Easy Crock Pot Oxtail Recipes

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Oxtails, known for their rich, savory flavor, are a culinary delight when slow-cooked to tender perfection. Using a crock-pot simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. This article explores some of the best oxtail recipes you can make in a crock-pot, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time. — Deborah Mackin: A Look Into Her Life And Career

Why Use a Crock-Pot for Oxtails?

Using a crock-pot for oxtails offers several advantages:

  • Convenience: Simply load the ingredients, set the timer, and let it cook. No constant monitoring is required.
  • Tenderness: Slow cooking breaks down the tough fibers in oxtails, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
  • Flavor Infusion: The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer, more complex dish.
  • Hands-Off Cooking: Perfect for busy individuals who want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Classic Crock-Pot Oxtail Recipe

This recipe is a great starting point for anyone new to cooking oxtails in a crock-pot. — Sanpaku Eyes: Meaning, Causes, And Perception

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs oxtails
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Season the oxtails with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtails on all sides.
  3. Transfer the oxtails to the crock-pot.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary.
  7. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  8. Pour the vegetable mixture over the oxtails in the crock-pot.
  9. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the oxtails are very tender.
  10. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Jamaican-Style Crock-Pot Oxtails

For a taste of the Caribbean, try this flavorful Jamaican-style oxtail recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs oxtails
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (use sparingly if you're sensitive to heat)
  • 2 tablespoons browning sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup butter beans, canned and drained
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the oxtails with salt, pepper, allspice, thyme, and cinnamon.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the oxtails with onion, garlic, ginger, Scotch bonnet pepper, browning sauce, and soy sauce. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
  3. Transfer the oxtails and marinade to the crock-pot.
  4. Add the beef broth and diced tomatoes.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the oxtails are very tender.
  6. Stir in the butter beans during the last hour of cooking.
  7. Serve over rice and garnish with fresh scallions.

Tips for Perfect Crock-Pot Oxtails

  • Browning the Oxtails: Browning the oxtails before adding them to the crock-pot enhances their flavor and adds depth to the dish. Don't skip this step!
  • Adjusting Liquid: The oxtails should be mostly submerged in liquid. Adjust the amount of broth as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Low and Slow: For the most tender oxtails, cook them on low for a longer period.
  • Adding Vegetables: Add hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and turnips during the last few hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Skimming Fat: After cooking, you can skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce for a healthier dish.

Serving Suggestions

Crock-pot oxtails are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

  • Over Rice: A classic pairing that allows you to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
  • With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich, savory oxtails perfectly.
  • On Polenta: For a rustic Italian twist, serve oxtails over creamy polenta.
  • As a Stew: Serve the oxtails and vegetables in a bowl as a hearty and comforting stew.

Conclusion

Cooking oxtails in a crock-pot is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy this flavorful cut of meat. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or the Jamaican-inspired version, these slow-cooked oxtails are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your crock-pot, and prepare to indulge in a truly unforgettable meal. For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, be sure to check out our other articles. Happy cooking! — Jelleff Recreation Center: Your DC Community Hub