
Beef Oxtail
Beef oxtail is a gelatin-rich cut of beef taken from the tail of cattle. Often braised or slow-cooked, it boasts a rich, deep, and intensely beefy flavor. The texture, after long cooking, is incredibly tender and succulent, with meat falling off the bone. Visually, raw oxtail appears as thick, segmented pieces of bone surrounded by meat and fat. When cooked, it transforms into a dark, flavorful broth and melt-in-your-mouth meat. Oxtail is a popular ingredient for hearty stews, soups, and braised dishes, offering a uniquely satisfying culinary experience due to its high collagen content, which creates a luscious mouthfeel. Finding the best beef oxtail usually means looking for well-marbled pieces with a good ratio of meat to bone to ensure maximum flavor and richness in your cooking.
Common Uses
- Use beef oxtail to make a rich and deeply flavorful oxtail stew, perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day. Braising the oxtail with vegetables, herbs, and wine creates a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture and a savory broth.- Incorporate slow-cooked beef oxtail into hearty soups like beef barley soup or French onion soup. The oxtail adds incredible depth of flavor and body to the broth, enhancing the overall richness of the soup.- Braise beef oxtail with aromatics and spices for a flavorful and tender braised oxtail dish. This cooking method allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and satisfying main course.- Make a robust and flavorful oxtail ragu to serve over pasta. Slow cooking the oxtail in a tomato-based sauce creates a rich and meaty sauce that is perfect for coating pasta.- Use pressure cooked oxtail to create a flavorful broth to make sauces, soups or to use for braising other meats or vegetables. This method shortens the cooking time and is perfect for quickly creating a very flavorful broth.- Add oxtail to a traditional Jamaican oxtail stew. Typically cooked in a rich gravy of butter beans and various spices and aromatics. A slow and low braise is how you attain the tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
277.0kcal (13.85%)
Protein
27.6g (55.2%)
Carbs
0.0g
Sugars
0.0g
Healthy Fat
8.2g
Unhealthy Fat
7.2g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
277.0kcal (13.85%)
Protein
27.6g (55.2%)
Carbs
0.0g
Sugars
0.0g
Healthy Fat
8.2g
Unhealthy Fat
7.2g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Rich in collagen, which may support joint health and skin elasticity.
- Good source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
- Contains iron, important for energy levels and preventing anemia.
- Provides essential minerals like zinc, supporting immune function.
- Bone marrow may offer benefits related to immune system support and blood cell production.
- May contribute to gut health due to its gelatin content.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Fresh beef oxtail should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Wrap the oxtail tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Use within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. For longer storage, oxtail can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap or place it in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen oxtail can be stored for up to 6-12 months.
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