Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew: A Taste of Home

by D W | Dec 31, 2024 | Beef, Recipes | 0 comments

Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and soulful traditions of Jamaican cooking with a true classic: Oxtail Stew. This dish is a labor of love, featuring tender, slow-cooked oxtail infused with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and hearty vegetables. Each bite celebrates bold flavors steeped in the warmth and depth that make Jamaican cuisine so beloved.

Oxtail Stew isn’t just a meal—it’s a comforting embrace, perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or simply when you crave something hearty and satisfying. I’m Donna, and I’m here to guide you through making this treasured dish, sharing tips and techniques to ensure your stew turns out irresistibly rich and flavorful.

From marinating the oxtail overnight for maximum flavor to slow cooking it to tender perfection, this recipe will teach you how to create a dish that’s as authentic as it is delicious. Whether serving it with rice and peas, dumplings, or freshly baked bread, Oxtail Stew will surely become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Let’s cook up something magical together!

Getting Started: The Ingredients

Before we jump into cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. For our Jamaican Oxtail Stew, we’ll need:

2 kg oxtail, cleaned and trimmed
75 g brown sugar
1.5 tbsp soy sauce
1.5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp salt
3 tsp garlic powder
1.5 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp allspice
1.5 tsp browning sauce
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 medium onions, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
6 spring onions, finely chopped
3 carrots, sliced
4 pimento berries (allspice)
1.5 tsp Scotch bonnet pepper sauce
1.5 tbsp ketchup
3 sprigs fresh thyme
350 ml water
Butter beans (optional)

Step 1: Seasoning the Oxtail

Let’s get the flavor party started with the oxtail! Begin by placing your oxtail pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add a generous mix of seasonings, including brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, allspice, and a splash of browning sauce for that signature deep, rich color and taste. Use your hands to massage all the ingredients into the meat, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated.

Let the oxtail marinate for at least 20–30 minutes for the best results. If you have extra time, marinate it longer—overnight in the fridge is even better! This step is where the magic begins, as the oxtail soaks up all those bold, fragrant flavors, setting the stage for a stew bursting with Jamaican goodness.

Seasoning the oxtail with browning sauce

Step 2: Browning the Oxtail

Next up is creating that irresistible color and flavor foundation for our oxtail! Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the marinated oxtail pieces in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pot—this ensures each piece gets beautifully browned rather than steaming.

Sear each side of the oxtail for 2–3 minutes until they develop a deep, golden-brown crust. This browning step is essential as it locks in the seasoning and adds a rich, caramelized depth to the stew you can’t skip. Once browned, remove the oxtail from the pot and set it aside. Get ready for the next step, where the real magic begins!

Browning the seasoned oxtail in the pot

Step 3: Sautéing the Vegetables

With the oxtail perfectly browned, it’s time to build those vibrant layers of flavor. Add your chopped onions, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers using the same pot (because we want to keep all those delicious bits at the bottom). Stir them around, letting them sizzle and soften over medium heat.

As the aroma fills the kitchen, you’ll see the colors come to life—golden onions, bright peppers, and a touch of garlic, bringing everything together. This step isn’t just about softening the vegetables; it’s the foundation of that deep, rich flavor Jamaican oxtail stew is famous for. Let’s keep this culinary rhythm going!

Sautéing onions and peppers in the pot

Step 4: The Stew Begins!

Next, it’s time to create the rich, flavorful broth that makes oxtail stew irresistible. Carefully pour enough boiling water to cover the oxtail, allowing all those delicious seasonings and caramelized bits to meld into the liquid. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape the bottom of the pot, ensuring no flavor is left behind.

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook slowly, allowing the oxtail to become tender while the flavors deepen beautifully. If you’re pressed for time, a pressure cooker can work wonders, cutting the cooking time significantly. But if you have the luxury, the traditional slow-cooking method is worth every minute, rewarding you with a stew bursting with authentic Jamaican flavor!

Adding boiling water to the sautéed oxtail and vegetables

Step 5: Adding the Final Touches

As the oxtail continues to cook and the flavors meld together, it’s time to introduce the final touches that elevate this dish to perfection. When the oxtail is nearly tender, gently stir in your butter beans. These creamy additions enhance the stew’s richness and soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth.

If you’re feeling indulgent, this is the perfect moment to add some dumplings—soft, fluffy ones or classic Jamaican spinners. Drop them into the bubbling pot and let them simmer alongside the oxtail and beans, absorbing the flavorful liquid.

Allow everything to cook together for a few more minutes, letting the beans and dumplings meld seamlessly with the savory oxtail. The aroma of this stew wafting through your kitchen is heavenly, promising a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.

Adding butter beans to the simmering oxtail stew

Step 6: The Grand Finale

Finally, it’s time to bring all the hard work to the table! Ladle your rich and flavorful oxtail stew into a serving dish, showcasing the tender meat practically falling off the bone, the velvety butter beans, and the perfectly cooked dumplings. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, accurately representing Jamaican culinary magic.

Serve it alongside a generous helping of rice and peas, with the gravy drizzled over for extra flavor. Add some sweet fried plantains or a crisp green salad to complete the meal. Each bite celebrates tradition, warmth, and the bold flavors of Jamaica—a dish that invites everyone to gather, share, and savor the moment.

This oxtail stew will leave you and your guests with happy hearts and full bellies, whether for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself. Enjoy, and let the spirit of Jamaican hospitality fill your home!

Serving the finished oxtail stew with rice and peas

A Taste of Jamaica

Cooking Jamaican oxtail stew goes beyond the ingredients—it’s about infusing love, tradition, and joy into every step. I hope this culinary journey has inspired you to create a dish that not only satisfies the appetite but warms the soul. Gather your loved ones, share this flavorful masterpiece, and let the magic of food bring everyone closer. Until we meet again in the kitchen, happy cooking and blessings to you all!

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Written By D W

About the Author

Hello, I’m Donna, your kitchen companion and green-thumbed friend! My roots are in Jamaica, where I grew up savoring the vibrant flavors of traditional dishes and learning the art of gardening from my family. Now, I’m bringing those cherished memories and recipes to life, alongside practical gardening tips, to inspire your journey in creating delicious meals and cultivating fresh produce. Let’s celebrate the joy of food, the magic of the garden, and the warmth of sharing it all with loved ones!

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