Braised Oxtail Recipe

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds of oxtail, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup red wine (optional, for deglazing)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oxtail:
   • Pat the oxtail pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the Oxtail:
   • In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Brown the oxtail pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
   • Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Add the red wine (if using) to the pot to deglaze, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the Liquid and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and brown sugar (if using). Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Braise the Oxtail:
   • Return the oxtail pieces to the pot. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it braise for 3-4 hours, or until the oxtail is tender and the meat is easily pulling away from the bone. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid, adding more broth or water if needed.
7. Finish the Dish:
   • Once the oxtail is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Discard the bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve:
   • Serve the braised oxtail with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your rich and flavorful braised oxtail!