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Home » Cooking Basics

What is Oxtail?

Published: Jun 14, 2022 by Tanya · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

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Everything you need to know about oxtail, from how to prepare this humble cut of meat, to the health benefits of oxtail, and everything in between!

oxtail inside pot


 

If you’ve never purchased, prepared, or tried oxtail meat, you probably have a lot of questions. Like, what is it made of? Is oxtail from an actual tail? And, what the heck is an ox?

Let’s start at the beginning - or because we’re talking about a tail, the end! Oxtail is a cross-cut section of beef that a butcher cuts from a cow’s tail. The cut is usually from the uppermost part of the tail or the middle section. Because the tail is thicker at the top and becomes thinner the closer you get to the end, oxtail pieces can vary in size and shape.

No matter which cut you use, the one thing all oxtail pieces have in common is that they’re super gelatinous and filled with connective tissue, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Because oxtail meat is best prepared by braising, slow cooking, or using a pressure cooker, all of that connective tissue gets broken down and gives any dish it touches a rich, beefy flavor. 

Oxtail meat is considered a delicacy and is popular in countries around the world, and for good reason - it’s deliciously tender, full of meaty flavor, and easy to prepare. If you’ve never tried it, you’ve got to add it to your grocery list. 

raw oxtail

Oxtail health benefits 

Oxtail has a surprising amount of health benefits. The connective tissue in and around an oxtail is filled with collagen. When the meat and connective tissues around the it melts down during the cooking process, it turns into a collagen-rich broth, which isn’t just incredibly flavorful it also has some meaningful health benefits. Collagen has the potential to support the growth of healthy hair and nails, while also relieving joint pain and preventing bone loss. Some health professionals also say it promotes healthy skin. Sounds pretty good to me!

Because oxtail is red meat, it’s a great source of iron, which helps move oxygen through the body, and prevents anemia.

Where to buy oxtail

You don’t have to go to a specialty grocer to find oxtail meat, it’s available at most local grocery stores. I’m usually able to find oxtail cuts in the pre-packaged meat section. But, if you don’t see them there, your butcher should have a few pieces behind the meat counter. You'll also usually find it at international grocery stores.

When you’re buying oxtail, keep in mind that unlike other cuts of beef, oxtail may appear to be more bone than meat. And that’s okay. Part of the reason oxtail meat is so rich is that when the bones are braised, the bone marrow melts into whatever dish you’re preparing, so less meat doesn’t necessarily mean less flavor.

If you buy oxtail directly from the butcher, rather than in the refrigerated meat section, you can also select your own pieces. Ask for the larger, thicker cuts, they have a bit more meat and a larger section of bone, which means more marrow!  

Why is oxtail so expensive?

There's no doubt that oxtail is pricey! Prices can vary from about $10 per pound or more. The cut is considered a delicacy and is not as widely available as other cuts of meat, which also contributes to its higher price. Although expensive, many people will pay for the prime cut of meat to make delicious they love and are familiar with. The fact that when cooked right, oxtail melt in your mouth. There is nothing like a piece of oxtail that has been cooked low and slow.

Best Tips for cooking

If you're looking for a delicious way to cook oxtail, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your meal.

  • Oxtail is best cooked slowly over low heat. This allows the meat to become tender and fall off the bone. If you're in a hurry, a pressure cooker will work fine, but you'll still need to cook the oxtail for about 40 minutes or more until tender.
  • When cooking oxtail, be sure to add water or stock to the pot. This will help to keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying out.
  • Oxtail can be cooked in a variety of ways, including braising, stewing, or even baking. Experiment with different methods to find the one that best suits your taste.
  • Don't forget to season your oxtail with salt and pepper before cooking. This will help to bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
  • Oxtail is best served with a flavorful gravy or sauce. This will help to keep the meat moist and add extra flavor to your dish.

Following these tips, you'll be able to cook up a delicious oxtail meal that everyone will enjoy.

Mouthwatering recipes

Chefs around the world love working with oxtail because it’s so rich and fall-off-the-fork tender. 

The most popular oxtail recipes always involve slow cooking, braising or pressure cooking. Think comforting soups, stews, and ragus with a super-rich flavor, thanks to the oxtail bones. 

oxtail recipes

Jamaican Oxtails Recipe

One of my absolutely favorite oxtail recipes. Using a pressure cook to do most of the work, means the oxtails take just an hour to cook. Garlic, onions, carrots and habanero pepper create a savory base, while the cooked butter beans add heartiness.

 

Photo Credit: www.bonappetit.com

Oxtail and Red Wine Stew

Another irresistible oxtail recipe, and one that’s sure to get your taste buds tingling! Few things in life are better than slow cooking beef and fresh vegetables in red wine. 

Photo Credit: food52.com

Heartwarming Oxtail Pho Recipe on Food52

Looking for a dish that is filled with aromatic spices? An anise and coriander broth make this recipe for Oxtail Pho , a soup you’ll want to make again and again.

Photo Credit: www.sweetteaandthyme.com

Slow Cooked Southern Oxtails Recipe

These Southern cooked oxtail are made using a sous vide, resulting in tender delicious oxtail.

Photo Credit: www.foodfidelity.com

"Can't Stand It" Braised Beef Oxtail Tacos in Spicy Chili Sauce

Turn that leftover taco meat into tacos! These braised beef oxtail are placed in a toasted tortilla and topped with pickled onions for loads of flavor.

Photo Credit: www.allrecipes.com

Oxtail Ragu

Pulling any remaining meat from the oxtails can give you some pretty amazing leftover dishes. If you make oxtail ragu, reheat the leftover oxtail to make an oxtail ragu sandwich. Simply take a Kaiser roll, or other thick bakery sandwich roll, pile the ragu meat inside, and viola! The perfect solution to leftover oxtail.

Photo Credit: kennethtemple.com

Oxtail Quesadillas

Another easy way to use leftover oxtail meat. Grab some flour tortillas, cheese, and a few other simple ingredients for the perfect weeknight meal.

These tips and recipes will make you an oxtail pro.

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  1. Christine S. says

    September 09, 2023 at 11:21 am

    I’m going to try both your red wine stew recipe and your sous vide recipes. Costco of all places had oxtails so I want to try some other recipes than the same one over and over. Your site is beautiful!! Your recipes draw me in and make me want to stay to read more! I’m thankful I found you!!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      September 10, 2023 at 7:11 am

      Thanks so much, Christine S.! I hope you enjoy them 🙂

      Reply
  2. Arvey says

    June 25, 2023 at 8:22 pm

    Y do you have to brown them?

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      June 26, 2023 at 9:32 am

      Hi Arvey, you don't have to brown them, but browning does help with flavor.

      Reply
  3. JimmyB says

    October 26, 2022 at 12:43 pm

    I LOVE oxtail stew. But I have often gotten an EWW remark when I announce what it is. So I have been known to refer to it as short ribs. As far as I am concerned for all practical purposes there is practically no difference.

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      October 27, 2022 at 2:58 pm

      I get that. If only people knew how delicious oxtail is.

      Reply

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Welcome to My Forking Life! Hi, I'm Tanya, attorney, busy wife and mom, and lover of quick, easy, and delicious meals.

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