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November 19, 2024
Looking to try a new recipe? Why not give southern-style oxtails a try? Oxtails are a delicious and hearty cut of meat that is perfect for simmering in a rich and flavorful gravy. This traditional southern dish is known for its tender and succulent meat, packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re new to cooking oxtails or just looking for a new twist on an old favorite, this recipe is sure to impress.
To get started, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including oxtails, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices. The slow cooking method used in this recipe allows the oxtails to become incredibly tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious. Plus, the addition of aromatic vegetables and herbs infuses the meat with irresistible flavors.
One of the best things about cooking oxtails southern style is that it’s a one-pot dish, making cleanup a breeze. Simply place all the ingredients in a large pot or Dutch oven, cover it, and let it simmer on the stove or in the oven for a few hours. The low and slow cooking process ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender, while also allowing the flavors to meld together.
Pro tip: For an even richer flavor, marinate the oxtails overnight in a mixture of red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and your choice of herbs and spices before cooking. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with even more delicious flavors.
Once the oxtails are done cooking, you’ll be left with a pot full of tender meat in a rich and flavorful gravy. Serve the oxtails over a bed of rice or with a side of cornbread for a truly southern-style meal. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal. So go ahead and give southern-style oxtails a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Preparation and Seasoning
To cook oxtails southern style, start by preparing the meat. Rinse the oxtails under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat or membrane from the oxtails.
Next, season the oxtails generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for extra flavor. Massage the seasonings into the meat, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
Marinating
For even more flavor, you can marinate the oxtails overnight. Place the seasoned oxtails in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and add your choice of marinade. Some popular marinade options for southern-style oxtails include Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar. Make sure the meat is fully submerged in the marinade, then cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate overnight.
Optional Step: Browning the Meat
Some cooks like to brown the oxtails before cooking to enhance the flavors. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtails on all sides until they develop a deep, rich color. This step is optional but can add a delicious caramelized flavor to the final dish.
Choosing the oxtails
When it comes to cooking oxtails southern style, it’s important to choose the right oxtails to ensure a delicious and tender meal. Here are a few tips on how to choose the best oxtails:
1. Freshness and quality
Look for oxtails that are fresh and have a vibrant color. Avoid oxtails that appear pale or have a strong odor, as this may indicate that they are not fresh. It’s important to buy oxtails from a reputable butcher or grocery store to ensure good quality.
2. Marbling
Marbling refers to the amount of fat marbled within the meat. Oxtails with ample marbling tend to be more flavorful and tender when cooked. Look for oxtails that have a good amount of fat running through the meat, as this will contribute to their richness and tenderness.
By following these tips and choosing the best oxtails, you’ll be well on your way to preparing a mouthwatering southern-style oxtail dish.
Cleaning and Trimming
Before cooking oxtails Southern style, it is important to properly clean and trim the meat. This step ensures that any excess fat and debris are removed, allowing for a more flavorful and healthier dish.
Here are the steps to clean and trim oxtails:
1. Rinse the oxtails
Start by rinsing the oxtails under cold water. This helps to remove any surface impurities and dirt.
2. Remove excess fat
Oxtails can have a good amount of fat attached to them. Trim away any excessive fat using a sharp knife. Leaving a small amount of fat is fine, as it adds richness to the dish. However, removing excessive fat helps to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
3. Remove any debris
Inspect the oxtails for any remaining debris or bone fragments. Use a pair of kitchen tweezers or small tongs to remove any foreign objects that may be present. This is particularly important as oxtails can sometimes contain small bone pieces that could be a choking hazard.
Once you have finished cleaning and trimming the oxtails, they are ready to be cooked in your preferred Southern style recipe.
Cooking Techniques
When cooking oxtails southern style, there are a few cooking techniques that can help you achieve tender and flavorful meat.
Browning the Meat
To enhance the flavor of your oxtails, it is important to brown them before cooking. This can be done by heati”ng oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the oxtails and cook until browned on all sides. Browning the meat will give it a rich, caramelized flavor.
Low and Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is key when it comes to oxtails. The meat is tough and requires a long cooking time to become tender. After browning the oxtails, add your choice of liquid (such as beef broth or water) along with herbs, spices, and vegetables. Cover the pot and let the oxtails simmer on low heat for several hours. This slow cooking method allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in tender and succulent oxtails.
Note: It is important to keep an eye on the liquid level while simmering. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add more liquid to prevent the oxtails from burning.
Skimming the Fat
Oxtails can be quite fatty, so it is recommended to skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface while cooking. This can be done using a spoon or a fat separator. Skimming the fat will result in a lighter and healthier dish.
By following these cooking techniques, you can achieve tender, flavorful, and authentic southern-style oxtails.
Braising the oxtails
Once you have prepped your oxtails by seasoning them with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices, it’s time to braise them to achieve their tender and flavorful state.
Step 1: Searing the oxtails
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the oxtails to the hot oil and sear them on all sides until nicely browned. This step helps to develop a rich flavor and gives the oxtails a beautiful color. Remove the seared oxtails from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauteing the aromatics
In the same skillet, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Saute them over medium heat until the vegetables soften and become translucent. This mixture, known as mirepoix, serves as the flavor base for the braising liquid.
Step 3: Deglazing the skillet
After sauteing the aromatics, deglaze the skillet by adding a splash of red wine, beef broth, or water. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step adds depth of flavor to the braising liquid.
Step 4: Adding the braising liquid
Return the seared oxtails to the skillet and pour in enough beef broth or stock to cover them about two-thirds of the way. Adding a bay leaf or two, a sprig of thyme, and a few crushed garlic cloves can enhance the flavor profile even more.
Step 5: Braising the oxtails
Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and let the oxtails braise gently for 2 to 3 hours, or until they become tender and easily pull away from the bone. Check the liquid level occasionally and add more broth if needed to ensure the oxtails stay submerged.
Braising the oxtails allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in tender, succulent meat that is full of flavor. Once the oxtails are done braising, they are ready to serve and enjoy as a delicious and comforting Southern-style dish.
Slow cooking in a crockpot
Slow cooking oxtails in a crockpot is a great way to achieve tender and flavorful meat. The low and slow cooking method allows the meat to become tender while retaining its delicious juices.
Gather Ingredients
To begin, gather the necessary ingredients for your southern-style oxtail dish. You will need oxtails, onions, garlic, bell peppers, celery, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Optional additions could include hot sauce or chili flakes for some extra heat.
Preparation
Start by preparing your oxtails. Trim off any excess fat and season them with salt and pepper. Then, chop the onions, garlic, bell peppers, and celery. These vegetables will help enhance the flavor of the dish.
Next, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtails on all sides to seal in the juices. This step is optional, but it adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Slow Cooking
Once your oxtails are browned, transfer them to the crockpot. Add in the chopped onions, garlic, bell peppers, and celery. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Sprinkle in the thyme and add the bay leaves for a fragrant aroma.
Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Let the oxtails slow cook for 8-10 hours or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. The low temperature ensures a long cooking time, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
After the cooking time is complete, remove the bay leaves and skim off any excess fat from the surface. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can serve the oxtails with the delicious juices as a stew or with a side of rice for a heartier meal.
Slow cooking oxtails in a crockpot is a convenient way to achieve flavorful and tender meat without much effort. The long cooking time allows for the perfect southern-style oxtails that will impress your family and friends!
FAQ
What is the best cut of meat for oxtails?
Oxtails are the best cut of meat for making this southern-style dish.
How long does it take to cook oxtails?
Oxtails need to be cooked for about 2-3 hours, until they become tender.
What ingredients are needed to cook oxtails southern style?
The ingredients needed for cooking oxtails southern style include oxtails, onions, garlic, bell peppers, celery, tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Can I use a slow cooker to make southern-style oxtails?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make southern-style oxtails. Simply follow the recipe and adjust the cooking time accordingly.