Easy Cuban-inspired instant pot oxtail and grits {recipe}

Experience the bold flavors of Cuban cuisine with tender Instant Pot oxtail, perfectly cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Paired with nostalgic big 80s music vibes, this dish is a symphony of savory, succulent, and soulful notes that will get you just a wee bit closer to some serious Cuban vibes.

Related Oxtail Recipe Posts:

• Smoked Jerk Oxtails
• Mexican Braised Oxtails
• Instant Pot Jamaican Oxtail

Tender and delicious instant pot oxtail cooked in a rich and complex Cuban based sauce with citrus, peppers, tomatoes and oregano. The instant pot is perfect for converting this normally slow cook braising recipe into a weeknight win.

In the sultry rhythms of a Cuban night, where the echoes of music and laughter intertwine, emerges a culinary masterpiece that embodies the spirit of the Caribbean. Imagine succulent oxtails, braised to tender perfection, generously coated in a melody of spices reminiscent of Cuban tradition.

Picture the richness of those flavors, paired harmoniously with the creamy allure of grits – a culinary embrace that transcends borders. In this gastronomic journey inspired by the vibrant Cuban soul, we invite you to experience a symphony of taste and texture, a celebration on the palate. Get ready to be transported to the heart of Havana as we present Cuban-inspired Braised Oxtail and Grits, where every bite tells a story, and every note is a testament to the soulful allure of Caribbean cuisine.

When cooking oxtails most recipes rely on slow cooking the oxtails to fall off the bone tenderness, but believe it or not you can get as good of results if not better with a pressure cooker in a fraction of the time.

If you're looking for an easy, flavorful dinner option that still puts that homemade touch to the meal, then look no further than this delicious instant pot oxtail stew recipe.

Oxtails can seem intimidating to cook, however with our simple step-by-step instructions and using the power of your trusty Instant Pot pressure cooker, it’s never been easier or faster to whip up a warm bowl of comfort food! 

Oxtails alone are just good as hell. This sauce though and the combination of aromatics elevates this pressure cooker oxtail stew and will have you trying to walk on the moon. Leeks + poblanos + carrots +red onions make for a great "mirepoix!" You'll definitely want to reserve some of the finished sauce for later use.

Recipe Inspiration

Oxtails are delicious and when done right are a cheat code for impressing anyone. Most recipes are some form of an oxtail soup recipe, i.e. oxtail slowly cooked in a beef broth based braising liquid combined with ingredients like red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and vegetables. I wanted to change things up and perhaps make a lighter, more colorful version. I figured Cuban cuisine with its citrus and herb forward flavors would be great for this and so I went for it

What Are Oxtails

For those unfamiliar, oxtails aren’t actually the tail from an ox but are from the tail of a cow cut into pieces. Each piece has a thick cylindrical bone with chunks of tough, fatty meat.

If cooked the right way they are as delicious as beef short ribs. They are perfect for slow-cooked braising and stews as the process basically renders them butter-like tender.

Baked oxtails for a long time have been a staple in serious soul food cooking. My grandmother would make big pots of them on Sundays and we’d have many guests pop over and enjoy individual bowlfuls with cornbread and hot sauce.

Before prices got so out of hand you were as likely to see big pots of oxtails in our house as you would a pot roast.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with Cuban oxtail and grits)

Pairing The Police's iconic song "Walking on the Moon" with a Cuban-inspired braised oxtail with grits, cooked in a citrus broth, creates a sensory experience that resonates with both the tones of the music and the vibrant flavors of the dish.

As Sting's vocals transport you to a dreamy lunar landscape, imagine savoring tender oxtail infused with the rich and aromatic essence of Cuban spices. The citrus broth adds a zesty counterpart, echoing the song's celestial rhythm with a burst of refreshing brightness. Together, the smooth melodies and the complex symphony of flavors in the dish harmonize, creating a culinary journey that feels like walking on the moon—otherworldly, yet deeply grounded in the cultural tapestry of Cuba.

Instant Pot Oxtail Ingredients

The spice mix for the dish includes oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. I had sour oranges available but you can substitute a combination of lime and orange juice. Poblanos are the preferred green chili, but serrano or jalapenos work as well.

Oxtails alone are just good as hell. This sauce though and the combination of aromatics elevates this pressure cooker oxtail stew and will have you trying to walk on the moon. Leeks + poblanos + carrots +red onions make for a great "mirepoix!" You'll definitely want to reserve some of the finished sauce for later use.

For the Marinade/Sauce

• Garlic cloves
• Fresh Oregano - Fresh oregano has a robust and aromatic fragrance that imparts a delightful herbal quality to the broth. The aroma elevates the sensory experience, making the dish more enticing.
• Ground Cumin - Cumin adds a warm and earthy flavor to a citrus-based braising broth, contributing depth and complexity to the overall taste profile
• Bay leaves - Bay leaves impart a mild, aromatic depth to the braising broth. Their subtle fragrance enhances the overall sensory experience of the dish, contributing to a more enticing aroma.
• Orange Juice - The most obvious contribution is the vibrant citrus flavor that orange juice imparts to the broth. This brightness can lift the overall taste profile, providing a refreshing and zesty element.
• Lime juice - Lime juice imparts a bold and tangy citrus zing to the braising broth. Its flavor is more intense than many other citrus fruits, adding a lively and invigorating element to the dish.
• Dry white wine - Dry white wine adds a layer of depth and richness to the braising broth. The alcohol in the wine helps extract and intensify the flavors of the other ingredients, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper

For Oxtails

• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Beef oxtails
• Carrots - Carrots are naturally sweet, and when added to the braising liquid, they impart a subtle sweetness to the dish. This sweetness helps balance out the savory and rich flavors of the oxtail, creating a well-rounded taste.
• Red onion
• Leeks - Leeks belong to the onion family but have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to traditional onions. When sautéed and incorporated into the braising liquid, leeks add a subtle oniony essence without overwhelming the dish.
• Poblano pepper - Poblano peppers are known for their mild heat, adding a subtle spiciness to the braised oxtail. This mild kick enhances the complexity of the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
• Diced Tomatoes (tomato paste can be substituted) - Tomatoes contain natural acids, such as citric and malic acids, that add a pleasant acidity to the braising liquid. This acidity brightens the overall taste, balances the richness of the meat, and adds a refreshing element to the dish.
• Habanero or scotch bonnet pepper (optional) - Scotch Bonnet peppers have a distinct fruity and floral flavor profile that sets them apart from other hot peppers. This unique combination of flavors adds complexity and depth to the braising liquid

How to make oxtails in an Instant Pot (step by step)

Step 1: Marinate the oxtails

Step 2: Brown oxtail

Step 3: Saute the vegetables

Step 4: Add braising liquids

Step 5: Cook oxtail

 

Add the browned oxtail to the instant pot. Close the lid and pressure cook on high pressure. Cooking time is 40 minutes for fully cooked oxtail. Allow pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes. Remove the oxtails and turn the Instant Pot "saute" settings back on to reduce the sauce to a thicker consistency. Serve instant pot oxtail with rice or your favorite grain.

Serving Suggestions

I'm partial to oxtail and grits as a combo. The rich stew is absolutely delicious and gets absorbed by the creamy grits for something wonderful! These oxtails also taste great with rice or even mashed potatoes.

Serve instant pot oxtail and its sauce spooned right on top of the grits. Top with fresh chopped parsley and green onions.

Tips For Maximizing Flavor

1. Searing Oxtails:
   • Even though the Instant Pot doesn't provide the same searing capability as a stovetop, consider searing the oxtails using the saute settings. This step enhances flavor by developing a caramelized crust on the meat.
2. Sauté Function:
   • Utilize the sauté function on the Instant Pot to sauté onions, garlic, and other aromatics before adding them to the pot. This initial sautéing enhances the flavors by releasing their natural oils.
3. Deglazing:
   • Deglaze the Instant Pot after sautéing the oxtail with citrus juice or broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This helps infuse the liquid with additional depth.
4. Citrus Zest:
   • Add citrus zest directly into the Instant Pot along with the braising liquid. The zest contains essential oils that contribute a burst of fresh and vibrant flavor.
5. Braising Liquid:
   • Use a combination of citrus juices and a flavorful broth as the braising liquid. Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme for added complexity.
6. Adjust Liquid Levels:
   • Be mindful of the Instant Pot's liquid requirements. Adjust the amount of braising liquid to ensure there's enough to build flavor but not too much to dilute the intensity.
7. Quick Release vs. Natural Release:
   • Experiment with the release method. A natural release can allow the flavors to meld further, but if you're short on time, a quick release is acceptable.
8. Grits Enrichment:
   • Cook the grits separately but use the Instant Pot's broth from the braised oxtails to enhance the grits' flavor. This ensures that even the side dish is infused with the citrusy goodness.

Additional Instant Pot Oxtail Cooking Tips

• Trim excess fat away from the oxtail. This will make for a more pleasant eating experience and mitigate the greasy factor in the broth.
• Season oxtail simply. Salt and pepper will suffice just fine.
• Brown the oxtails in the pan well to maximize flavor. Follow my guide for browning meat in an instant pot for best results
• De-glaze the pan with the marinade scraping up the brown bits from the oxtails
• The sauce is amazing, so be sure to reduce it down and store what you don't use in the fridge for later. I heated up a can of black beans in a pot and added a cup of the leftover sauce. They were delicious!
• For deeper beef flavor add beef broth and maybe Worcestershire sauce
• Reduce the sauce to a thicker consistency. Add corn starch if the sauce doesn't reach your preferred consistency. Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing the starch with water giving it a good stir before adding it to the broth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Instant Pot Oxtail Soup

Do You Have To Clean Oxtails Before Cooking?

In my house cleaning oxtail or any meat before cooking is a must. I go with the Caribbean way of washing oxtail with citrus (lime juice) and water.

Why is oxtail so expensive?

Oxtail used to be a cheap cut, but in recent years it has become one of the more expensive cuts of meat out there. This has largely been driven by the popularity of oxtail with restaurant chefs. The luxurious taste and tender texture of oxtail is no longer a best kept secret. Demand has increased quite a bit given the new mainstream acceptance.

Can you make this recipe in a slow cooker or crockpot?

Yes this recipe is easiliy convertible to a slow cooker. Crockpots aren't my thing but if you go down this path just be sure to brown the oxtail first before adding to the crockpot. The browning adds some caramelization which is a big flavor add. Slow cookers don't get hot enough to create this so you'll need to use a separate pan.

What are good substitutes for beef oxtail?

I make a similar beef stew recipe using beef short ribs or chuck roast. Beef shanks could also work pretty well in this instant pot recipe.

For similar instant pot recipes you might like, try these:

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Creole Cabbage w/ Andouille Sausage

Instant Pot Cajun Green Beans

Instant Pot Okra Soup

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Jerk Chicken

Instant Pot Spaghetti

Instant Pot Brown Stew Chicken

Instant Pot Collard Greens w/ Smoked Brisket

Instant Pot Ham and Beans

Braised Oxtail Tacos

Smoked Jerk Oxtails

Mexican Braised Oxtails

Instant Pot Jamaican Oxtail

Make This Great Recipe

As the final notes of this culinary melody linger, and the aroma of a well-spent evening envelops your senses, our Cuban-inspired Braised Oxtail and Grits bids you a flavorful farewell. From our kitchen to yours, savor the lingering echoes of a Caribbean as you let the flavors of Cuba dance on your palate.

This recipe for Instant Pot Oxtail is fall-off-the-bone delicious and so easy to make! The pressure cooker does all the work for you, resulting in a flavorful and comforting meal that the whole family will love.

Serve this dish over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Don't have an Instant Pot? No problem! This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try tonight!

If you make this tender oxtail recipe or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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