Authentic Jamaican Oxtail

Authentic Jamaican Oxtail

Authentic Jamaican Oxtail is a dish full of rich flavors that is beloved in Jamaican cuisine. This hearty meal showcases tender oxtail cooked slowly in a savory sauce, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. It often finds its place alongside rice and peas, delivering a comforting and satisfying experience.

Why make this recipe

Making Authentic Jamaican Oxtail is worthwhile because it provides a taste of traditional Jamaican cooking. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a unique, rich flavor that is hard to beat. Moreover, cooking oxtail low and slow allows the tough meat to become tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft. It’s not just a meal; it is a celebration of flavor, culture, and tradition.

How to make Authentic Jamaican Oxtail

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs oxtail, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (optional for heat)
• Fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail pieces on all sides.
2. Remove the oxtail and sauté onions, garlic, and scallions until soft.
3. Return the oxtail to the pot, then add allspice, black pepper, salt, beef broth, soy sauce, carrots, bell pepper, Scotch bonnet (if using), thyme, and brown sugar.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 3 hours or until the oxtail is tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.
5. Once done, remove the Scotch bonnet pepper, if used. Serve hot with rice and peas or your favorite side.

How to serve Authentic Jamaican Oxtail

Serve your delicious oxtail hot, accompanied by rice and peas for a classic pairing. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables or fried plantains to enhance your meal. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh thyme or scallions before serving.

How to store Authentic Jamaican Oxtail

Store any leftover oxtail in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a suitable container or freezer bag, where it can stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Tips to make Authentic Jamaican Oxtail

• Make sure to brown the oxtail well for a deeper flavor.
• Adjust the level of spice by adding or reducing the number of Scotch bonnet peppers used.
• Let the oxtail sit for a few minutes after cooking; this lets the flavors settle together.
• Feel free to add more vegetables like potatoes or pumpkin for added nutrition.

Variation

Some people enjoy adding beans to their oxtail for extra texture and nutrition. Black beans or kidney beans can complement the dish nicely. You can also experiment with different herbs, like rosemary or bay leaves, to create your version of this classic.

FAQs

What is oxtail?
Oxtail is the culinary name for the tail of cattle. It is known for its rich flavor and gelatinous texture when cooked.

Can I use a pressure cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can. If you use a pressure cooker, you can reduce the cooking time significantly, and the oxtail will still be tender and flavorful.

Is oxtail healthy?
Oxtail is high in protein and contains essential nutrients like collagen. However, it can also be fatty, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Authentic Jamaican Oxtail

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: angela
• Total Time: 200 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A rich and hearty dish of tender oxtail cooked slowly in a savory sauce, perfect for family gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs oxtail, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1–2 Scotch bonnet peppers (optional for heat)
• Fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail pieces on all sides.
2. Remove the oxtail and sauté onions, garlic, and scallions until soft.
3. Return the oxtail to the pot, then add allspice, black pepper, salt, beef broth, soy sauce, carrots, bell pepper, Scotch bonnet (if using), thyme, and brown sugar.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 180 minutes or until the oxtail is tender.
5. Once done, remove the Scotch bonnet pepper, if used. Serve hot with rice and peas or your favorite side.

Notes

Brown the oxtail well for deeper flavor. Adjust spice levels to taste. Let the oxtail sit before serving to settle flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 180 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg