While many may turn their noses up at the thought of an oxtail stew or soup, those who dare to try it are in for a treat. The succulent meat, packed with protein, minerals, and vitamins, is a nutritional powerhouse. But its true gem lies in its high collagen content, giving it the coveted status of a superfood.
In European cuisine, oxtail soup has been a staple since the Middle Ages, celebrated for its robust flavor and believed medicinal properties. In African and Caribbean cultures, stews and braises made with oxtail are cherished comfort foods, often served alongside hearty rice or root vegetables.
The rich, beefy flavor of oxtail rivals that of short ribs, making it the perfect base for hearty stews and soups. And once cooked, the meat falls off the bone with tender succulence, begging to be picked up and savored with your hands at the table. So don’t be afraid to give this underrated cut of meat a chance – you won’t regret it.
This recipe is designed for maximum efficiency, utilizing the power of a pressure cooker or Insta-pot. (It’s mind-boggling that some are still unaware of how much time and effort can be saved with this modern marvel.) But for those who crave a slower, more tedious journey, you can opt to use a slow cooker for a grueling 8-hour process. Choose wisely, as your stomach may not have the patience for such indulgence.
Enjoy!
”Oxtails”
Croquettes
3 Pounds of Oxtails
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 Large Yellow Sliced Onion
2 Quartered Russet Potatoes
3 Carrots Cut in 1 Inch Chunks
8 Garlic Cloves Chopped
1/4 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Fish Sauce
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
3 tablespoons Tomato Paste
1/2 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
2 Bay Leaves
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 1/2 Cups Unsalted Chicken Stock
Salt and Pepper
Directions
- Dry the oxtails with paper towels and then generously cover them with Kosher salt and pepper.
- Sauté oxtails on all sides in the insta-pot with the olive oil.
- Remove oxtails to a side plate.
- Add onions and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, bay leaves, oregano and thyme, and sauté another 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and sauté another minute.
- Pour in chicken stock and deglaze the pot.
- Add balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and smoked paprika.
- Add the oxtail back to the pot.
- Add carrots and potatoes on top.
- Then pressure cook on high 40 minutes.
- After the 40 minute timer goes off, leave the pressure cooker alone and allow a natural release of 20 minutes before venting the insta-pot.
- Take the oxtails out and use the immersion blender to thicken the sauce. It’s your choice in that you may want to turn the entire sauce into a nice thick gravy, or just pop the blender a couple times to leave everything a bit chunky, or just serve it as a stew.