There something magical about the way a properly cooked Caribbean Oxtail transforms from a humble cut of meat into a dish that’s worthy of any special occasion. As someone who’s spent countless hours perfecting this recipe, I can tell you that the secret lies not just in the ingredients, but in the patience and love you put into the cooking process.
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A Dish Steeped in Caribbean Tradition
Caribbean Oxtail isn’t just another meat dish it’s a celebration of Caribbean cooking techniques passed down through generations. The combination of slow-cooking and rich seasonings creates a dish that incredibly tender with deep, complex flavors that will have your guests asking for seconds.
What You’ll Need for Caribbean Oxtail
The beauty of this recipe lies in its careful balance of ingredients. You’ll want to gather the following:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Oxtail | 2½ pounds |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic and Herb Seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Browning Sauce (Grace®) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Paprika | ¼ teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Ground Black Pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Vegetable Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Carrots (finely sliced) | 2 |
| Celery (finely sliced) | 2 stalks |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic Cloves (minced) | 4 |
| Low-Sodium Beef Broth | 3 cups |
| Fresh Thyme | 1 bunch |
| Fresh Rosemary | 1 sprig |
| Bay Leaf | 1 |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tablespoons |
The Art of Preparation
The key to exceptional Caribbean Oxtail lies in the preparation. Start by creating your seasoning blend. This isn’t just about throwing ingredients together— it’s about creating layers of flavor that will develop during the long cooking process. Mix all your seasonings in a bowl and take time to thoroughly coat each piece of oxtail. This initial step is crucial for developing that signature Caribbean flavor profile.
The Cooking Process for Caribbean Oxtail
1. Begin by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The searing process is crucial—it creates a beautiful crust on the meat that will contribute to the final flavor. Take your time here, about 3 minutes per side, until each piece develops a rich, golden-brown color.
2. Once the meat is seared, set it aside and start building your flavor base. In the same pan, sauté your carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. This aromatic mixture, known as a mirepoix, will provide the foundation for your sauce. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Now comes the patience-testing part the slow cooking. Add your beef broth, herbs, and browned oxtail back to the pan. The liquid should just barely cover the meat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer. This is where the magic happens over the next 3 hours, the tough connective tissue in the oxtail will break down, creating that fall-off-the-bone tenderness we’re looking for.
The Final Touch
After three hours, remove the lid and increase the heat. This final step is crucial for developing a rich, thick sauce. Stir occasionally and watch as the liquid reduces and becomes glossy and concentrated. This should take about 5 minutes. The finished sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a deep, rich color.
Serving Suggestions for Caribbean Oxtail
This dish pairs beautifully with traditional Caribbean sides like rice and peas, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Some of our test kitchen staff enjoy it with creamy mashed potatoes or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Caribbean Oxtail
- Don’t rush the searing process — proper browning is essential for flavor development.
- Keep the heat low and steady during the braising phase.
- If the sauce isn’t thick enough after reducing, you can add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
- Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
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