This Curry Oxtail Recipe is your answer to what is the best way to cook oxtails! Think of my easy Jamaican Oxtail Curried Recipe like a delicious and flavorful Jamaican beef stew. After browning the oxtails, we’re slow simmering them with curry powder, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, and tomato. You’ll also learn where to buy oxtails, the price of oxtails, nutrition info, and much more.

What is oxtail? Is oxtail really ox or cow? Oxtail is the skinned tail of beef cattle or veal that’s been chopped into pieces. Oxtail used to come just from oxen, but now the tails of cow or ox are used (source).

Why is oxtail so tough? Oxtail is tough because the muscle is fibrous and contains a lot of connective tissue. The best way to make a good curry oxtail stew is to slow simmer the meat, melting down the collagen into gelatin.

A well-prepared oxtail is flavorful and fall-off the bone tender, never tough. One way to achieve this is to pressure cook the meat. Here, you’ll learn how to cook oxtail without a pressure cooker.

The process is easy, and will rival a curry oxtail restaurant recipe. And if you haven’t tried oxtail before, you’re in for a treat. Oxtail definitely makes the list for one of my favorite offal or variety meats. It’s so very good.

➕ How to Make Curry Oxtail

Once you get the pot going, making curried oxtails is very hands-off. Since this does take some time on the stove, you’re going to want to save this recipe for the weekend. Don’t turn your stove on and leave it unattended.

Curried Oxtail Recipe Ingredients

Here’s your shopping list to make curry oxtail:

• 1½ lbs oxtail (680 grams)
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Salt and pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 2 tablespoons curry powder (Jamaican curry powder is delish and may be used if you can find it)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spicy heat)
• 28 ounces crushed tomato
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup light coconut milk (from a can)
• 3 medium carrots
• 2 russet potatoes (about 1 lb or 454 g)

Scotch bonnet pepper is an extremely hot pepper popular in Caribbean cuisine. You can use one finely chopped Scotch bonnet in place of the cayenne for a more authentic Jamaican recipe.

The other item you need to make this curry is a large pot. I used a big enameled pot. I don’t recommend using cast iron here, as the stew may dry out too quickly (necessitating more liquid).

Jamaican Curry Oxtail Recipe

Here are the step by step directions for this easy curry oxtail recipe:

Do oxtails need to be washed before cooking?

No, cleaning oxtails before cooking isn’t necessary and doing so can splash bacteria on the surfaces of your kitchen. According to the USDA, cooking meat and poultry to a safe internal temp is the best way to kill germs. They advise that “washing these products is risky and not necessary for safety” (source).

So, what happens if you don’t wash meat before cooking? You save yourself time, and may help prevent food poisoning.

Oxtail should be cooked to a minimum safe internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63C). Since it’s on the heat for 3-4 hours, I don’t check it with a meat thermometer, but you’re welcome to. In general, oxtail will reach a higher temp than 145F before it gets nice and tender.

Do you have to brown oxtails before cooking?

Yes, you should sear or brown oxtails to help lock in the flavor and juices before simmering. Pan fried oxtails are tough, and you do still need to simmer or slow cook them to get them tender. The combination of browning and simmering makes the best oxtails.

That said, you can get away with skipping this step if you are short on time. If you aren’t too fussy, you might not notice the difference.

What should I marinate my oxtails in?

Marinating oxtails is optional, but using a marinade can help to tenderize oxtails, shortening the cooking time. You can marinate oxtails in any of your favorite beef marinades. Red wine marinades, soy sauce-based marinades, and citrus marinades (lime juice or lemon juice based and others) all work well with oxtails.

What does oxtail seasoning consist of?

In this recipe, I’ve seasoned oxtails with curry powder, ginger, garlic, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. You can season oxtail with any of your favorite seasonings for beef. Here are some other ideas:

• Italian seasoning
• Parsley
• Basil
• Oregano
• Cajun seasoning
• Jerk seasoning
• Allspice
• Cumin
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Curry leaves
• Scallion

🐄 Can you overcook oxtail?

Though it’s technically possible to overcook oxtail, it’s much more likely for a tough oxtail to be undercooked. Make sure to keep liquid in the pan while slow simmering. If you cook oxtail with dry heat, it’s more likely to get tough.

🤔 Where Can I Buy Oxtails?

Oxtail can be difficult to find in mainstream US supermarkets. I buy oxtail at a store that specializes in East Asian foods. You can buy oxtails online at US Wellness Meats here.

💸 Is oxtail a poor man’s food?

Is oxtail a cheap meat? It was at one time, but not anymore! Oxtail used to be cheap, but it seems to have undergone a sort of gentrification in recent years. It now commands a higher price.

People seem to have caught on to how absolutely delicious this cut of meat is. You can now even occasionally find it in Whole Foods.

Can I eat oxtails on a keto diet?

Depending on the recipe, oxtails are compatible with low carb, keto, and gluten free diets. (Vegan and vegetarian dieters need to sit this one out, of course.)

🌡️ Can you leave oxtail out overnight?

No, oxtail is a highly perishable food that should never be left out at room temperature overnight. You should keep oxtail at room temp for no more than 1-2 hours before refrigerating or freezing.

You can keep cooked and raw oxtail for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Both raw and cooked oxtail can be frozen. I recommend storing them in a vacuum sealed freezer bag for long-term freezer storage. You can reheat cooked curried oxtails (thawed) for about 1-2 minutes in the microwave on high.

FAQs

Is oxtails pork?

No, oxtail is not pork or chicken. Oxtail is from beef. It’s true: Jamaican oxtail is actually oxtail, or the tail of ox or cows.

👩🏻‍🍳 Sides for Curry Oxtail Recipes

I like to serve curried oxtail like I serve other curries, with white rice or brown rice. Indeed, you’ll often find recipes for Jamaican oxtail with rice and peas.

You can also make oxtails and grits, mashed potato, fufu, or your favorite starch. Here are some more ideas for sides for curry oxtail:

• Kodiak Cakes Cornbread
• Costco Cauliflower Rice
• Costco Mac and Cheese
• Baked Potato at 375
• Instant Pot Butter Beans