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How to make Jamaican Oxtail

Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Recipe

Jerk Tavern
Best Jamaican Oxtail Recipe | Easy, Authentic & Tender Stew
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Caribbean, Jamaican
Servings 6
Calories 845 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3.5 lbs of Oxtail
  • 1 tsp of Complete Seasoning
  • 1 tsp of Adobo
  • 1 tbsp of Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp of Paprika
  • 1 tsp of Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp of Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp of Oregano
  • 3 tbsp of Browning
  • 2 tbsp of Mushroom Soy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp of Jerk Seasoning
  • 1/4 cup of Canola Oil
  • 1 tbsp of minced Garlic
  • 2 cloves of Garlic
  • 1/2 tsp of pimento berries whole allspice
  • 3 stems of Thyme
  • 1 whole scotch-bonnet Pepper
  • 6 cups of Water may vary with amount of meat
  • 2 tbsp of Sugar
  • 1 cup of ketchup
  • 1 tbsp of green Seasoning optional
  • 1/4 cup of sweet pepper bell pepper
  • 1 tbsp of Ginger
  • 1 can of Butter beans
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 2 tbsp of Honey BBQ Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Wash Oxtails with Water and lime
  • Let it soak for 10 mins
  • Rinse off oxtail with cool water
  • Now it’s time to season the oxtail with dry seasonings(if you can let it soak overnight, if not the least 30 mins)
  • Add your oil to the pot
  • Add the 2 cloves of Garlic
  • Add the pimento
  • Add oxtail to pot and brown each side (do this until you have done all of the pieces)
  • As each one is brown put it on a paper towel to get rid of the excess oil
  • After you have browned all the oxtail throw away the oil that is left in the pot
  • Now it’s time to add all your oxtail back into the pot
  • Add the minced garlic to the pot of oxtail
  • Add green seasoning (optional)
  • Add water to the pot until the oxtails are fully covered(we used about 6 1/2 cups of water)
  • Keep adding water until the oxtail is fully cooked and tender
  • Add sweet pepper
  • Add your thyme
  • Add Scotch Bonnet Pepper
  • Add Ginger
  • Add your cup of Ketchup
  • The bowl that you season the oxtail in use all the remainder liquid (juices) to the pot
  • Now give that a stir
  • Cover the pot and boil for 2-4hours (depending on size)
  • After each hour, stick a fork in your oxtail to check the process. Because depending on the size of your meat, the done time might vary.
    (Add 1/2 cup of water after each hour only if the water is dried out)
  • After your meat is tender and falling off the bones ( just stick a fork in the meat, if the fork goes through effortlessly the meat is done)
  • Season again with onions, scallions, thyme, sweet pepper, black pepper, honey BBQ sauce, sugar, adobo, complete seasoning, salt.
  • Add your butter beans
  • Give that a Stir
  • Let it boil for at least 10 more mins then you are ready to serve

Making oxtail in a pressure cooker

  • Prepare the oxtail: Start by trimming any excess fat from the oxtail pieces. Soak in cold water with, vinegar, and lime. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • Season the oxtail: Season the meat generously with the seasoning listed below. You can also marinate the oxtails overnight for more flavor.
  • Sear the meat: Heat some oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat. To the oil add 2 cloves of garlic and pimento. Add the meat pieces and sear them on all sides until browned. This will help to enhance the flavor.
  • Add aromatics and liquid: Once the oxtail is browned, remove it from the pressure cooker and set it aside. Add chopped onions, sweet pepper, thyme, scallions, and scotch bonnet to the pressure cooker. Sauté them for a few minutes until they start to soften. Then, pour in water.
  • Return the oxtail to the pressure cooker: Place the seared meat back into the pressure cooker. Ensure that it is submerged in the liquid. Add more water if necessary. Season the pot with 1 tbs of each Black pepper, complete, adobo, paprika, garlic powder, BBQ sauce, and ketchup.

Cook Time

  • Pressure cook: Close the pressure cooker lid securely and set the cooking time according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cook the oxtails on high pressure for about 45 minutes. Increase the time to 1 hour if the oxtail pieces are large or if you prefer them more tender.
  • Release the pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, release the pressure carefully. Use the quick-release method, following the pressure cooker's instructions. Be cautious of the hot steam. Add your butter beans, black pepper, Salt, complete, honey BBQ sauce, and ketchup (stir it). Let it boil for at least 10 more mins then you are ready to serve.
  • Serve and enjoy: Once the pressure is released, open the lid and check the tenderness of the oxtail. It should be fork-tender and easily come off the bone. Serve the oxtails with the cooking liquid as a flavorful sauce. Choose side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
  • Remember to always follow the safety instructions and guidelines provided by your specific pressure cooker model. Enjoy your delicious oxtails made in the pressure cooker!

How to Make Oxtail in the Instant Pot

  • Prepare the oxtail: Start by trimming any excess fat from the oxtail pieces. Soak in cold water with, vinegar, and lime. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • Season the meat: Season the oxtails generously with the seasonings below. You can also marinate overnight for more flavor.
  • Sear the meat: Add oil to the pot, 2 cloves of garlic, and pimento. Sear the meat in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add a bit of oil to the pot and brown the oxtail on all sides.
  • Prepare the vegetables: Chop onions, sweet pepper, and thyme. Also chop scallions, scotch bonnet pepper, ginger, and ketchup. Add these to the Instant Pot. These will enhance the flavor of the dish and provide a tasty accompaniment to the meat.
  • Add liquid and deglaze: Pour in water to the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. Deglaze it to ensure there are no browned bits stuck to the bottom.
  • Layer the ingredients: Place the seasoned meat on top of the liquid in the Instant Pot. Then, add the chopped vegetables on top of the oxtail. Also, add 1 tbs of each Black pepper, complete, adobo, paprika, garlic powder, BBQ sauce, and ketchup.
  • Set the cooking time: Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the vent is set to the sealing position. Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" function, and set the cooking time to around 45-50 minutes for tender oxtails. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the oxtail pieces.
  • Natural release or quick release: Once the cooking time is complete, you can choose to do a natural release. In a natural release, let the pressure release naturally for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, perform a quick release by carefully switching the vent to the "Venting" position. Be cautious of the hot steam.
  • Adjust the seasoning: After the pressure has been released, open the Instant Pot and taste the oxtail. Adjust the seasoning by adding your butter beans, black pepper, Salt, and honey BBQ sauce (stir it). Let it boil for at least 10 more mins then you are ready to serve.
  • Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the meat from the Instant Pot and arrange it on a serving dish. Spoon some of the cooking liquid and vegetables over the oxtails. Serve it with your choice of side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

How to make Oxtail in The Instant Pot

  • Making oxtails in the crockpot (slow cooker) is a convenient and delicious way to cook this flavorful meat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make oxtail in the crockpot
  • Prepare the oxtail: Start by trimming any excess fat from the oxtail pieces. Soak in cold water with, vinegar, and lime. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • Season the oxtail: Season the oxtail generously with salt and pepper. Add any other desired seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or thyme. You can also marinate the oxtail overnight for more flavor.
  • Sear the meat: Add oil to the pot, 2 cloves of garlic, and pimento. For extra flavor, sear the oxtail in a hot skillet with a bit of oil. Then place it in the crockpot.
  • Prepare the vegetables: Chop onions, sweet pepper, thyme, scallions, scotch bonnet pepper, and ginger to add to the CrockPot. These will enhance the flavor of the dish and provide a tasty accompaniment to the oxtail.
  • Layer the ingredients: Place the seasoned oxtail in the bottom of the crockpot. Then, add the chopped vegetables on top.
  • Add liquid: Pour in water. The liquid should partially cover the oxtail and vegetables. Also add black pepper, complete, adobo, paprika, garlic powder, BBQ sauce, and ketchup.

Cook Time

  • Cook on low heat: Set the crockpot to low heat and cover with the lid. Cook the oxtail for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone. Cooking on low heat for a longer period will allow the flavors to develop and the oxtail to become tender.
  • Adjust the seasoning: After the cooking time, taste the oxtail. Adjust the seasoning by adding your butter beans, black pepper, salt, and honey BBQ sauce. Stir it well. Let it boil for at least 10 more mins then you are ready to serve.
  • Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the oxtail from the crockpot and arrange it on a serving dish. Spoon some of the cooking liquid and vegetables over the oxtail. Serve it with your choice of side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
  • The slow cooking process will result in tender and flavorful oxtail that is perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

🔥 Tips for the Best Jamaican Oxtail Stew

  • Use Browning Sauce: This adds rich color and depth to your stew. It’s a Jamaican must-have.
  • Marinate Overnight: Letting the oxtail soak in spices overnight builds unbeatable flavor.
  • Add Butter Beans Near the End: This keeps them tender but not mushy.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the Marinate: Don’t rush it. Oxtail needs time to absorb those bold Caribbean flavors.
  • Boiling Instead of Simmering: Low and slow is the key to tender meat and a thick, flavorful gravy.
  • Adding Butter Beans Too Early: Wait until the last 20–30 minutes so they stay firm.

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 845kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 84gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 291mgSodium: 1792mgPotassium: 268mgFiber: 2gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 1235IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 101mgIron: 12mg
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