What is Jamaican Oxtail Stew and what makes it unique?

Jamaican Oxtail Stew is a traditional Caribbean dish made from oxtail, slow-cooked until tender with a blend of spices, herbs, and vegetables. What makes it unique is its rich, flavorful gravy often infused with allspice, thyme, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers, giving it a spicy and aromatic taste. The long, slow cooking process breaks down the oxtail’s connective tissue, resulting in a succulent, gelatinous texture that's both hearty and satisfying.

How long should I cook oxtail stew to get it tender?

To achieve tender Jamaican Oxtail Stew, it’s best to cook the oxtail low and slow for at least 2.5 to 3 hours. Whether simmering on the stovetop, using a slow cooker, or pressure cooker, the extended cooking time allows the connective tissue to dissolve, making the meat fall off the bone. For stovetop methods, maintaining a gentle simmer and occasional stirring helps prevent tough or chewy meat.

What are the essential spices and ingredients in authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew?

Key ingredients in authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew include oxtail, scallions, garlic, fresh thyme, allspice (pimento berries), Scotch bonnet pepper for heat, brown sugar, and butter beans or broad beans. The stew often uses soy sauce or browning sauce to deepen the color and flavor. These elements combine to create the dish’s signature savory, spicy, and slightly sweet taste profile.

Can Jamaican Oxtail Stew be prepared ahead and reheated?

Yes, Jamaican Oxtail Stew tastes even better when prepared a day ahead. The flavors have time to meld together, intensifying the overall taste. Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating helps maintain the stew’s moisture and texture.

What are good side dishes to serve with Jamaican Oxtail Stew?

Jamaican Oxtail Stew pairs well with traditional sides like steamed white rice or rice and peas, which absorb the rich gravy. Other popular accompaniments include fried plantains, steamed cabbage, and festival (fried dough). These side dishes complement the stew’s hearty flavors and provide balance with their mild and slightly sweet taste.

Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe With Rich Spices And Tender Meat

Name: Jamaican Oxtail Stew
Prep time: PT-487733H41M19S
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: PT-487733H21M19S
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: – 4 lbs fresh beef oxtail, cut into pieces (preferably thick and meaty with minimal fat); – 1 tablespoon browning sauce; – 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; – 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar; – 1 teaspoon Jamaican curry powder; – 1 teaspoon Jamaican ground allspice; – 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; – Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; – 1 medium white onion, chopped; – 6 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon garlic paste; – 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger or ginger paste; – 4 scallions, chopped; – 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more as needed; – 2 tablespoons tomato paste; – 3 medium carrots, chopped; – 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce; – 2 bay leaves; – 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper (do not cut); – 6 sprigs fresh thyme; – 4 cups beef broth; – 1 (14-ounce) can butter beans, drained

Description

🍲 Experience the rich, bold flavors of this Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew, featuring tender, fall-apart meat infused with traditional Caribbean spices.
🌿 This recipe offers a hearty, comforting meal perfect for those seeking genuine Jamaican cuisine with savory butter beans and vibrant seasonings.

Ingredients

– 4 lbs fresh beef oxtail, cut into pieces (preferably thick and meaty with minimal fat)

– 1 tablespoon browning sauce

– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

– 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon Jamaican curry powder

– 1 teaspoon Jamaican ground allspice

– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– 1 medium white onion, chopped

– 6 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon garlic paste

– 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger or ginger paste

– 4 scallions, chopped

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more as needed

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 3 medium carrots, chopped

– 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

– 2 bay leaves

– 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper (do not cut)

– 6 sprigs fresh thyme

– 4 cups beef broth

– 1 (14-ounce) can butter beans, drained

Instructions

1-First Steps: Marinating and Browning Start by mixing the oxtail with browning sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, allspice, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, ginger, and scallions in a large bowl. Give it a good massage, then cover and chill it for at least 2 hours overnight is even better for that deeper flavor. Once marinated, heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown the oxtail pieces in batches until they’re golden on all sides.

2-Building the Stew: After browning, set the oxtail aside and sauté the reserved marinade with tomato paste in the same pot for about 4-5 minutes. Then, return the oxtail to the pot along with carrots, tomato sauce, bay leaves, whole Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme sprigs, and beef broth. Make sure everything is nearly submerged, stir gently, and let it simmer covered on medium-low for 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is falling apart. For a fun twist, if you’re into other hearty meals, check out our Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe for more slow-cooked goodness.

3-Finishing Touches: Add the drained butter beans and cook uncovered for another 30 minutes until they’re tender. Finally, remove the bay leaves, thyme sprigs, and Scotch bonnet pepper, skim off any excess fat, and simmer to thicken the gravy if needed. Serve it hot with sides like rice it’s a hit every time! This step-by-step for how to cook Jamaican oxtail stew keeps it simple yet packed with authentic vibes.

Notes

🌶️ Do not cut the whole scotch bonnet pepper; add whole to impart flavor without excessive heat.
⏳ Marinate overnight for the most flavorful and tender results.
🍲 Use browning sauce to achieve authentic color and deeper flavor; substitute with caramel coloring if unavailable.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marination Time: 2 hours to overnight
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stewing, Browning
Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: Jamaican oxtail, oxtail stew, Caribbean stew, spiced oxtail