How To Cook Jamaican Oxtails

Welcome to the Delicious World of Jamaican Oxtails!

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the rich and flavorful dish known as Jamaican Oxtails. This hearty and popular Jamaican delicacy is a true crowd-pleaser that will transport you straight to the vibrant Caribbean islands.

So, let’s dive into the exciting culinary journey of learning how to cook Jamaican Oxtails and unlock the secrets behind this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 pounds of oxtails
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 onions, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Start by seasoning your oxtails generously with salt and black pepper. This will help to enhance the flavors as they cook.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the oxtails and brown them on all sides. This will give your dish a beautiful caramelized flavor.
3. Once the oxtails are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside temporarily.
4. In the same pot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they become fragrant and start to soften.
5. Add the carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Return the oxtails to the pot and pour in the beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
7. If you prefer some heat, now is the time to add the scotch bonnet pepper. Be cautious, as it can be very spicy. Alternatively, you can use a milder pepper or leave it out completely.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the oxtails simmer for 2-3 hours. The low and slow cooking process will tenderize the meat and infuse it with the delicious flavors of the sauce.
9. Check the oxtails occasionally, giving them a gentle stir, and add more water if needed to ensure they remain immersed in the sauce.
10. Once the oxtails are fork-tender and the meat is falling off the bone, remove them from the pot and skim off any excess fat from the sauce.
11. For an even richer and thicker sauce, you can optionally blend some of the sauce ingredients together and strain them before returning them to the pot.
12. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
13. Serve your delicious Jamaican oxtails over a bed of steamed rice or with traditional Jamaican side dishes like rice and peas, plantains, or cabbage. Don’t forget to pour some of that flavorful sauce over the top!

There you have it! With these simple steps, you can create an authentic Jamaican oxtail dish that will impress your friends and family. The tender meat, savory sauce, and aromatic spices will transport you to the sunny shores of Jamaica with every bite.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and embrace the flavors of Jamaican cuisine by cooking up a batch of delicious oxtails. Your taste buds will thank you!