Description
This Braised Oxtails recipe delivers rich, tender meat that falls off the bone, slowly cooked in a flavorful broth of red wine, beef stock, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a comforting dinner, the long braising process transforms oxtails into a hearty, luxurious dish infused with deep savory notes and a fragrant herb garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 4 lbs oxtails
Sauté Base
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as thyme or parsley)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oxtails. Pat the oxtails dry with paper towels and season them evenly with salt and pepper to help develop a flavorful crust when seared.
- Sear the Meat. Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtails on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side, until they have a rich golden crust. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste and Deglaze. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Braise the Oxtails. Return the browned oxtails to the pot. Pour in the beef broth to cover the meat partially. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the oxtails braise gently for about 3 hours, turning occasionally, until the meat is fall-apart tender.
- Finish and Serve. Remove the oxtails and keep warm. Increase the heat and simmer the liquid to reduce to a rich sauce if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the oxtails garnished with fresh herbs and spoon the sauce over the top for a savory finish.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution during braising.
- Red wine adds depth, but can be substituted with more beef broth if preferred.
- Braising times can vary depending on the oxtail size; cook until meat is easily pulled from the bone.
- Leftovers reheat well and the flavors deepen overnight.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.