Best Easy Oxtails Recipe Stove Top
Oxtails are a flavorful, tender, and succulent cut of meat that is perfect for slow-cooking. With their rich taste and fall-off-the-bone texture, oxtails have become a popular dish in many cuisines around the world. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy oxtails recipe that can be made on the stove top, look no further. This recipe will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a mouthwatering oxtails dish that will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds of oxtails
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
– 4 cups of beef broth
– 1 cup of red wine
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the oxtails and brown them on all sides. This will help to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Once the oxtails are nicely browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and aromatic.
3. Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir it into the vegetables. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw taste of the tomato paste.
4. Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. This will add depth and complexity to the dish.
5. Return the oxtails to the pot and add the beef broth. The liquid should cover the oxtails completely. If needed, add more broth or water.
6. Toss in the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors.
7. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the oxtails simmer gently for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
8. Once the oxtails are done, skim off any excess fat that may have risen to the top of the cooking liquid. You can also strain the liquid and reduce it to create a flavorful sauce if desired.
9. Serve the oxtails hot with the cooking liquid on top, along with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Now that you have the recipe for the best easy oxtails made on the stove top, it’s time for some commonly asked questions and their answers:
1. Can I use a slow cooker instead of a stove top?
– Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps until step 6, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
2. Can I use white wine instead of red wine?
– Yes, you can use white wine if you prefer. However, red wine adds a richer flavor to the dish.
3. Can I substitute beef broth with chicken broth?
– While beef broth is recommended for its deeper flavor, you can use chicken broth as a substitute if needed.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
– Yes, you can freeze any leftover oxtails and their cooking liquid in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
– Absolutely! You can experiment with adding other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.
6. Can I use boneless oxtails for this recipe?
– Yes, boneless oxtails can be used, but keep in mind that the bones add extra flavor to the dish.
7. Can I make this recipe spicy?
– Yes, feel free to add some chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick to your oxtails.
With this easy oxtails recipe and the answers to common questions, you are now ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with a delicious and hearty meal made on the stove top. Enjoy!