Introduction
Dive into the comfort of the South with this soul-soothing Southern Oxtail Stew! It’s the perfect dish to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds with its rich and savory flavors. The tender oxtails are simmered to perfection, allowing them to absorb all the hearty ingredients and spices that contribute to the stew’s deep, satisfying profile. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 3 lbs oxtails
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
Directions
1. Season oxtails generously with salt and black pepper. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the oxtails on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onions and carrots, sauté until soft. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Return oxtails to the pot. Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Add bay leaves, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until oxtails are tender and the stew is thickened.
5. Serve hot and enjoy the Southern comfort in every bite!
Nutritional Information
Per serving, this dish serves up:
- Calories: Approx. 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1
Season oxtails generously with salt and black pepper. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the oxtails on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2
In the same pot, add chopped onions and diced carrots. Sauté until soft. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Step 3
Return the browned oxtails to the pot. Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Add bay leaves, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Stir to combine.
Step 4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the oxtails are tender and the stew has thickened.
Step 5
Serve the stew hot and enjoy the Southern comfort in every bite!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving the stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Flavor Adjustment
Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Cooking Time Variations
Cooking times may vary based on the size of the oxtails; ensure they are fork-tender before serving.
Cook techniques
Seasoning the Oxtails
Generously season the oxtails with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavors before browning them.
Browning the Oxtails
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the oxtails on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew.
Sautéing Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and diced carrots until soft, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant for a robust base.
Simmering the Stew
Return the browned oxtails to the pot and add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover, allowing to simmer for 2-3 hours for tender meat and a thickened stew.
Serving the Stew
Serve the stew hot, ensuring to scoop plenty of the rich sauce over the oxtails for added flavor and comfort.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of meat instead of oxtails?
Yes, you can substitute other cuts of beef, but the cooking time may vary depending on the cut you choose.
How do I know when the oxtails are tender?
The oxtails are tender when the meat falls off the bone easily, which usually takes about 2-3 hours of simmering.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the oxtails and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What can I serve with Southern Oxtail Stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with rice, cornbread, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Southern Oxtail Stew embodies comfort food at its finest, combining rich flavors and tender meat for a satisfying dish that warms the heart. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
