Jamaican Oxtail

This Jamaican Oxtail is a delightful dish that offers rich flavors and tender meat, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With the use of an instant pot or pressure cooker, you can prepare this succulent meal in just 30 minutes. The unique blend of spices and ingredients creates a comforting dish that impresses both friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: Using an instant pot, this recipe cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of spices and aromatics ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, peas, or your favorite sides for a complete meal.
• Tender Meat: The pressure cooking method guarantees fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
• Easy Cleanup: One-pot preparation means less mess in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Jamaican Oxtail, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
• Mixing Bowl
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Spoons and Cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker: This tool significantly reduces cooking time while ensuring the meat is tender.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for marinating the oxtail evenly with all ingredients.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

This Jamaican Oxtail is a fall-off bone and tender meat ready in 30 minutes. You can save time making oxtails because the instant pot or pressure cooker makes the process quick.

For the Oxtail

• 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)

For the Vegetables

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

For Other 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. Trim excess fat and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Marinate the oxtail with all the above ingredients and mix well with your hand until it is well-coated.
3. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight. The longer it marinates, the better.

Step 2: Sear the Oxtail

1. Set the instant pot or pressure cooker on sauté. Add the oil and sear each side of the oxtail for 1 minute till brown. It won’t be fully cooked at this point.
2. Save the drippings of the marinade in the mixing bowl for later.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

1. Remove the oxtail from the pot and set aside.
2. Add the tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, and tomato paste; keep stirring until they release liquid to deglaze the pot.
3. Season with a pinch of salt and bouillon, sauté veggies for 3 minutes until soft.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

1. Add the oxtails back to the pot along with drippings from earlier, bay leaves, and water. Stir well.
2. Cover the pot, press cancel to leave sauté option, then pressure cook for 20 minutes on high pressure. Allow steam to release by itself.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Open the lid, change to sauté option again; add green onion, butter beans, and carrot.
2. Mix cornstarch with water in a separate bowl; add to pot. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious Jamaican Oxtail warm alongside rice and peas or any side dish of your choice! Enjoy!

How to Serve Jamaican Oxtail

Jamaican Oxtail is a flavorful dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Rice and Peas

• This classic pairing features fluffy rice cooked with kidney beans and coconut milk, offering a creamy texture that complements the rich oxtail sauce.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a hearty base for the tender oxtail, soaking up the savory sauce for a satisfying bite.

Accompanied by Fried Plantains

• Sweet fried plantains provide a delicious contrast to the savory flavors of the oxtail, adding a touch of sweetness to your plate.

Served with Steamed Vegetables

• A mix of steamed carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers adds color and nutrition to your meal while balancing the richness of the oxtail.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing your Jamaican Oxtail with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds brightness and freshness to each serving.

How to Perfect Jamaican Oxtail

To achieve tender and flavorful Jamaican Oxtail, here are some essential tips for perfecting your dish.

• Marinate Overnight: Allowing the oxtail to marinate overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
• Sear Properly: Searing the oxtail until browned locks in juices and adds depth to the overall flavor.
• Use Enough Liquid: Ensure there’s enough broth or water in the pot; this prevents burning and helps create a rich sauce.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt or spices as needed for optimal flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Jamaican Oxtail

Pairing side dishes with Jamaican Oxtail can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fried Rice: A fragrant fried rice dish with vegetables enhances the overall texture while absorbing delicious oxtail sauce.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots adds freshness, balancing out the richness of oxtail.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast in flavor while providing a comforting addition to your meal.
4. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar brings acidity that cuts through the richness of oxtail.
5. Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash provides sweetness and nutrition, complementing the savory notes of oxtail.
6. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with vegetables makes for a nutritious side that pairs well with hearty oxtails.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Jamaican Oxtail, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Ignoring the marinating time: Marinating oxtail for at least 30 minutes is crucial for infusing flavor. The longer you marinate, the better the taste.
• Not searing the meat: Searing oxtail before pressure cooking helps develop rich flavors. Skipping this step can lead to a less flavorful dish.
• Overcooking vegetables: Adding vegetables like bell peppers and onions too early can cause them to become mushy. Stir-fry them just until soft before adding liquids.
• Using insufficient liquid: Make sure to add enough water or broth when pressure cooking. Too little liquid can result in dry meat and burnt food at the bottom of the pot.
• Neglecting the thickening step: To achieve a desirable sauce consistency, don’t forget to mix cornstarch with water before adding it to the pot. This step enhances texture.
• Rushing the cooking process: Allowing your Jamaican Oxtail to simmer properly after cooking ensures all flavors meld together. Patience is key!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Jamaican Oxtail in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator for best quality.

Freezing Jamaican Oxtail

• Place cooled oxtail in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference.

Reheating Jamaican Oxtail

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Jamaican Oxtail that may help enhance your cooking experience.

What cut of meat is best for Jamaican Oxtail?

The best cut for Jamaican Oxtail is obviously oxtail itself, which provides rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly.

How do I make my Jamaican Oxtail more spicy?

To increase spiciness, add more cayenne pepper or incorporate fresh Scotch bonnet peppers during cooking for authentic heat.

Can I use a slow cooker instead of an instant pot?

Yes! You can adapt this recipe by using a slow cooker; just adjust cooking times accordingly (about 6-8 hours on low).

Is Jamaican Oxtail healthy?

While it is relatively high in calories and fat, it also offers protein and nutrients. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

How can I customize my Jamaican Oxtail recipe?

You can customize your dish by adding different vegetables like potatoes or using alternative spices based on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Jamaican Oxtail is a flavorful and versatile dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its tender meat and rich sauce pair perfectly with rice and peas or other sides. Don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients or spices to make it uniquely yours!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Jamaican Oxtail

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Discover the delightful flavors of Jamaican Oxtail, a dish that brings comfort and richness to your dining table. Utilizing the convenience of an instant pot or pressure cooker, this recipe allows you to enjoy tender, savory oxtails in just 30 minutes. Every bite bursts with a unique blend of spices and herbs, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Serve it alongside rice and peas, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a truly satisfying meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb Oxtail
• 3 Garlic cloves (minced)
• 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 (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 medium Onion
• ½ Red bell pepper (diced)
• ½ Green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 Green onion (sliced)
• 2 Tomatoes (diced)
• 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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Rinse oxtail with water, lemon, and vinegar; trim excess fat and pat dry.
2. Marinate oxtail with garlic, allspice, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme, brown sugar, and bouillon for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Sear marinated oxtail in the instant pot on sauté mode until browned on each side.
4. Remove oxtail and sauté onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and tomato paste until softened.
5. Return oxtail to the pot with water and bay leaves; pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.
6. After cooking, stir in green onion, butter beans, and carrots; thicken sauce with cornstarch mixed in water.
7. Simmer briefly before serving warm.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg