If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, bold, and packed with the soulful flavors of the Caribbean, you’re in for a treat with this Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe. This classic stew is a beautiful symphony of tender oxtail slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic herbs, spices, and a touch of sweetness that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite. Every bite delivers a comforting, deeply flavorful experience that’s truly unforgettable and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this stew lies in its simple, yet deeply impactful ingredients. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor, from the rich meatiness of oxtail to the fragrant punch of thyme and Scotch bonnet pepper. Using fresh herbs and thoughtfully balancing sweetness with spice will elevate your stew to that authentic Jamaican taste.
- 3 pounds oxtail, cut into sections: The star of the dish providing meaty richness and gelatinous texture when slow-cooked.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Helps create a beautiful caramel color and adds subtle sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For browning the meat and caramelizing the sugar.
- 3 scallions, chopped: Adds a fresh oniony bite that infuses the stew with vibrancy.
- 4 sprigs thyme: This fragrant herb is essential in Caribbean cooking and brings an earthy aroma.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic’s warmth complements the dish perfectly.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Adds gentle sweetness and texture.
- 1 teaspoon allspice (pimento): The classic Jamaican spice that brings warmth and complexity.
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole or chopped: Pack the signature heat and smoky flavor, adjusting to your spice tolerance.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami and enhances the stew’s savory notes.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Balances and brightens all flavors.
- 4 cups beef broth: Provides the stew’s rich and hearty liquid base.
- 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained: Brings creamy texture and earthy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry): For thickening the luscious gravy at the end.
How to Make Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate Your Oxtail
Start by gathering all your ingredients and getting them ready in one spot. Marinating the oxtail is a must—you’ll mix it with scallions, thyme, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it soak up all those vibrant flavors for at least a couple of hours or even better, overnight in the fridge. This patience rewards you with tender, intensely flavorful meat that defines an Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe.
Step 2: Caramelize Sugar and Brown the Oxtail
In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil and add brown sugar. Let the sugar caramelize gently to create that signature deep color and nuanced sweetness. Next, add the oxtail pieces and brown them on all sides—this step is crucial for locking in flavor and developing a rich base that makes the stew irresistible.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Spices
Once the oxtail has a beautiful golden crust, toss in chopped onions, sliced carrots, allspice, and your Scotch bonnet pepper. Stir these ingredients so they coat the meat perfectly and fill your kitchen with that unforgettable spicy and sweet aroma that’s synonymous with this Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe.
Step 4: Simmer to Tender Perfection
Pour in the beef broth just enough to cover the oxtail, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook slowly for about 2½ to 3 hours. This slow simmer is the secret to melting collagen-rich oxtail into tender, fork-falling chunks while the flavors deepen and meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Butter Beans and Thicken the Gravy
Once your meat is tender and the kitchen smells like a Caribbean feast, stir in drained butter beans followed by the cornstarch slurry. Allow the stew to gently simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens into a luscious gravy that clings perfectly to every bite of tender oxtail. Now you’ve brought your Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe to its glorious finish.
How to Serve Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped scallions or thyme leaves brightens the dish just before serving. Some like a wedge of lime to add a citrus pop that cuts through the richness beautifully. These simple garnishes turn a hearty stew into an elegant presentation.
Side Dishes
This stew shines when paired with classic sides like fluffy rice and peas, which soak up the savory gravy, or some steamed vegetables to add a fresh, crisp contrast. You can also opt for creamy mashed potatoes or traditional Jamaican festival bread to balance spicy and sweet notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the stew in rustic earthenware bowls with a side of freshly baked bread for dipping. Layering the stew over rice in a shallow dish garnished with herbs and a Scotch bonnet slice adds visual appeal. Offering small bowls of additional hot pepper sauce lets everyone customize their heat level too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or a comforting meal later in the week.
Freezing
This stew freezes wonderfully. Portion the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps loosen the gravy if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the texture, but if you must, heat in short bursts and stir frequently.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of meat instead of oxtail?
While oxtail is the traditional choice for this stew due to its rich collagen and unique texture, you can experiment with beef short ribs or shank in a pinch, but you won’t get quite the same depth of flavor and mouthfeel that makes this an Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe.
Do I have to use Scotch bonnet pepper? What if I don’t like spicy food?
Scotch bonnet peppers add signature heat and flavor, but if you prefer milder dishes, you can use a milder pepper or omit it entirely. Just be aware that a key part of the stew’s authentic flavor profile comes from this spicy kick.
How long should I marinate the oxtail?
Marinating for at least 2 hours is essential, but overnight is best to allow the herbs, spices, and soy sauce to penetrate the meat fully, making every bite bursting with flavor in this Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the oxtail and sautéing your onions and spices, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method also produces tender, flavorful results, making your life even easier.
What’s the role of butter beans in the stew?
Butter beans add creamy texture and subtle earthiness that complements the robust flavors of the oxtail and spices. They also help thicken the stew and turn it into a hearty, satisfying meal that feels complete.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about an Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe that brings together tradition, love, and unforgettable flavor in one pot. Whether it’s a family dinner or a celebration with friends, this dish invites warmth and joy to your table. So go ahead, try this recipe and treat yourself to a soulful taste of Jamaica—you won’t regret it!
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Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 2 hours marinating
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Description
This authentic Jamaican Oxtail recipe features tender, slow-simmered oxtail in a rich blend of bold Caribbean spices, aromatic herbs, and savory beef broth. The dish is finished with creamy butter beans and a thickened gravy, best enjoyed with traditional sides like rice and peas or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Oxtail and Marinade
- 3 pounds oxtail, cut into sections
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 4 sprigs thyme
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 teaspoon allspice (pimento)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole or chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place a Dutch oven over medium heat and ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready for cooking.
- Marinate Oxtail: In a bowl, mix the oxtail with chopped scallions, thyme sprigs, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to enhance flavor.
- Caramelize Sugar and Brown Oxtail: Heat the vegetable oil in the Dutch oven, add brown sugar, and let it caramelize slightly. Add the oxtail pieces and brown them evenly on all sides to develop a rich color and flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Incorporate the chopped onions, sliced carrots, allspice, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Stir well to coat the ingredients, melding the flavors together.
- Simmer: Pour in the beef broth until the oxtail is mostly covered. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
- Thicken the Gravy: Stir in the drained butter beans and the cornstarch slurry. Continue simmering for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the gravy thickens and reaches a luscious consistency.
- Serve: Serve the Jamaican Oxtail hot, accompanied by traditional sides such as rice and peas or steamed vegetables, and enjoy the rich, spicy aroma and deep flavors of this Caribbean classic.
Notes
- Marinating the oxtail overnight intensifies the flavor significantly.
- Adjust the Scotch bonnet pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Butter beans add creaminess and balance to the rich oxtail stew but can be substituted with kidney beans if preferred.
- For a thicker gravy, increase the cornstarch slurry quantity slightly.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
