Tasty Southern Oxtail Recipe

Crafting a Southern oxtail recipe that's bursting with flavor but not TOO HEAVY can be a major challenge. I'm going to show you how to achieve maximum taste without the excess fat often associated with traditional oxtail recipes.

Yeah you can trim away excess fat before cooking, but you trade-off some flavor. Balancing the richness and succulence inherent in oxtail while minimizing undesirable fat content is an art and this post will show you how it's done!

Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish captures the essence of Southern cuisine with its robust seasoning and succulent oxtail, making every mouthful a journey through the heart of flavor.

Related Oxtail Recipes:

• Smoked Jerk Oxtail
• Caribbean Style Oxtail Stew
• Oxtail Soup

For Southern food lovers, there's nothing quite like a plate of smothered oxtail. This easy oxtails recipe and hearty dish is slow-cooked to perfection, with the oxtail pieces falling off the bone in a rich gravy.

The key to any good southern oxtail recipe is in the seasoning. A blend of herbs and spices, including garlic, onion, and paprika, give the dish its signature flavor.

Another important element is the type of stock used to cook the beef oxtails. Chicken or beef stock will work well, but for a truly southern flavor, try using ham hocks or smoked turkey necks. Whether you're serving it over rice or mashed potatoes, Southern smothered oxtail is sure to be a hit at your next family gathering.

In the South, beef oxtail is a staple of soul food dishes. This comforting oxtail stew recipe is often served with rice and the naturally rich gravy it produces. Oxtail is a rich source of protein and collagen, and it's also very flavorful.

When cooked properly, the best oxtail recipes result in meat that falls off the bone and is incredibly tender. This dish is often served with black-eyed peas, collard greens, or other classic soul food vegetables. While it may take some time to prepare, this baked oxtails recipe is definitely worth the effort. And leftovers only get better with time!

What Makes These Oxtails Different From Other Recipes

This dish has that dark rich gravy and tender beef you love and expect from a soul food oxtail dish. But thanks to ingredients like apple cider, sofrito seasoning, and San Marzano tomatoes there is a level of flavor depth and complexity achieved that is unmatched along with the brightness and less overall greasy taste some recipes end up with.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with Southern smothered oxtails)

Smothered oxtails are filthy in a good way! The sauce and gravy hit hard, like licking the fingers hard. You'll want some bread on hand for steady soppin too. A funky soulful classic jam like Ike Turner's "Getting Nasty" fits the bill perfectly.

Pairing this Southern beef oxtail recipe with Ike Turner's song "Gettin' Nasty" creates a harmonious synergy between the soulful flavors of the dish and the energetic, rhythmic vibes of the music.

The Southern beef oxtail recipe is known for its soulful and rich flavors achieved through slow cooking and aromatic seasonings. Similarly, "Gettin' Nasty" exudes a soulful and energetic vibe with its lively instrumentation and dynamic rhythm, creating a flavorful and rhythmic experience for the senses.

Oxtails, with their tender and succulent meat, evoke a sense of comfort and indulgence. Ike Turner's "Gettin' Nasty" enhances this atmosphere with its groovy and upbeat tempo, adding a layer of enjoyment to the cooking process and the dining experience.

What Are Beef 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.

Use A Sofrito As A Flavor Enhancer

Sofrito adds a vibrant and aromatic dimension to a rich beef oxtail stew. This flavor-packed mixture, typically consisting of sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, and various herbs, brings a depth of taste and complexity to the stew. The combination of these ingredients enhances the overall richness of the dish, contributing a savory and fragrant profile.

The sweetness from the sautéed onions and bell peppers, the umami richness from the garlic, and the acidity from the tomatoes work in harmony to create a well-balanced flavor base. Additionally, the herbs and spices in the sofrito, add a layer of freshness and earthiness that complements the hearty nature of the oxtail.

Basically, sofrito acts as a flavor enhancer and a knife to cut through all the fatty richness, infusing the beef oxtail stew with a nuanced and multidimensional taste that elevates the entire culinary experience. It's a key component that brings together the diverse elements of the stew, making it a savory delight for all your senses.

Ingredients Needed To Make Southern Oxtail Stew

For the Oxtail

• Beef Oxtail
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Smoked Paprika
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Worcestershire Sauce - The combination of anchovies, vinegar, molasses, tamarind, and various seasonings in Worcestershire sauce brings complexity and balance to the dish. It helps to deepen the flavor of the oxtail, adding a layer of savoriness that complements the slow-cooked, tender meat.
• Yellow Onion
• Bell Peppers
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

For The Sofrito

• Bell Peppers
• Yellow Onions
• Garlic Cloves
• Celery
• San Marzano Tomatoes - add a distinctive and rich flavor to Southern-style oxtail. These tomatoes are known for their sweet, less acidic taste and meaty texture, making them a perfect addition to the slow-cooked oxtail dish. When incorporated into the stew or sauce, San Marzano tomatoes contribute a natural sweetness that balances the savory notes of the oxtail.

For the Stew

• All-purpose Flour
• Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
• Apple Cider - The acidity from the apple cider helps balance the overall flavor profile, preventing the richness of the oxtail from becoming too heavy. This ingredient adds a layer of complexity and brightness to the Southern-style oxtail, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Beef Broth
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Fresh Thyme
• Carrots
• Potatoes

How To Make Southern Beef Oxtails (step by step)

Marinate the Oxtail

Clean oxtails with a combination of water and lime juice. Set aside

Using a small mixing bowl or ramekin mix the dry oxtail seasonings together. Set aside.

Place oxtail in a large bowl and then season them oxtail generously with the spice mixture. Add the Worcestershire sauce rubbing the oxtail well to make sure they are fully covered. Add the diced onions and peppers then marinate the oxtail for at least 30 minutes but overnight preferred if you have time.

Prepare the Sofrito

Heat oil in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat and saute the onions, celery, peppers, and garlic 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove all ingredients and place in a blender with the tomatoes. Blend to a smooth puree. Set aside.

Cook Oxtails

Heat oil in a large dutch oven pot on medium heat. Add the marinated oxtail (reserve the marinade leftovers) and brown the oxtails on all sides. Remove the oxtail and set aside in a paper towel lined bowl.

Add the flour and give it a stir mixing it into the oil. Add more oil if needed.

Add the cider and deglaze the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon scraping up all the brown bits. Allow the mixture to thicken slightly.

Add the beef stock and the sofrito. Add some more of the dry seasoning and mix everything well.

Add the bay leaves, fresh thyme, and the leftover marinade mix to the pot.

Allow to cook for 3-4 minutes then add the browned oxtail back. Bring to a boil, cover, and let oxtails simmer for about 3 hours. Add the diced carrots and potatoes and cook for another 20-30 minutes until both are fork tender.

Remove oxtail then reduce cooking liquid to desired gravy consistency.

Serve the oxtail with homemade gravy over rice or mashed potatoes.

What To Serve With Southern Oxtail

Southern oxtail pairs well with a variety of delicious sides. Some of my favorite choices include fried blackeyed peas, mofongo, and cauliflower curry. These sides complement the rich and flavorful oxtail, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. Others include:

• Creamy mashed potatoes: The smooth and buttery texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich flavors of smothered oxtail.
• Southern-style collard greens: The earthy and slightly bitter taste of collard greens balances the richness of the oxtail, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Hot water cornbread: A classic Southern staple, cornbread adds a delightful sweetness and texture to enjoy alongside the savory oxtail.
• Fried okra: Crispy and flavorful, fried okra adds a delightful crunch and a touch of Southern charm to your meal.
• Buttermilk biscuits: Light and flaky biscuits are perfect for sopping up the delicious gravy from the smothered oxtail.
• Tangy slaw: The refreshing and tangy flavors of this collard green slaw provide a vibrant and crisp contrast to the richness of the oxtail.
• Sweet Potato Pie Recipe: This unique sweet potato pie recipe is a great dessert pairing with these oxtails.

How To Maximize Flavor When Cooking Oxtails

Cooking oxtails is a culinary adventure that rewards patience and careful attention to flavors. I keep my oxtail seasoning simple in terms of spices. (To maximize the flavor when cooking oxtails, consider the following tips:

1. Sear Before Braising:
   • Start by searing the oxtails in a hot pan with a bit of oil. This step caramelizes the surface, adding a depth of flavor to the meat and enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
2. Use Aromatics:
   • Incorporate aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. These vegetables not only add flavor but also create a savory base for the braising liquid.
3. Garlic and Herbs:
   • Garlic, thyme, and bay leaves complement the robust flavor of oxtails. Add them during the cooking process to infuse the dish with herbal and aromatic notes.
4. Wine or Stock:
   • Deglaze the pan with red wine or beef stock after searing the oxtails. This step helps lift any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan, intensifying the overall taste.
5. Low and Slow Braising:
   • Oxtails benefit from slow cooking at a low temperature. This method allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in tender, flavorful oxtails.
6. Add Umami:
   • Enhance the umami profile by adding ingredients like tomato paste, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients contribute depth and richness to the braising liquid.
7. Monitor Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process. Oxtails can absorb a significant amount of seasoning, so it's essential to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
8. Skim Fat:
   • If the braising liquid produces excess fat, skim it off. This ensures a cleaner, more concentrated flavor in the final dish.
9. Rest Before Serving:
   • Allow the cooked oxtails to rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful end result.

Cooking Tips and Considerations For When Making This Southern Oxtails Recipe

Oxtail meat depending on where you buy it from may have much fat. Feel free to trim away some of the excess fat for a better overall eating experience.

Cooking oxtail doesn't require crazy cooking skills. The key to making oxtail tender is time, low temperature, and a good braising liquid.

Dice the carrots and potatoes as uniformly as possible for more even cooking. The smaller you cut them the faster they cook.

You really don't need a gravy recipe for this dish. The rich brown gravy that is created from the long slow cooking is so good on its own. Reserve some and use it in other recipes. Include mashed potatoes, rice, etc. as your oxtail dinner sides.

This recipe is not the same as a Jamaican oxtail recipe which typically is seasoned with browning sauce and packs a little hit with the scotch bonnet peppers.

If you are blessed enough to have leftover oxtails or strategic enough to cook extra use the oxtail meat for sandwiches, a hummus topping, or with eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Southern Oxtail

Can Oxtail Be Cooked In A Crock Pot or Slow Cooker?

Slow cooker oxtail is a popular way to make Southern oxtail. A lot of crockpot oxtails and gravy recipes call for it as it's such a simple, no-fuss to cook large pieces of meat. Just be sure to brown the meat first before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can Oxtail Be Made In A Pressure Cooker?

Pressure cookers and oxtails go well together. An instant pot obviously gives you an advantage with cook time, but perfect texture and flavor both can be easily achieved.

How Are Southern Oxtail Different Than Jamaican Oxtail?

Southern style and Jamaican style oxtail recipes share a lot in common but there are also some big differences. Both are slowly braised to break down all that connective tissue and net super tender meat with a rich gravy, but the additional ingredients and seasonings are very different.

Southern oxtail relies more on paprika and Worcestershire sauce with just a few vegetables. Jamaican oxtails stew includes oxtail seasoned with browning sauce, soy sauce, and likely includes scotch bonnet pepper as well as butter beans.

Can you fry oxtails?

Sure you can fry anything, but it doesn't mean you should when it comes to oxtail You have to cook oxtail slow and low. To give all that collagen a chance to break down. Otherwise, you're stuck with tough chewy meat.

For Other Oxtail Based Recipes Try These:

Instant Pot Oxtail

Mexican Braised Oxtail

Instant Pot Jamaican Oxtail

Caribbean Style Braised Oxtail

Beef Oxtail Soup with Blackeyed Peas and Collard Greens

Beef Oxtail Tacos

Smoked Oxtail (Jerk Seasoned)

Popular Soul Food Meats Guide

make this soul food style oxtails recipe

This smothered oxtail is the perfect comfort food for a winter night. The rich, flavorful gravy pairs perfectly with the tender oxtail and rice. I hope you'll try this recipe and enjoy it as much as I do!

If you make this delicious simple Southern oxtail stew recipe 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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