Cooking oxtails in a crockpot is a great way to make a flavorful and tender dish without too much effort. Oxtails are a fatty cut of meat, so there is a need to skim off excess fat during cooking. Our best option for serving is serving the oxtails over rice or mashed potatoes.
However, you can try it with your preferred side dish. So, how do you cook oxtails in a crock pot? Do not forget! It is important to know that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your oxtails. We advise you to adjust accordingly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Contents
How Do You Cook Oxtails In A Crock Pot?
First, you’ll need the following ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds of oxtails
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of water
Optional: carrots, potatoes, or other vegetables.
Here’s how to cook oxtails in a crock pot.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and brown the oxtails on all sides, this will take about 10-15 minutes.
- Once browned, transfer the oxtails to a crock pot. Add the diced onion and minced garlic in the same skillet used to brown the oxtails, and cook until softened.
- Add the beef broth, red wine, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet and bring it to a boil.
- Pour the mixture over the oxtails in the crock pot and stir to combine. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
- Remove the oxtails from the crock pot and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
What Do You Need To Know About Oxtails?
Oxtails are a flavorful cut of meat that comes from a cow’s tail. They are known for their rich, beefy flavor and tender, juicy meat. They have a unique texture that is both tender and slightly chewy.
Oxtails are commonly used in stews, soups, and braises, as the long, slow cooking time helps to break down the connective tissue and tenderize the meat. They can also be grilled or roasted for a different texture and flavor.
If you are buying oxtails, look for fresh cuts with a good amount of meat on them. They may need to be trimmed of excess fat before cooking. Oxtails can be cooked on the stove, in a slow cooker, or in the oven, depending on your recipe and cooking preferences.
Furthermore, Oxtails are a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world, including Jamaican, Korean, and Italian cuisine. They are often associated with comfort food and are a favorite among those looking for hearty, filling dishes.
General Tips For Cooking Oxtails In A Crock Pot
- Do you know you can make the dish ahead of time and reheat it later? Simply store the cooked oxtails and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- You can also freeze the cooked oxtails and vegetables for up to 3 months. To reheat, store them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in a skillet or microwave.
- You can still make this dish in the oven if you don’t have a crockpot. Interesting! Right? Simply Preheat the oven to 325°F. Follow the instructions for searing the oxtails in a skillet, then transfer them to a large Dutch oven. Add the vegetables, broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the Dutch oven, cover with a lid, and bake for 3-4 hours until the oxtails are tender and falling off the bone.
- Did you know that you can use red wine instead of beef broth to add flavor to your dish? Interesting! Right? Simply Add 1 cup of red wine to the skillet with the vegetables and stir well before adding it to the crockpot.
- Another way to add some extra depth of flavor to the dish is to brown the vegetables in the skillet after searing the oxtails. This will give them a caramelized flavor that will enhance the dish. To do this, remove the oxtails from the skillet and set them aside. Add the chopped vegetables to the skillet and cook until they are browned and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the tomato paste and beef broth to the skillet and proceed with the recipe as written.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can increase the amount of cornstarch and water mixture. Just be careful not to add too much, or the gravy will be too thick and lumpy.
- You can also add some fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the dish for extra flavor. Just sprinkle them over the top of the oxtails before serving.
Related: How Long Will Food Stay Warm After Crockpot Is Unplugged?
Conclusion
Cooking oxtails in a crockpot is a great way to make a flavorful and tender dish without too much effort.
By following the steps above on how to cook oxtails in a crock pot, and using some of the tips provided, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.