Jamaican Oxtail Recipe: A Taste of Caribbean Comfort Food
Jump to RecipeJamaican oxtail is a beloved dish that embodies the warmth, richness, and soul of Caribbean cuisine. This hearty stew, slow-cooked to tender perfection, is an absolute favourite in Jamaican households and among anyone lucky enough to try it. Packed with bold flavours and spices, oxtail is a dish that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a weekend treat. If you’ve never made it at home, now is the time to roll up your sleeves, stock up on the right ingredients, and bring the taste of Jamaica to your kitchen.
The History of Oxtail in Jamaica
The story of oxtail in Jamaica is one that’s rooted in resourcefulness and tradition. Oxtail, once considered a cheaper cut of meat, was often used in Jamaican kitchens to make the most out of humble ingredients. Over time, it became a signature dish, celebrated for its depth of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The process of slow-cooking the oxtail allowed Jamaican cooks to turn a tough cut of meat into something truly extraordinary. Today, oxtail is a cherished dish that’s not just limited to Jamaica. Its rich, savoury flavours have spread worldwide, but there’s nothing quite like the authentic Jamaican version.
In Jamaica, oxtail is often paired with rice and peas or ground provisions like yam and dumplings, creating a meal that’s both hearty and comforting. The traditional preparation involves slow-cooking the oxtail in a flavourful broth until the meat is so tender it falls off the bone. With each bite, you’re treated to a mouthful of perfectly seasoned, succulent beef that’s full of the island’s signature spices.
The Taste of Oxtail
When it comes to taste, Jamaican oxtail is in a league of its own. The oxtail itself has a deep, beefy flavour that’s intensified through slow cooking. Add in a medley of Jamaican spices, and you’ve got a dish that’s bursting with bold, aromatic flavours. The secret to the perfect Jamaican oxtail lies in the seasoning—and that’s where the magic of the Ocho Rios Jamaican Oxtail Seasoning comes in. This seasoning blend captures the essence of traditional Jamaican flavours, combining allspice, thyme, garlic, and other spices to create a dish that’s rich, savoury, and slightly spicy.
A key component to getting that authentic Jamaican taste is Browning Sauce, and the Browning Beta Flava available from Caribbean Sydney is the ideal addition to your oxtail recipe. This rich, caramelised sauce adds a smoky depth and beautiful color to your oxtail stew. Together, these two products bring out the best in your oxtail, giving you the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite.
Why You Should Try and Make it Yourself
Making Jamaican oxtail at home might seem like a bit of a challenge, but it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you get to fill your home with the mouthwatering aromas of simmering spices, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of creating something truly special from scratch.
Oxtail is not your everyday dish. It’s the type of meal that makes you slow down, appreciate the cooking process, and look forward to the end result. The long cooking time allows all the flavours to meld together, creating a dish that’s deeply flavourful and tender. Plus, when you make it yourself, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more heat if you like it spicy or keeping it mild for a more family-friendly version.
Cooking oxtail also gives you a chance to tap into Jamaica’s rich culinary heritage. With each step, you’ll be following in the footsteps of generations of cooks who have perfected this dish. And the best part? When you serve it to your friends and family, they’ll be blown away by the flavor—and impressed by your cooking skills!
Bringing Oxtail to Your Kitchen
Ready to bring the taste of Jamaica into your kitchen? It’s easier than you think. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create an unforgettable meal that captures the authentic flavors of the Caribbean.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ocho Rios Jamaican Oxtail Seasoning from Caribbean Sydney
- Browning Beta Flava Sauce from Caribbean Sydney
- Oxtail, cut into pieces
- Garlic, onions, scallions, and thyme
- Scotch bonnet pepper for some heat (optional)
- Water or beef broth for simmering
First, you’ll want to season the oxtail generously with the Ocho Rios Jamaican Oxtail Seasoning, massaging it into the meat for maximum flavour. You can marinate the oxtail overnight to let the flavours penetrate deeply, or if you’re in a hurry, an hour or two will do the trick. Once the oxtail is well-seasoned, sear it in a hot pan until all sides are browned. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds an extra layer of flavour.
Next, add your onions, garlic, and thyme to the pan and cook until fragrant. Then comes the magic touch—pour in the Browning Beta Flava Sauce to add richness and a beautiful dark colour to your stew. After that, add water or broth, cover the pan, and let everything simmer slowly for a few hours. The result? Fall-off-the-bone oxtail in a thick, flavourful gravy.
Serve your oxtail with rice and peas, and don’t forget a side of fried plantains for that authentic Jamaican touch.
Oxtail Recipe
Course: Dinner, LunchCuisine: JamaicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes1
hour000
kcal1
minuteJamaican oxtail is a beloved dish that embodies the warmth, richness, and soul of Caribbean cuisine. This hearty stew, slow-cooked to tender perfection, is an absolute favourite in Jamaican households and among anyone lucky enough to try it.
Ingredients
1kg Oxtails
Add Beta Flava browning to taste
2 Onions minced
1/2 Cup scallion cut up
1 Tin of butter beans
Thyme – 1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh
8g Salt
40ml Cooking oil
2 Garlic cloves
Directions
- Season oxtail and allow to marinate for at least 1 hour in a covered container in the refrigerator.
- Use a heavy saucepan (or pressure cooker), heat oil and brown well. Pour off oil and add water a little at a time; also add butter beans.
- Cover and cook on a low simmer until meat and bean are very tender. (if using pressure cooker put enough water to cover meat and beans and cook for 30 minutes or until tender).
- Carrots, spinners (long dumplings) onions or any vegetables of your choice may be added to gravy. (Do not pressure the vegetables).
- Serve with enough gravy to cover meat.
Get your ingredients Today!
Ready to make your own Jamaican oxtail at home? You can find the essential ingredients right here at Caribbean Sydney. Grab your Ocho Rios Jamaican Oxtail Seasoning here and don’t forget to pick up the Browning Beta Flava Sauce here. These authentic Jamaican products will help you bring the rich flavors of the Caribbean right into your kitchen. Trust us—your taste buds will thank you!