How To Cook Oxtails In Slow Cooker

How To Cook Oxtails In Slow Cooker

Are you a fan of hearty, flavorful meals? Look no further than oxtails cooked in a slow cooker! This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With the help of your trusty slow cooker, you’ll be able to enjoy tender and succulent oxtails with minimal effort.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook oxtails in a slow cooker:

1. Preparation: Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need around 4-5 pounds of oxtails, 1 onion (diced), 3 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Browning: Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the oxtails generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until browned on all sides. This step helps to lock in the flavor and creates a rich, caramelized crust on the meat.
3. Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned oxtails to your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Sprinkle in the thyme, paprika, and bay leaves. Pour in enough beef broth to cover the oxtails.
4. Cooking: Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the oxtails simmer for 6-8 hours. This long, slow cooking time allows the collagen in the oxtails to break down, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
5. Skimming: Occasionally, check on your oxtails and skim off any fat or impurities that rise to the surface. This will ensure a cleaner, more flavorful broth.
6. Serving: When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the oxtails from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter. Strain the cooking liquid to remove any remaining solids and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the oxtails for added moisture and flavor.

Now you’re ready to savor the amazing taste of your slow-cooked oxtails! Pair them with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy. The meat should be fall-off-the-bone tender, and the flavors from the aromatics and seasonings will have melded together perfectly.

One of the best things about cooking oxtails in a slow cooker is that it allows you to set it and forget it. While the oxtails simmer away, you’re free to go about your day, knowing that a scrumptious meal awaits you at dinner time. Plus, the slow cooking process helps to intensify the flavors, creating a dish that tastes like it took hours to make.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting and satisfying meal, give this slow cooker oxtail recipe a try. It’s a simple and efficient way to enjoy the rich flavors of oxtails without spending too much time in the kitchen. Happy cooking!