Jamaican Oxtail Recipe
Oxtail Recipe lovers know that this dish is not just food—it is memory, tradition, and comfort on one plate. The first time I tasted real Jamaican oxtail, I was sitting at a small family table, waiting for a pot that had been simmering for hours. The smell alone promised something special. Therefore, I knew this meal would not be rushed. Since then, this recipe has become my go-to comfort dinner whenever I want something rich, soulful, and deeply satisfying.
Why This Jamaican Oxtail Recipe Works
- It uses a slow braising method that breaks down collagen for tender meat.
- It includes authentic Caribbean spices like thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet pepper.
- Browning sauce creates the signature dark brown gravy.
- Butter beans add creaminess and extra protein.
- The long simmer time builds deep, restaurant-style flavor.
Jamaican Oxtail Recipe
Recipe at a Glance
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Cuisine | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 3 hrs | 3 hrs 20 mins | 6 | Jamaican / Caribbean | Medium |
Equipment: Amazon’s Overall Picks
- Heavy-bottom Dutch oven
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp chef knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bowl
If your Jamaican oxtail never quite gets that deep, rich, slow-braised flavor, your pot might be the problem — not your recipe. This Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven by Umite Chef (5QT) is built specifically for low-and-slow Caribbean cooking.
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Jamaican Oxtail Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oxtail | 3 lbs |
| Butter beans | 1½ cups |
| Onion, chopped | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Fresh thyme | 2 tsp |
| Scotch bonnet pepper | 1 |
| Browning sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Beef broth | 3 cups |
| Allspice | 1 tsp |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Ginger, grated | 1 tsp |
| Green onions | 2 |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Ingredient Tips & Substitutes
- Use habanero if Scotch bonnet is unavailable.
- Lima beans can replace butter beans.
- Coconut aminos may replace soy sauce for lower sodium.
Recipe Instructions
- Season oxtail with salt, pepper, soy sauce, thyme, ginger, and browning sauce. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven and brown the oxtail on all sides. Therefore, you build flavor early.
- Remove meat and sauté onion, garlic, and tomato paste until fragrant.
- Return oxtail to the pot, add beef broth, bay leaves, and allspice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2½ hours.
- Add butter beans and Scotch bonnet pepper. Continue simmering for 30 minutes.
- Adjust salt and pepper, then serve hot.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
- For slow cooker oxtail, cook on low for 8 hours.
- For Instant Pot, pressure cook for 45 minutes.
- Add carrots for sweetness.
- If gravy is thin, simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
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Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Iron | 20% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
FAQs About Oxtail Recipe
Jamaican oxtail is a rich, deeply flavorful, and luxurious braised dish. It features large pieces of oxtail (beef tail) cooked until the meat is incredibly tender and falls off the bone, in a thick, savory, brown stew-like gravy. It’s famously seasoned with allspice (pimento), Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, and soy sauce, and is traditionally served with butter beans (lima beans) and rice and peas.
Three key elements create its incredible flavor and texture:
1- The Cut Itself: Oxtail is full of collagen, bone marrow, and fat. Through slow cooking, these render down into a silky, gelatinous, and unctuous gravy that coats the meat, making it deeply rich and satisfying.
2- The Flavor Base (The “Browning”): The meat is seared and then stewed with a classic Jamaican aromatic base of onions, scallions, garlic, ginger, thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet pepper.
3- The Slow Braise: The long, slow cooking process (3-4 hours) allows the tough connective tissues to completely break down, making the meat tender, and lets all the flavors meld into a complex, unified sauce.
A Caribbean Classic Worth Every Simmer
This Jamaican Oxtail Recipe brings warmth, comfort, and bold island flavor to your table. It is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you crave a rich, soulful meal.
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