Jamaican Oxtail – recipesmakerr

Jamaican Oxtail is a rich, flavorful stew known for its tender meat, savory spices, and hearty sauce. Slow-cooked with butter beans, herbs, and traditional Caribbean seasonings, oxtail becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Served over rice or with festival bread, this dish is a classic comfort food that embodies the bold flavors of Jamaica.

⏱ PREP TIME

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 3–4 hours (slow simmer or pressure cooker)
Total: ~3–4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6

🍳 EQUIPMENT

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups & spoons
Knife & cutting board

🧾 INGREDIENTS

2–3 lbs oxtail, cut into pieces
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
2–3 stalks green onions, chopped
1–2 scotch bonnet peppers (whole or chopped, optional for heat)
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
1 tsp allspice (pimento)
2–3 tbsp soy sauce
4 cups beef stock or water
1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
2–3 carrots, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

📝 INGREDIENT NOTES

Oxtail: Marbling is key for tender, flavorful meat.
Scotch bonnet: Adds authentic Jamaican heat; remove seeds for milder spice.
Butter beans: Make the stew hearty and creamy.
Slow cooking: Essential for tender, fall-off-the-bone oxtail.

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1️⃣ Brown the oxtail

Season oxtail with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pot and brown oxtail pieces on all sides for 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté aromatics

In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, and green onions until fragrant. Add thyme, allspice, and scotch bonnet pepper.

3️⃣ Deglaze & simmer

Return oxtail to the pot. Add soy sauce and beef stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 3–4 hours until meat is tender.

4️⃣ Add vegetables and beans

About 30 minutes before finishing, add carrots and butter beans. Continue cooking until vegetables are soft and flavors meld.

5️⃣ Adjust seasoning & serve

Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot over steamed rice or with traditional Jamaican sides like rice and peas or fried dumplings.

🥗 NUTRITION FACTS (approx. per serving)

Calories: ~450
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 550mg

⭐ TIPS FOR PERFECT JAMAICAN OXTAIL

✔ Brown meat well for deep flavor
✔ Slow-cook for tender, juicy oxtail
✔ Use fresh thyme and allspice for authentic taste
✔ Remove scotch bonnet seeds for milder heat
✔ Serve with rice or festival for traditional pairing

🔄 VARIATIONS

Pressure Cooker Version: Reduce cooking time to 60–75 minutes.
Spicy Oxtail: Add extra scotch bonnet or hot sauce.
Oxtail with Beer: Add a splash of dark beer for richer flavor.
Vegetable Packed: Include more root vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes.