How to Make Delicious Oxtail Stew

Stew isn’t just a bowl of soup with chunks of meat in it, it’s a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. If you want to serve stew with a twist, try using oxtail as your main ingredient. Oxtail is a meat that’s full of flavor and nutrients because it contains a lot of connective tissue that melts into a rich, savory sauce.

Making oxtail stew may seem intimidating, but it’s actually a simple and straightforward process. You can cook it low and slow for hours, letting the meat absorb the flavors of the vegetables, herbs, and spices that you add to the pot. With a little bit of patience and some basic kitchen skills, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of making oxtail stew from scratch, so you can sit back and enjoy the warm and comforting flavors that only a hearty stew can deliver.

Preparing a delicious and satisfying oxtail stew may sound intimidating, but it’s actually easier than you think! In this section, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect oxtail stew. From selecting the right ingredients to cooking time, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started!

Choosing the Best Oxtail

The quality of the oxtail is crucial in making the perfect stew. Look for meaty and well-marbled oxtail cuts as they will provide the most flavor and tenderness to your stew. Choose organic, grass-fed oxtail if possible, as it’s a healthier and more sustainable choice. You can also ask your butcher for recommendations and tips on how to choose the best oxtail cuts available.

Prepping the Oxtail

Before cooking, it’s important to prep your oxtail by rinsing it thoroughly and patting it dry with a clean towel. Next, season the meat with salt and pepper or your favorite spices to enhance its flavor. Let the seasoned oxtail rest in the fridge while you prepare your stew ingredients.

Adding the Vegetables

Cut your vegetables, like onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, into bite-sized chunks. Sauté them in a large pot until they’re soft and translucent. This step not only creates a base for your stew’s flavor, but it also helps to lock in the meat’s flavor as it cooks.

Browning the Oxtail

Once the vegetables are ready, it’s time to brown the oxtail. Place the oxtail in the pot with the vegetables and let it cook over medium to high heat until it’s browned on all sides. This step is crucial as browning the meat helps to develop a rich, complex flavor that will make your stew extra delicious.

Adding Flavorful Liquids

After browning the oxtail, it’s time to add rich, flavorful liquids that will transform your stew. Add beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot and stir everything together. These liquids will create a savory, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the oxtail’s rich meatiness.

Simmering the Stew

With all the ingredients in the pot, it’s time to let the stew simmer. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 2-3 hours. This low and slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together, intensifying the richness of the stew.

Skimming the Fat

As the stew simmers, you’ll notice a layer of fat that rises to the surface. To remove this, use a spoon to skim off the fat, ensuring your stew is healthier and lower in calories. Continue skimming the fat as it rises to the surface throughout the cooking process.

Adjusting Seasonings

After simmering for 2-3 hours, taste your stew and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Add extra salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your taste, it’s your stew, after all!

Adding Vegetables & Herbs

Once the stew has simmered for the desired time, it’s time to add the vegetables and herbs. Add any vegetables which require a shorter cooking time such as potatoes & let them cook for another hour until they’re tender. Add the herbs like bay leaves and thyme, they’ll add freshness and aroma to your stew.

Garnishing and Serving

After the final hour of cooking, it’s time to serve your beautiful, mouthwatering oxtail stew. Garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or other herbs for a pop of color and aroma. Serve the stew with crusty bread and enjoy a warm and comforting home-cooked meal!

Section 2: The ingredients you need

1. Oxtail

If you want to make a stew oxtail, then you need oxtail! But how much do you need? Well, it depends on how many people you plan to serve. A good rule of thumb is about 1-2 lbs of oxtail per person. You can usually find oxtail at your local butcher or grocery store.

2. Vegetables

You’ll need an assortment of vegetables to make your stew. Common vegetables include:

– Carrots
– Onions
– Celery
– Potatoes
– Garlic

3. Seasoning

To give your stew some flavor, you’ll need to add seasoning. Some common seasonings include:

– Salt
– Black pepper
– Bay leaves
– Thyme
– Rosemary

4. Tomato paste

Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated paste made from tomatoes. It’s often used in stews and soups to add flavor and depth.

5. Worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a tangy, savory sauce that can add a lot of flavor to your stew.

6. Beef broth

Beef broth is a classic ingredient in any beef stew. It adds richness and depth to the broth.

7. Red wine

Red wine can add a lot of flavor to your stew, especially if you choose a bold, full-bodied wine.

8. Flour

Flour can be used to thicken your stew and make it more hearty.

9. Butter

Butter can be used to sauté your vegetables and add richness to your stew.

10. Olive oil

Olive oil is a healthy oil that can be used to sauté your vegetables and add flavor to your stew.

Ingredients Needed for Stew Oxtail

Now that we’ve gone through the basics of preparing your oxtail, let’s move on to the next step – gathering your ingredients. Here are the key components to making a delicious stew oxtail that your family and friends will love:

Cooking Method for Stew Oxtail Recipe

Now that we have our ingredients in place, let’s move on to cooking this delicious stew oxtail.

Step 1: Browning the Oxtail

The first step is to brown your oxtails. Make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. Then, heat your olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil gets hot, add the oxtails and cook until browned on all sides. This should take around 6-8 minutes. Remove the oxtails from the dutch oven, and set them aside.

Step 2: Saute the Garlic and Vegetables

In the same Dutch oven, saute the chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots and celery stalks until the vegetables become tender. This process should take around 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Red Wine and Chicken Broth

Once the vegetables are tender, pour in the red wine and chicken broth. Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Return the browned oxtails to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Reduce the heat to low and cover the Dutch oven with a lid. Let the stew oxtail simmer for two and a half to three hours or until the oxtail is tender and the meat easily falls off the bone. Make sure to stir occasionally and add more chicken broth as necessary to prevent the stew from drying out.

Step 5: Seasoning and Serving the Stew Oxtail

Season the stew oxtail with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprig. Now, your delicious stew oxtail is ready to be served. Serve your stew oxtail over a bed of rice or potatoes and with some fresh crusty bread on the side. Enjoy!

Say Goodbye to Hunger with Delicious Oxtail Stew!

I hope this article has brought you one step closer to making your own scrumptious oxtail stew. It’s a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a hearty family meal. With a tender texture and robust flavor, this stew is sure to warm your heart and soul. So go ahead, grab those key ingredients, and start cooking! Thank you for reading, and be sure to visit again soon for more mouth-watering recipes. Happy cooking!