Jamaican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique combinations of spices. One dish that perfectly exemplifies this is Jamaican oxtail. Tender and succulent, it is a favorite among locals and food enthusiasts alike. If you’re a fan of slow-cooked, flavorful meals, then this Best Easy Jamaican Oxtail Recipe for the slow cooker is perfect for you.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds of oxtail, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons of thyme
– 2 teaspoons of allspice
– 2 teaspoons of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 2 cups of beef broth
– 1 cup of red wine
– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 potatoes, cubed
– 2 scallions, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the oxtail pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

3. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Add the browned oxtail, thyme, allspice, paprika, black pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The oxtail should be tender and falling off the bone.

5. In the last hour of cooking, add the chopped carrots, cubed potatoes, and scallions. Stir to combine and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender.

6. Once cooked, remove the oxtail and vegetables from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving dish. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid.

7. If desired, you can thicken the cooking liquid to make a rich gravy. In a small saucepan, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the cooking liquid, stirring constantly until thickened.

8. Pour the gravy over the oxtail and vegetables, and serve hot with rice and peas or buttered Jamaican hard dough bread.

Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this delicious Jamaican oxtail recipe:

1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of oxtail?
Yes, you can use beef stew meat or beef short ribs as a substitute for oxtail.

2. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Simmer the oxtail in a large pot, covered, for approximately 2-3 hours or until tender.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This recipe freezes well, so you can enjoy the leftovers at a later time. Simply store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

4. Is it necessary to brown the oxtail before slow cooking?
Browning the oxtail helps to seal in the flavor and adds a nice caramelization to the meat. It is highly recommended but not mandatory.

5. Can I use a different type of wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with beef broth or even apple juice for a slightly sweeter flavor.

6. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly! You can customize the recipe by adding additional vegetables such as bell peppers, celery, or squash.

7. Can I make this recipe less spicy?
If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce or omit the allspice and black pepper. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

8. Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, you can use dried thyme in this recipe. However, reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

9. What can I serve with Jamaican oxtail?
Jamaican oxtail is traditionally served with rice and peas, steamed vegetables, or Jamaican hard dough bread. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or fried plantains for a complete meal.

With this Best Easy Jamaican Oxtail Recipe for the slow cooker, you can enjoy a taste of Jamaica in the comfort of your own home. The tender oxtail, flavorful seasonings, and rich gravy make it a truly satisfying dish that will leave you craving for more.