Jamaican Brown Stew Oxtail

A Cozy Explosion of Favors For Those Cold Days

When the weather turns chilly, nothing is more comforting than a warm, hearty dish to lift your spirits. Enter Jamaican Brown Stew Oxtail, a slow-cooked masterpiece rich in flavor, fall-off-the-bone tender, and steeped in Caribbean tradition. This dish is a classic on the island and has gained international fame for its depth of flavor and satisfying texture. Whether you’re familiar with Jamaican cuisine or new to it, this recipe is a surefire way to bring warmth and joy to your table.

What Is Brown Stew Oxtail?

Brown Stew Oxtail is a traditional Jamaican dish in which oxtail (the tail of cattle) is braised in a rich, flavorful sauce made with a blend of spices, vegetables, and herbs. The result is a dish that’s savory, slightly sweet, and full of umami. Often paired with rice and peas, this hearty stew celebrates the island’s bold and robust flavors.

Jamaican Brown Stew Oxtail

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 2 – 3 hrs

Ingredients

(Serves 4-6)

For the Marinade:

  • 3 lbs oxtail, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp browning sauce (or substitute with Worcestershire sauce)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For Cooking:

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 can (14 oz) butter beans (optional but traditional)
  • 4 cups beef or chicken stock
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Extra salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Marinate the Oxtail

  1. In a large bowl, combine the oxtail pieces with soy sauce, browning sauce, onions, green onions, garlic, ginger, Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, allspice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring every piece is well coated.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 6 to 12 hours.

Step 2: Brown the Oxtail

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Remove the oxtail pieces from the marinade (reserving the marinade) and sear them in batches until they are browned on all sides. This process locks in flavor.

Step 3: Build the Stew

  1. Once all the oxtail pieces are browned, reduce the heat to medium. Add the reserved marinade to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes to release the aromatics.
  2. Stir in the ketchup and sugar, followed by the stock. Add the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow

  1. Return the browned oxtail to the pot, ensuring the pieces are submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
  2. Let the stew simmer gently for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

  1. About 45 minutes before the oxtail is done, add the carrots and potatoes to the pot.
  2. If using butter beans, stir them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

    1. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
    2. Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice or traditional Jamaican rice and peas. Garnish with fresh thyme or green onions if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Brown Stew Oxtail

  1. Marinate Overnight: Longer marination allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
  2. Control the Spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, use half a Scotch bonnet pepper or remove the seeds before adding. For more spice, add additional pepper.
  3. Don’t Rush the Simmer: Slow cooking is essential for tenderizing the oxtail and developing a rich, complex sauce.

Why It’s Perfect for Cold Days

Jamaican Brown Stew Oxtail is the epitome of comfort food. Its hearty ingredients, warm spices, and velvety sauce create a dish that warms you from the inside out. The long cooking process fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, making it perfect for cozy evenings with family or friends.

So the next time the temperatures drop, gather your ingredients, take your time, and let this traditional Jamaican recipe transport you to the sun-soaked shores of the Caribbean. Your taste buds will thank you!

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