Jamaican Oxtail Recipe – Rich Caribbean Comfort Food
Introduction
Jamaican Oxtail Recipe lovers enjoy this hearty dish because it combines slow-cooked beef, warm spices, and gravy in every bite. The tender meat falls from the bone after simmering gently with herbs, vegetables, and seasonings. Moreover, this comforting Caribbean favorite tastes even better the next day. Whether you prepare it for Sunday dinner or a special gathering, this flavorful recipe always impresses family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Jamaican Oxtail Recipe
- This recipe creates tender meat with deep savory flavor and rich homemade gravy.
- Jamaican Oxtail Recipe works perfectly for holidays, cozy weekends, or comforting family dinners.
- The leftovers taste richer the following day, making meal preparation easier during busy weeks.
- Simple pantry spices and vegetables combine beautifully for authentic Caribbean-inspired flavor at home.
Ingredients for Jamaican Oxtail Recipe
2½ pounds oxtail pieces, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon browning sauce, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 chopped onion, 4 garlic cloves, 2 sliced carrots, 3 green onions, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 4 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 can butter beans, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water for thickening.
How to Make Jamaican Oxtail Recipe Step by Step
- Pat the oxtail pieces dry with paper towels, then season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and browning sauce. Allow the meat to rest for fifteen minutes before cooking.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail pieces on every side until caramelized. Transfer the meat carefully to a plate while keeping the drippings inside the pot.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, green onions, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper into the same pot. Stir continuously for several minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and release their aroma into the mixture.
- Return the browned oxtails to the pot. Add ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot tightly.
- Simmer the Jamaican Oxtail Recipe for about three hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the meat becomes fork tender, add the butter beans and continue cooking for another fifteen minutes.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the gravy until thickened. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Finally, garnish the dish with fresh green onions for added color and flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Jamaican Oxtail Recipe
Toast the dry spices in the hot oil for thirty seconds before adding broth because this simple step deepens flavor dramatically.
Instead of adding extra salt immediately, allow the gravy to reduce naturally during cooking for a more balanced taste.
For restaurant-quality texture, refrigerate the cooked oxtails overnight and skim the hardened fat before reheating gently the next day.
If you prefer a smoky finish, roast the carrots and onions separately before adding them into the Dutch oven during simmering.
