beloved dishes globally, or in Jamaican cuisine.






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