Braised Oxtail (Rich, Tender & Flavorful)
📝 Ingredients:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2½–3 lbs (1–1.5 kg) oxtail, cleaned and trimmed
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 cups beef broth (or water)
1 cup crushed tomatoes (optional, for richer sauce)
2 carrots, sliced
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, to thicken)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Brown the Oxtail
Pat oxtail dry and season with salt and black pepper.
Heat oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Brown oxtail on all sides (about 8–10 minutes total).
Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and ginger, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
3️⃣ Build the Sauce
Add soy sauce and brown sugar.
Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes.
Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot.
4️⃣ Slow Braise
Return oxtail to the pot.
Add thyme, bay leaf, paprika, and carrots.
Liquid should mostly cover the meat (add more broth if needed).
Cover and simmer on low heat for 2½–3 hours, until meat is very tender and falling off the bone.
(You can also bake covered at 325°F / 160°C for the same time.)
5️⃣ Thicken (Optional)
If you prefer thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the pot.
Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.
🍽 Serve With:
Steamed rice
Mashed potatoes
Buttered noodles
Or crusty bread
✨ Rich, deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tender meat — perfect comfort dish!
Braised Oxtail
