Best Easy Braised Oxtails Recipe

Braised oxtails slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender in a rich, savory gravy are a Southern and Caribbean-American family delicacy. This high protein, carnivore-approved dish is deeply flavorful and worth the wait.

Cook 240 min Difficulty NORMAL 530 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • oxtails 4 lbs
  • yellow onion 1 large
  • carrots 2 medium
  • celery stalk 2 pieces
  • garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • beef broth 3 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 2 tsp
  • black pepper 1.5 tsp
  • tomato paste 2 tbsp
  • thyme 1 tsp
  • bay leaf 2 pieces
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 9 g 7%
Protein 37 g 28%
Fat 37 g 65%
Serving size 300g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat oxtails dry and season them generously with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides for best browning.

  2. 2

    Heat vegetable oil in a heavy Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat, then brown oxtails well on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Work in batches to avoid stewing.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Return oxtails to the pot; add thyme, bay leaves, and pour in beef broth, ensuring oxtails are mostly submerged. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up flavorful browned bits from the bottom.

  5. 5

    Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, then cover and cook in a 300°F oven (or on the stovetop, low heat) for 3–4 hours, turning oxtails once halfway through. Oxtails are done when fork-tender and the meat easily separates from the bone.

  6. 6

    Remove the oxtails and strain the gravy if desired. Discard bay leaves. Skim off excess fat from the top before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Oxtails are the star ingredient of this dish, providing both rich beef flavor and the gelatin that gives the gravy its signature silkiness. The combination of long, slow-cooking with oxtails creates the tender, fall-off-the-bone result that makes braised oxtails a beloved comfort dish.
Q. What cooking techniques ensure perfectly tender oxtails?
Proper browning at the start deepens flavor, but the most crucial technique is slow braising at a gentle simmer (either in a 300°F oven or on very low stovetop heat) for 3–4 hours. Turning the oxtails midway ensures even cooking and texture throughout.
Q. How do I prevent tough or greasy braised oxtails?
Avoid overcrowding when searing oxtails; this keeps the meat from steaming and promotes caramelization. Skim excess fat from the gravy after braising, and always check for fork-tenderness before serving. Undercooked oxtails will be tough, while proper braising ensures a luscious result.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving?
Each serving of this braised oxtails recipe (300g) contains around 530 kcal and 37g protein. That means protein makes up 28% of the total calories, a strong choice for those seeking high-protein, satisfying meals.
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