Authentic Jamaican Oxtail

Name: Authentic Jamaican Oxtail
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 2 lbs oxtail; 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper (adjust to taste); 2 medium sweet onions, thickly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 tbsp brown sugar (dark preferred); 2 medium carrots, chopped; 6 whole pimento (allspice) berries; Juice of 1 lime; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Published: May 8, 2025

by Lionel Ramon

Why You'll Love This Recipe

With its delightful combination of spices and tenderness, this dish is a flavor explosion
It’s straightforward enough for beginners but sophisticated enough to wow guests
The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
Perfect for special occasions or comforting weeknight dinners!

I remember one particular Sunday when my uncle declared my oxtail recipe “the best thing since sliced bread.” His enthusiasm sparked a mini family debate over who makes it better—me or my cousin. Spoiler alert: it was me!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Oxtail: Aim for well-marbled cuts; they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper: For an authentic kick, use a whole pepper; adjust based on your heat preference.
Onions: Sweet onions add depth; slice them thick for maximum flavor retention. one pan meal ideas.
Garlic: Fresh cloves elevate the taste; minced garlic releases its potency beautifully.
Thyme: Fresh thyme offers aromatic notes that complement oxtail wonderfully; don’t skimp on it!
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enriching the stew’s flavor.
Brown Sugar: A touch balances out flavors and adds a hint of sweetness; choose dark brown for richness.
Carrots: They add sweetness and color; cut into chunky pieces to maintain texture during cooking.
Pimento (Allspice): Whole pimento berries infuse warmth and complexity; they are essential for that authentic taste.
Lime Juice: A splash brightens up the dish; use fresh limes for maximum zing.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps things balanced while adding umami depth to the stew.
Ketchup: Surprisingly, ketchup provides both sweetness and acidity, enhancing overall flavor harmony.
Vegetable Oil: For browning the oxtail; use oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil.
Black Pepper : Freshly cracked pepper elevates flavors; it pairs perfectly with oxtail’s richness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Oxtail: Rinse the oxtail under cold water and pat it dry. Season generously with salt and black pepper before browning in hot oil until golden.

Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add sliced onions and garlic. Sauté until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma, about 3-5 minutes.

Add Spices: Toss in diced Scotch bonnet pepper, fresh thyme, and allspice. Stir everything together until fragrant—about 1 minute should do!

Create Flavor Base: Pour in beef broth followed by soy sauce, ketchup, lime juice, brown sugar, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Add Vegetables: Gently stir in chopped carrots then cover your pot. Let everything simmer low and slow for 2-3 hours until oxtail is tender.

Taste & Adjust: Before serving, taste your stew and adjust seasoning if needed—more salt? A dash more lime juice? Be bold!

Enjoying your Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Recipe will not only satisfy your taste buds but also warm your heart with every bite! grilled veggie skewers.

You Must Know

This authentic Jamaican oxtail recipe will transport you straight to the Caribbean
Slow-cooked to perfection, the tender meat and rich, flavorful gravy will have everyone coming back for seconds
It’s a dish that combines love, patience, and a touch of island magic

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by seasoning the oxtails generously, then sear them for that delicious caramelized crust before simmering in rich broth. It’s important to let them cook low and slow for maximum flavor.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out traditional ingredients with your favorites; add some scotch bonnet peppers for heat or toss in extra root vegetables for sweetness. Personalizing it brings joy!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover oxtail in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly tender oxtails, choose cuts with some fat; they add flavor and moisture
Be patient while simmering; it’s worth the wait!
Don’t skip the browning step; it enhances depth immensely

I remember the first time I made this recipe for my family; their eyes lit up as they took their first bites. It turned into a family favorite that sparked laughter and memories around our dinner table.

FAQs

FAQ

What is an authentic Jamaican oxtail recipe?

refreshing coleslaw recipe.

An authentic Jamaican oxtail recipe includes seasoned meat slow-cooked in rich gravy. For more inspiration, check out this Mediterranean Steak Bowls recipe.

How long does it take to cook oxtails?

Cooking oxtails typically takes about two to three hours on low heat for tenderness.

Can I use other meats instead of oxtails?

Yes, short ribs or beef shanks can be good substitutes if you want variety.

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