How to Make Delicious Oxtail Stew

Hey there foodies! If you’re looking for a simple, hearty and delicious meal to whip up for dinner, try making oxtail stew. This dish has been around for ages and is a classic comfort food. What’s great about it is that you can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite veggies and seasonings.

Making oxtail stew may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy. The key is to take your time and let the flavors blend together. The oxtails need to simmer for a while to become tender and fall off the bone, but the end result is so worth it. So, without further ado, let’s get cooking!

How to Make Oxtail Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide

Looking for a warm and hearty dish for your next family dinner? Oxtail stew is a classic that has been enjoyed for generations. Here’s how you can make it at home!

Ingredients

Make sure you have the following ingredients before starting:

– 2 pounds of oxtail
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 stalks of celery, sliced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 4 cups of beef broth
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon of thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Follow these steps to prepare the oxtail stew:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

3. Add the oxtail and brown on all sides for about 15 minutes.

4. Remove the oxtail from the pot and add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.

5. Add the carrots and celery and cook for another 5 minutes.

6. Add the beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir to combine.

7. Return the oxtail to the pot and bring it to a simmer.

8. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Cook for about 3 hours or until the meat is tender.

Tips and Tricks

– Use a quality Dutch oven for even cooking.
– Don’t skimp on the browning step; it adds great flavor to the stew.
– Use fresh ingredients for the best results.
– Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your oxtail stew with hearty sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. This stew also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and have leftovers for a quick and easy meal during the week.

Variations

Looking to mix things up? Here are some variations to try:

– Add a splash of red wine for a richer flavor.
– Use different vegetables such as parsnips or turnips to change the flavor profile.
– Experiment with different herbs and spices such as rosemary or cumin.

Conclusion

Oxtail stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can make a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Ingredients Needed to Make Delicious Oxtail Stew

To make a delicious oxtail stew, the first thing you need to do is gather all the necessary ingredients. These ingredients will help you create that flavorful, tender, and succulent oxtail stew that you’ve been craving. In this section, we will discuss the major ingredients needed to make your favorite oxtail stew.

1. Oxtail – The primary ingredient of the stew is, of course, oxtails. You will need to buy high-quality oxtails from a reputable supplier. Oxtails are beef tails and they are bone-in, which adds flavor to the stew.

2. Vegetables – You’ll need a variety of vegetables for the stew. You can choose the vegetables that you love, but some of the most commonly used ones are carrots, onions, celery, garlic, potatoes, and tomatoes.

3. Herbs and Spices – Herbs and spices are crucial ingredients for adding flavor to the stew. You can use a variety of herbs and spices, but some of the commonly used ones are bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, paprika, cumin, and black pepper.

4. Tomato paste – Tomato paste will help you to create that delicious and distinct tomato flavor in your stew. It also helps to thicken the stew.

5. Red Wine – Red wine is an optional ingredient, but it adds extra flavor to the stew. If you want to add wine to the stew, you can use dry red wine.

6. Beef Broth – Beef broth is used to add extra flavor and richness to the stew. It also helps to tenderize the meat.

7. Flour – Flour will help you to thicken the stew. You can use all-purpose flour or cornstarch.

8. Olive Oil – Olive oil is used for frying the vegetables and meat. It adds extra flavor to the stew.

9. Salt – Salt is used to taste. You can add it during the cooking process or add it at the end when you’re done.

10. Water – Water is used to cook the stew. You can use it to dilute the stew if it is too thick.

Now that you know all of the ingredients that you’ll need let’s move onto the preparation section.

Ingredients for Oxtail Stew

Making oxtail stew from scratch takes a bit of time and effort, but the results are well worth it. The rich, hearty flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness of the meat make it a comforting and satisfying dish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to get started:

Preparing the Oxtail

Before you start cooking, you’ll need to prepare the oxtail. This means trimming off any excess fat and silver skin, and seasoning it with salt and black pepper. You may also want to dredge the oxtail in flour, which will help create a thick, rich sauce as it cooks.

To trim the oxtail, use a sharp knife and cut away any visible fat or connective tissue. You can also use kitchen shears to trim away any smaller pieces. Next, sprinkle the oxtail with a generous amount of salt and black pepper, and toss it in a bowl with the flour until it is well coated.

Browning the Oxtail

To get the best flavor and color in your oxtail stew, you’ll want to brown the meat before adding it to the stew pot. This adds a depth of flavor that you can’t achieve through boiling or braising alone.

To brown the oxtail, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the oxtail and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it is well browned. Remove the oxtail from the pot and set it aside.

Sautéing the Vegetables

After you’ve browned the oxtail, it’s time to sauté the vegetables. This step helps to develop their flavor and also adds a lot of color to the stew.

In the same pot you used to brown the oxtail, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and caramelize. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these will add flavor to the stew.

Simmering the Stew

Now it’s time to put everything together and let the stew simmer to perfection.

Add the tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, beef broth, and red wine to the pot with the vegetables. Stir well to combine, then return the oxtail to the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Let the stew simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the oxtail is fall-off-the-bone tender. Be sure to check the stew periodically and stir it to prevent sticking. If the stew thickens too much, you can add more broth or water to thin it out. Once the oxtail is cooked through, season the stew with additional salt and black pepper to taste.

Congratulations, you’ve made a delicious oxtail stew! Serve it hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal.

Thanks for Reading and Happy Cooking!

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of how to make oxtail stew, it’s time to start cooking! Make sure to have all the necessary ingredients ready and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own unique twist on the recipe. Remember to cook low and slow, and the flavors will meld together into a delicious, comforting meal that is perfect for colder weather. Don’t forget to invite your friends and family over to enjoy it with you! Thanks for reading and be sure to check back for more tasty recipes to try out in the future. Happy cooking!