Oxtail is a popular dish in many cuisines around the world, but it is especially popular in Cuban cuisine. Oxtail is a delicious, flavorful cut of meat that is both economical and easy to prepare. This recipe for Cuban oxtail will show you how to achieve tender, succulent oxtails with a rich, flavorful sauce.
What is Oxtail?
Oxtail is a cut of beef taken from the tail of a cow. It is a tougher cut of meat that is best suited to slow cooking, either in a pot on the stove or in a slow cooker. Oxtail has a slightly sweet flavor and is usually served with a rich, flavorful sauce or gravy.
Ingredients for Cuban Oxtail
For this Cuban oxtail recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds of oxtail
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Cuban Oxtail
To make Cuban oxtail, start by seasoning the oxtails with salt and pepper. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot, add the oxtails and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once the oxtails are browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.
Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the cumin, oregano, black pepper, red pepper, and coriander and cook for another minute. Add the wine, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, cilantro, parsley, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Return the oxtails to the pot and cover. Simmer the oxtails for 2-3 hours, or until the oxtails are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Once the oxtails are cooked, remove them from the pot and discard the bay leaf. Serve the oxtails with the sauce over rice or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is oxtail?
Oxtail is a cut of beef taken from the tail of a cow. It is a tougher cut of meat that is best suited to slow cooking, either in a pot on the stove or in a slow cooker. Oxtail has a slightly sweet flavor and is usually served with a rich, flavorful sauce or gravy.
What ingredients do I need for Cuban oxtail?
For this Cuban oxtail recipe, you will need the following ingredients: 2-3 pounds of oxtail, 1 onion, diced, 4 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of ground red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1/2 cup of dry white wine, 2 cups of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped, 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped, 1 bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste.
How long does it take to make Cuban oxtail?
It takes about 2-3 hours to make Cuban oxtail. The oxtails need to be cooked slowly over low heat until they are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Can Cuban oxtail be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, Cuban oxtail can be made in a slow cooker. Follow the recipe instructions, but instead of simmering the oxtails on the stove, transfer the oxtail mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
Can I freeze Cuban oxtail?
Yes, Cuban oxtail can be frozen. Place the cooled oxtail and sauce in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to serve Cuban oxtail?
The best way to serve Cuban oxtail is over rice or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
