How to Cook Oxtails on StoveTop

How to Cook Oxtails on Stove Top Oxtails are a cut of beef that are taken from the tail of cattle. They are known for their rich and hearty flavor, and they are a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes from around the world. Oxtails are often slow-cooked to tenderize the meat and bring out their delicious flavor.

In this blog post, we’ll be discussing how to cook oxtails on the stovetop, which is a quick and convenient way to prepare this delicious ingredient.

What You Will Need for Stovetop Oxtail Cooking

To cook oxtails on the stovetop, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:

• Oxtails (1 to 2 pounds)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion (1 medium, diced)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Carrots (2, peeled and diced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Tomatoes (2, diced)
• Beef broth (2 cups)
• Bay leaves (2)
• Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

In addition to these ingredients, you’ll also need a large saucepan or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid, as well as a cutting board and knife for dicing vegetables.

Preparing the Oxtails for Cooking

Before you start cooking the oxtails, it’s important to prepare them properly. Rinse the oxtails in cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will remove any excess moisture and help the meat to brown more evenly. Then, season the oxtails with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Steps for Cooking Oxtails on the Stovetop

Once the oxtails are prepped and seasoned, you can begin cooking them on the stovetop. Here’s how:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the oxtails and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are browned on both sides. Remove the oxtails from the pan and set them aside.
2. In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Return the oxtails to the pan and add the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook the oxtails for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
4. Remove the oxtails from the pan and let them cool slightly. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid and strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a separate saucepan. Bring the cooking liquid to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the liquid for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it has reduced by half and thickened slightly. Serve the reduced cooking liquid alongside the oxtails.

Tips for Perfect Stovetop Oxtail Cooking

Here are a few tips to help you get the best results when cooking oxtails on the stovetop:

• Make sure to brown the oxtails on both sides before cooking them in the sauce. This will help to seal in the juices and give the oxtails a nice, golden crust.
• Don’t be afraid to cook the oxtails

• Cook the oxtails low and slow. The key to tender and flavorful oxtails is to cook them over low heat for a long time. This will allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and juicy.
• Don’t overcook the oxtails. Once the meat is tender and falling off the bone, it’s ready to be removed from the pan. Overcooking the oxtails will result in tough, chewy meat.
• Reduce the cooking liquid. After cooking the oxtails, strain the cooking liquid and reduce it over medium heat. This will help to concentrate the flavors and create a delicious, flavorful sauce to serve alongside the oxtails.

Serving and Storing Cooked Oxtails

Oxtails are typically served with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. They can also be served with steamed or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

If you have leftovers, store the cooked oxtails and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the oxtails in a saucepan over low heat until they are heated through.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Cooking Oxtails on the Stovetop

Cooking oxtails on the stovetop is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this delicious and flavorful cut of beef. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. With its rich flavor and tender meat, oxtails are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stews and soups to braises and sauces. So, next time you’re looking for a new and delicious meal to prepare, give oxtails a try!

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