Oxtails are a flavorful and tender cut of meat that requires a longer cooking time to achieve the perfect texture. These beef tails are known for their rich and gelatinous quality, making them a popular ingredient in stews, soups, and braised dishes.

Cooking oxtails can be a time-consuming process, but the end result is well worth the wait. The total cooking time will depend on the method you choose to prepare them. However, on average, oxtails generally require around 2-3 hours of cooking time to reach the desired tenderness.

One popular cooking method is to braise the oxtails. This involves searing the meat in a hot pan to develop a rich crust, then simmering it in a flavorful liquid, such as beef broth or red wine, until the meat is tender and falls off the bone. This process can take anywhere from 2-3 hours to 4-5 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the oxtails.

If you’re short on time, you can also cook oxtails in a pressure cooker or slow cooker. Using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time to about 1-2 hours.On the other hand, using a slow cooker will require a longer cooking time of around 4-6 hours, but it allows for a convenient “set it and forget it” approach.

Preparation of Oxtails

Before cooking oxtails, it’s important to properly prepare them to ensure their tenderness and enhance their flavor. Follow these steps for optimal results:

1. Cleaning the Oxtails

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Begin by rinsing the oxtails under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Trimming and Cutting

Trim off any excess fat or gristle from the oxtails using a sharp knife. Then, cut the oxtails into 2-inch pieces, ensuring each piece has a bone.

3. Marinating

Marinating the oxtails before cooking helps to infuse them with flavor and tenderize the meat. You can use your choice of marinade, such as a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. Place the oxtails in a resealable plastic bag or a glass dish, pour the marinade over them, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.

4. Browning the Oxtails

Prior to braising, it’s recommended to brown the oxtails to add richness and depth to the dish. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and sear the oxtails on all sides until they develop a brown crust. This step can be skipped if desired, but the final dish will have less depth of flavor.

5. Braising the Oxtails

Braising is the most common cooking method for oxtails and helps to tenderize the meat. Return the browned oxtails to the pot and add enough liquid, such as beef broth or red wine, to partially cover the oxtails. Bring the liquid to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily separates from the bone.

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Once the oxtails are fully prepared, they can be served as a delicious main dish or used in various recipes, such as stews or soups. Enjoy!

Cooking oxtails on the stove

Cooking oxtails on the stove is a popular and delicious way to prepare this flavorful cut of meat. While it does take some time to create a rich and tender dish, the end result is well worth the effort.

Ingredients:

2 pounds oxtails
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the oxtails with salt and pepper, and then brown them in the hot oil on all sides. Remove the oxtails from the pot and set aside.
  3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, and cook until softened and fragrant.
  4. Return the oxtails to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the diced tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the oxtails are tender and falling off the bone.
  6. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
  7. Serve the oxtails hot, garnished with fresh parsley. They pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Cooking oxtails on the stove is a slow and steady process, but the end result is a rich and flavorful dish. The meat becomes tender and falls off the bone, and the sauce is packed with delicious flavors. Enjoy this hearty meal with your family and friends!

Slow cooking oxtails in the oven

Slow cooking oxtails in the oven is a delicious and tender way to prepare this flavorful cut of meat. While it does take some time to cook, the result is well worth the wait. The low and slow cooking method allows the oxtails to become incredibly tender and infuses them with rich flavors.

Preparation

Before cooking oxtails in the oven, it’s important to prepare them properly. Start by rinsing the oxtails under cold water to remove any excess blood or debris. Pat them dry with paper towels, and then season them generously with salt and pepper.

Next, heat a large ovenproof Dutch oven or a heavy oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a few tablespoons of oil to the pot, and sear the oxtails on all sides until they are well browned. This step helps to develop a deep and rich flavor in the meat.

Cooking

Once the oxtails are seared, remove them from the pot and set them aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

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Return the oxtails to the pot and add chopped garlic, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and a few cups of beef broth or red wine. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the oxtails, but should not cover them completely. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Once the liquid is simmering, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to a preheated oven. Cook the oxtails at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), for about 3 to 4 hours. The long cooking time allows the collagen in the oxtails to break down, resulting in tender and succulent meat.

Finishing touches

After the cooking time has elapsed, remove the pot from the oven and carefully uncover it. The oxtails should be tender and falling off the bone. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.

At this point, you can choose to serve the oxtails as they are, or thicken the braising liquid to create a flavorful sauce or gravy. To thicken the liquid, remove the oxtails from the pot and keep them warm. Place the pot on the stovetop over medium-high heat and let the liquid simmer until it reduces and thickens, stirring occasionally.

Serve the oxtails with the thickened sauce, along with your choice of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy the delicious and tender oxtails that have been slow-cooked to perfection.

Pressure cooking oxtails

Pressure cooking is a great way to cook oxtails if you’re short on time but still want that fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pressure cook oxtails:

  1. Season the oxtails with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat some oil in the pressure cooker and brown the oxtails on all sides. This will help lock in the flavors.
  3. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pressure cooker and cook until slightly softened.
  4. Add beef broth or your choice of liquid, such as red wine or beer, to the pressure cooker. This will help create a flavorful broth.
  5. Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure.
  6. Cook the oxtails for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
  7. Release the pressure from the cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  8. Remove the oxtails from the pressure cooker and skim off any excess fat from the liquid.
  9. You can thicken the liquid into a sauce or gravy, if desired.
  10. Serve the oxtails hot with the sauce/gravy and your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes or rice.

Enjoy your pressure cooked oxtails!

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Grilling oxtails

Oxtails are a delicious and tender cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One popular way to prepare oxtails is by grilling them, which enhances their rich flavor and gives them a nice smoky char. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grill oxtails to perfection.

Ingredients:

To grill oxtails, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredient Quantity
Oxtails 4 pounds
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Barbecue sauce Optional for serving

Instructions:

Follow these steps to grill oxtails:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Season the oxtails with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly.
  3. Place the oxtails on the preheated grill and cook for about 10 minutes on each side.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium and continue grilling the oxtails for another 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
  5. Remove the oxtails from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  6. If desired, you can brush the oxtails with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to add extra flavor.
  7. Serve the grilled oxtails hot and enjoy!

Grilled oxtails make for a tasty and impressive dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or simply want to try something new, grilling oxtails is a fantastic option. So fire up the grill and give this recipe a try!

Q&A

How long does it take to cook oxtails?

It typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to cook oxtails until they are tender.

What is the recommended cooking time for oxtails?

The recommended cooking time for oxtails is usually 2 to 3 hours to ensure they become tender and flavorful.

Is it possible to cook oxtails quickly?

While it is possible to cook oxtails quickly using a pressure cooker, it is recommended to cook them slowly for about 2 to 3 hours to enhance their tenderness and flavor.

Can I reduce the cooking time for oxtails?

It is not recommended to significantly reduce the cooking time for oxtails as they require a longer duration, typically around 2 to 3 hours, to become tender and develop their rich flavors.

How long do I need to simmer oxtails for them to be done?

Oxtails should be simmered for approximately 2 to 3 hours until they are fully cooked and tender.

How long does it take to cook oxtails?

Oxtails typically take about 2 to 3 hours to cook. The cooking time can vary depending on the recipe and the size of the oxtails.

What is the best cooking method for oxtails?

The best cooking method for oxtails is braising. Braising involves browning the oxtails in a hot pan and then simmering them in a liquid, such as broth or wine, for a long period of time. This method helps to tenderize the meat and develop rich flavors.