Braised Oxtail Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 05, 2025

21

Share

Braised Oxtail: A Flavorful Culinary Journey

Oxtail, a cut often overlooked, delivers a rich, deeply satisfying culinary experience when braised to perfection. This recipe guides you through creating a tender, flavorful oxtail dish that will impress even the most discerning palates. Let's embark on this flavorful journey together!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring ease of preparation.

• 2 lbs oxtail, cut into 2-inch pieces (Ask your butcher for assistance if needed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Oxtail: A Step-by-Step Guide

This section focuses on the step-by-step process, ensuring a successful outcome.

Searing the Oxtail:

1. Pat the oxtail pieces dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a beautiful sear.
2. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the oxtail pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This step develops rich flavor and a beautiful brown crust. Set aside the seared oxtail.

Building the Flavor Base:

1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Braising the Oxtail to Perfection:

1. Return the seared oxtail to the pot.
2. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial for flavor development – deglazing.
3. Add the beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the oxtail is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender it becomes. Check periodically and add a little more broth if needed.

Serving Your Culinary Creation:

1. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This braised oxtail is incredibly versatile. Consider these options:

• Serve over mashed potatoes: A classic and comforting pairing.
• Serve with polenta: A creamy and flavorful counterpoint.
• Add root vegetables: Include parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes during the braising process.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Tips for Success:

• Use a good quality oxtail: The quality of the oxtail significantly impacts the final dish.
• Don't rush the braising process: Low and slow is key to tender oxtail.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot: This ensures even heat distribution.

This recipe provides a fantastic foundation for creating a memorable meal. Experiment, adapt, and enjoy the process of crafting this delicious braised oxtail! Happy cooking!