Jamaican oxtails are a beloved dish in the Caribbean cuisine. The infusion of flavors and the tenderness of the meat make this dish a true delicacy. Oxtails are the tail portions of beef, and when cooked with fresh herbs and spices such as thyme, scallion, scotch bonnet, allspice, and sometimes ginger, they become a mouthwatering treat that is worth the effort.
Tenderizing Oxtails
Before cooking oxtails, it is essential to tenderize the meat to ensure it is juicy and flavorful. One popular method is to use low sodium soy sauce. Soy sauce helps the meat retain its moisture, tenderizes it, and enhances the savory flavor. This trick, passed down from generations, is a secret weapon in Jamaican kitchens.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for oxtails can vary depending on the method used. If using a pressure cooker, it can take around 1 to 2 hours. However, if cooking on a stovetop, there is a simple trick to speed up the process: ice. Adding ice to the pot helps break down the connective tissue in the meat, resulting in a tender and succulent dish.
Smoked Oxtails Recipe
Here is a delicious recipe for smoked oxtails:
- 5 lbs Oxtail
- 1 tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Gingery Mango Pickapeppa Sauce
- 1 tsp All Purpose Seasoning
- 1 tsp Blue Mountain Oxtail Seasoning
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Gravy Master Browning Sauce
- 1 Scallion, diced
- 1/2 Onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- Few Sprigs Thyme
- 6 Allspice Berries
- 1/4 Red Pepper, chopped
- 1/4 Green or Orange pepper, chopped
- 6 Fresh Garlic Cloves, chopped
- 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper or Habanero
- 1/4 cup of Corn or Canola Oil
- 1 can of Butter Beans
Directions:
- Start by rinsing the oxtail with water and vinegar. Pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, pickapeppa sauce, all-purpose seasoning, oxtail seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, Gravy Master, and minced garlic. Massage the seasonings into the oxtail.
- Optional: Marinate the oxtail for 2 hours.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over low/medium heat for 3 minutes.
- Add the oxtail to the Dutch oven and brown the meat for 30-40 minutes, flipping occasionally to brown all sides.
- Add 5 cups of water and 1 more tablespoon of Gravy Master to the Dutch oven. Cover and simmer on medium heat.
- After 1 hour, add 2 cups of ice to the pot. The ice will help tenderize the meat further.
- Once the ice has melted, add the butter beans, fresh onion, garlic, thyme, scallion, scotch bonnet, and red/green pepper.
- Season the gravy with all-purpose seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and oxtail seasoning. Stir and cover.
- Cook on medium heat for another 45 minutes until the oxtail is tender and ready to eat.
Tip: If there is a layer of fat on top of the gravy, skim it off with a cold spoon or trim some fat off the oxtail before cooking.
What are oxtails?
Oxtails are the tail portions of beef. They are known for their rich, flavorful meat and gelatinous texture.
How do you tenderize oxtails?
There are various methods to tenderize oxtails, including marinating them, using low sodium soy sauce, or cooking them with ice to break down the connective tissue.
How long does it take to cook oxtails?
The cooking time for oxtails can vary depending on the cooking method. It can take between 1 and 2 hours in a pressure cooker or stove top. Adding ice to the pot can speed up the cooking process.
What flavors are used in Jamaican oxtails?
Jamaican oxtails are typically seasoned with fresh herbs and spices such as thyme, scallion, scotch bonnet, allspice, and sometimes ginger. These flavors give the dish its unique Jamaican taste.
In Conclusion
Smoked oxtails are a beloved Jamaican dish that showcases the rich flavors and tenderness of the meat. With the right combination of seasonings and cooking techniques, you can create a mouthwatering oxtail dish that will impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious taste of Jamaican cuisine!
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