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Jamaican Oxtails

Savory Jamaican Oxtails: A Soul-Warming Comfort Meal

This Jamaican Oxtails recipe offers a flavor explosion and is the perfect comfort food for any dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Jamaican
Calories: 490
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Oxtails
  • 3 lbs oxtail A flavorful cut that becomes tender and rich in taste after slow cooking.
For the Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar Adds a sweet caramelization that complements the savory beef.
  • 1 large sweet yellow onion, chopped Brings sweetness and depth to the dish.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the dish with aromatic flavors that enhance the overall taste.
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried) A key herb that imparts a comforting earthiness.
  • 1 tsp allspice (pimento) Offers a warm, spicy note that defines Jamaican cuisine.
  • 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper Delivers iconic heat for those who like a spicy kick (remove for milder flavor).
For the Vegetables
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced Adds sweetness and texture, balancing the dish.
For the Liquid
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth Provides a rich base for simmering the oxtails tenderly.
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred) Enhances umami flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil Essential for searing the oxtails to golden perfection before simmering.

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

How to Make Jamaican Oxtails
  1. Begin by heating the cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the oxtails until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in flavor!
  2. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and a hint of ginger to the pot. Sauté these fragrant ingredients until they soften and become aromatic, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the brown sugar and let it caramelize slightly, creating a sweet base for your dish. Once it's bubbling, add the thyme, allspice, sliced carrots, and Scotch bonnet pepper for an extra kick.
  4. Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and soy sauce until the oxtails are just covered. Bring the mixture to a boil; this is when the magic begins!
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for about 2-3 hours. The oxtails will become fork-tender and soak up all those incredible flavors.
  6. When ready, serve the oxtails over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to ladle that rich sauce on top for a complete experience!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme for an extra touch of color and flavor.

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