Jamaican Oxtail

This Jamaican Oxtail recipe is a delightful dish that showcases the rich flavors of Caribbean cuisine. Its tender, fall-off-the-bone meat makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With the help of an instant pot or pressure cooker, you can enjoy this savory meal in just 30 minutes. The unique blend of spices and ingredients ensures every bite is packed with flavor, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking: Using an instant pot or pressure cooker significantly reduces cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
• Flavorful Marinade: A mix of spices and herbs infuses the oxtail with a depth of flavor that delights the palate.
• Versatile Dish: Serve this Jamaican Oxtail over rice, with peas, or alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s sure to impress your guests.
• Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making preparation easy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker: This tool speeds up the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy tender oxtails in just 30 minutes.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for marinating the oxtail and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

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 (or 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 Additional 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 by hand until well-coated.
3. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight; longer marination yields better results.

Step 2: Sear the Oxtail

1. Set the instant pot or pressure cooker on sauté mode.
2. Add cooking oil and sear each side of the oxtail for about 1 minute until brown. It won’t be fully cooked yet.
3. Save any drippings from the marinade in a bowl for later use.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

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

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Instant Pot

1. Return oxtails to the pot along with reserved drippings, bay leaves, and water; stir well to combine.
2. Cover the pot, cancel sauté mode, and set to pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Allow steam to release naturally.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Once done, open the lid and switch back to sauté mode.
2. Add green onion, butter beans, and carrots into the pot; stir gently.
3. Mix cornstarch with water in a separate bowl before adding it to thicken; simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious Jamaican Oxtail over rice with peas or any side dish of your choice! Enjoy!

How to Serve Jamaican Oxtail

Serving Jamaican Oxtail can elevate your dining experience. The rich flavors of this dish pair well with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its savory profile.

With Rice and Peas

• This classic pairing features tender rice mixed with kidney beans, providing a hearty and satisfying base that complements the oxtail’s flavors.

On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a delightful canvas for the succulent oxtail, soaking up the delicious sauce.

Accompanied by Fried Plantains

• Sweet and crispy fried plantains add a contrasting texture and sweetness that balances the savory notes of the dish.

Served with Steamed Vegetables

• A colorful mix of steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers provides a nutritious and vibrant side.

In Tacos

• For a fun twist, serve shredded oxtail in soft tortillas with fresh toppings like cilantro and lime for a fusion-style meal.

How to Perfect Jamaican Oxtail

Achieving perfect Jamaican Oxtail requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Marinate Well: Allowing the oxtail to marinate longer enhances the flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes but overnight is ideal.
• Sear Properly: Searing the meat before pressure cooking locks in flavors and provides a nice crust.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for fresh thyme and garlic when possible.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt and spices according to your preference for the perfect balance.
• Let It Rest: Allow the cooked oxtail to rest before serving. This helps redistribute juices for better flavor.
• Serve Hot: Enjoy your oxtail dish immediately while hot for optimal taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Jamaican Oxtail

Pairing side dishes with Jamaican Oxtail can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement its rich flavors:

1. Jamaican Rice and Peas
   A staple side made with rice, kidney beans, coconut milk, and spices, perfect for soaking up sauce.

2. Fried Plantains
   Sweet plantains fried until golden brown provide a delightful contrast to savory dishes like oxtail.

3. Coleslaw
   A refreshing crunchy slaw balances the richness of the oxtail with its crisp texture and tangy dressing.

4. Cornbread
   Soft, sweet cornbread is an excellent choice to mop up sauces while adding a comforting element to the meal.

5. Steamed Broccoli
   Lightly steamed broccoli adds color, nutrition, and complements the hearty nature of Jamaican Oxtail.

6. Cucumber Salad
   A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar offers a refreshing crunch alongside rich dishes like oxtail.

7. Sweet Potato Mash
   Creamy sweet potato mash adds sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory oxtail flavors.

8. Grilled Corn on the Cob
   Charred corn brings a smoky flavor that pairs nicely with the spices found in Jamaican Oxtail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Jamaican Oxtail, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Bold Marinade Timing: Not marinating the oxtail long enough can lead to less flavorful meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for flavor absorption.
• Bold Skipping Searing: Searing the oxtail before pressure cooking builds depth in flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste.
• Bold Overcrowding the Pot: Packing too many ingredients at once can prevent proper cooking. Space out the oxtail and vegetables to ensure even cooking.
• Bold Ignoring Cooking Times: Pressure cooking too short can leave the meat tough. Follow cooking times strictly for tender results.
• Bold Forgetting to Deglaze: Not deglazing the pot after sautéing can lead to burnt bits that affect flavor. Make sure to scrape up any stuck pieces with liquid from tomatoes or broth.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Jamaican Oxtail in an airtight container.
• It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Jamaican Oxtail

• Place cooled Jamaican Oxtail in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Jamaican Oxtail

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over low-medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Jamaican Oxtail that may help you during your cooking process.

How To Cook Oxtail Jamaican Style?

Cooking Jamaican Oxtail involves marinating the meat, searing it, and then pressure cooking for tenderness. Follow the recipe closely for best results.

Can I Use Beef Instead of Oxtail?

Yes! While traditional recipes call for oxtail, you can substitute with beef chunks. Adjust cooking time accordingly since it may cook faster than oxtails.

What Sides Go Well With Jamaican Oxtail?

Jamaican Oxtail pairs excellently with rice and peas, steamed vegetables, or fried plantains for a complete meal experience.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamaican Oxtail?

Using a pressure cooker or instant pot, it takes around 30 minutes total – including preparation and cooking time.

Can I Customize The Spice Level?

Absolutely! You can adjust cayenne pepper to your taste or add more spices like ginger or chili powder for extra heat.

Final Thoughts

This Jamaican Oxtail recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that promises tender meat and rich sauces. Its versatility allows you to customize spice levels and pairings to suit your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to try this dish as it’s perfect for dinner gatherings or cozy family meals!