Jamaican Oxtail

This Jamaican Oxtail is a delicious and hearty dish featuring tender meat that falls off the bone. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this recipe is made quick and easy with an instant pot or pressure cooker. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors of marinated oxtail, complemented by vibrant vegetables and spices, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: With just 30 minutes needed in an instant pot, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a rich, savory flavor that enhances the oxtail beautifully.
• Versatile Meal Option: This dish pairs well with rice and peas or any side of your choice, making it suitable for various tastes.
• Tender & Juicy Texture: Pressure cooking ensures that the oxtail becomes incredibly tender and juicy, perfect for savoring each bite.
• Easy Preparation: Simple steps make this recipe approachable even for novice cooks.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this Jamaican Oxtail recipe efficiently, having the right tools on hand is crucial.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot or pressure cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Sauté spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot or pressure cooker: This tool significantly reduces cooking time while ensuring your meat remains tender.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the oxtail evenly with all spices and ingredients.
• Sauté spoon: Perfect for stirring and deglazing the pot to build flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouth-watering Jamaican Oxtail:

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Oxtail
• 1 tsp Browning
• 3 Garlic cloves (minced or diced)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Allspice
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Chicken bouillon (or beef, vegetable bouillon)
• 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1 tbsp Brown sugar
• 4 sprigs Thyme (1 tsp dried)

Vegetables

• 1 medium Onion
• ½ Red bell pepper (diced)
• ½ Green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 Green onion (sliced)
• 2 Tomatoes (diced)

Additional Ingredients

• 16 oz Butter beans (rinsed)
• 1 cup Baby carrots (or chopped whole carrots)
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 2-3 Bay leaves
• 4 tbsp Cooking oil
• 3 cups Water (plus 3 tbsp for mixing cornstarch)
• Pinch of Salt and Bouillon

How to Make Jamaican Oxtail

Step 1: Prepare the Oxtail

1. Wash and rinse oxtail with water, lemon, and vinegar.
2. Trim excess fat from the pieces and pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Marinate

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients listed above.
2. Mix well by hand until the oxtail is thoroughly coated.
3. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; overnight is best for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Oxtail

1. Set your instant pot or pressure cooker to sauté mode.
2. Add cooking oil to the pot.
3. Sear each side of the oxtail for about 1 minute until browned; they do not need to be fully cooked at this point.
4. Save any drippings from the marinade in the mixing bowl for later use.

Step 4: Cook Vegetables

1. Remove seared oxtails from the pot and set aside.
2. Add tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, and tomato paste into the pot.
3. Stir continuously until they release liquid to deglaze the pot.
4. Season with a pinch of salt and bouillon; sauté veggies for about 3 minutes until soft.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. Return oxtails to the pot along with saved drippings, bay leaves, and water.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

1. Cover the pot; cancel sauté mode and set it to pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.
2. Allow steam to release naturally once cooking is complete.

Step 7: Final Touches

1. After opening the lid, switch back to sauté mode.
2. Add sliced green onions, butter beans, and carrots to the pot.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water; add this mixture into the pot while stirring well.
4. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your delicious Jamaican Oxtail over rice or peas or alongside any favorite side dish! Enjoy!

How to Serve Jamaican Oxtail

Jamaican Oxtail is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs well with various sides. Serving it correctly can elevate your dining experience, making it more enjoyable for family and friends. Here are some serving suggestions to complement this delectable dish.

With Rice and Peas

• A classic Caribbean combo, rice and peas brings a nutty flavor that balances the richness of the oxtail. The combination is sure to please.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the savory sauce from the oxtail. This comforting dish will warm you up on chilly nights.

Accompanied by Fried Plantains

• Sweet fried plantains add a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of Jamaican oxtail. Their caramelized sweetness will enhance your meal.

Served with Coleslaw

• A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch alongside the tender oxtail. It provides a nice textural balance and adds a pop of color to your plate.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus can add a smoky flavor that complements the dish beautifully while keeping it light.

How to Perfect Jamaican Oxtail

To make your Jamaican Oxtail truly unforgettable, consider these helpful tips for achieving the best results.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing oxtail to marinate overnight will enhance its flavors, making every bite more delicious.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices will elevate your dish’s taste, bringing out the natural flavors in every ingredient.
• Sear Well: Browning the oxtail before pressure cooking adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding cornstarch until you reach your desired consistency.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste your dish while cooking. Adjust seasoning as needed for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Jamaican Oxtail

Pairing side dishes with Jamaican Oxtail can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Coconut Rice: Fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk adds a tropical twist that complements the richness of oxtail.
2. Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly cornbread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate.
3. Fried Dumplings: These crispy delights offer a satisfying crunch and are ideal for dipping into the savory sauce.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds freshness and color, balancing out the hearty oxtail dish.
5. Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash provides a subtly sweet contrast to the savory meat.
6. Caribbean Salad: A vibrant salad with mixed greens, mango, and avocado can bring brightness to your meal while being refreshing.
7. Cabbage Stir-Fry: Quick stir-fried cabbage with garlic adds crunch and flavor without overpowering the main dish.
8. Baked Macaroni and Cheese: This cheesy comfort food pairs well with oxtails, providing an indulgent side option that everyone loves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Jamaican oxtail can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome.

• Boldly skip marinating: Not allowing the oxtail to marinate long enough can result in less flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better.
• Boldly ignore trimming fat: Leaving too much fat on the oxtail can make the dish greasy. Trim excess fat before cooking for a cleaner taste.
• Boldly rush the searing process: Searing the oxtail for too short a time prevents caramelization and depth of flavor. Ensure you brown each side for about 1 minute.
• Boldly forget to deglaze: Skipping the deglazing step means missing out on rich flavors from browned bits in the pot. Always add liquid to scrape up these tasty morsels.
• Boldly overlook pressure cooking time: Not cooking long enough in the pressure cooker can lead to tough meat. Make sure to cook on high pressure for at least 20 minutes.
• Boldly neglect seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in strength; taste and adjust seasonings as needed during cooking for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Jamaican Oxtail

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Jamaican Oxtail

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil; heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container and cover loosely; heat on medium power for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Jamaican oxtail.

How long does it take to cook Jamaican Oxtail?

It takes about 30 minutes of total cooking time using an instant pot or pressure cooker, including marinating time.

What can I serve with Jamaican Oxtail?

Jamaican oxtail pairs wonderfully with rice and peas, but you can also serve it with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Can I make Jamaican Oxtail without a pressure cooker?

Yes! You can simmer it slowly on the stovetop, but it will require more time—around 2-3 hours until tender.

Is Jamaican Oxtail spicy?

The spice level depends on your preference. You can adjust cayenne pepper and other spices according to your taste.

Can I use different types of meat instead of oxtail?

While traditional recipes use oxtail, you may substitute with beef shank or stew meat for similar flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

This Jamaican oxtail recipe offers a rich blend of flavors that is sure to impress at any dinner table. Enjoy its tender meat and savory sauce over rice or your favorite sides. Feel free to customize this dish by adding more vegetables or adjusting spices based on your preferences.