How To Make Jamaican Oxtail Easy Step By Step

Jody Cooking

Video Stats

Channel: Jody Cooking
Host: Jody Cooking
Published: Aug 23, 2025
Views: 6.8k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 30 min
Cook: 120 min
Difficulty: Advanced
Serves: 4

Overview

This Jamaican Oxtail recipe is a true celebration of flavor and tradition. The dish begins with the star ingredient, oxtail, which is known for its rich taste and tender texture when cooked properly. The preparation involves marinating the oxtail with a mix of fresh herbs and spices, including thyme, garlic, and the fiery scotch bonnet pepper, which gives it that authentic Jamaican kick. The marination process not only infuses the meat with flavor but also helps to tenderize it, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Once marinated, the oxtail is seared to lock in the juices before being simmered with a medley of vegetables like carrots, onions, and sweet peppers. The addition of butter beans not only enhances the dish’s richness but also contributes to a thick, flavorful gravy that is perfect for soaking up with rice and peas. The cooking process is slow and steady, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the meat becomes tender and succulent.

Serving this dish is a delight, as the vibrant colors and aromatic scents fill the kitchen. Pairing it with rice and peas or fried plantains elevates the meal, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. This Jamaican Oxtail recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to the table, inviting everyone to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
01:54

Gather and prepare all ingredients including oxtail, vegetables, and seasonings.

05:00

Tip: Wash your meat with lemon, vinegar, or lime to remove any rawness.

2
05:56

Wash the oxtail thoroughly and drain excess water.

3
06:36

Add fresh ingredients and seasonings to the oxtail and mix well.

09:22

Tip: Let the oxtail marinate overnight for better flavor.

4
09:29

Cover the seasoned oxtail and let it marinate overnight.

5
10:10

Heat oil in a pot.

6
10:25

Add the oxtail to the hot oil and sear for 4 minutes on each side.

7
11:39

Remove the seared oxtail and set aside.

8
12:49

Add onions, garlic, and carrots to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds.

9
13:24

Pour water from the kettle into the pot.

10
13:38

Add remaining seasonings and stir well.

11
13:52

Return the oxtail to the pot and add more water to cover.

12
14:08

Cover the pot and cook the oxtail for about 2 hours.

14:20

Tip: Use a pressure cooker if the oxtail is tough.

13
15:10

Check the oxtail for tenderness and add more water if needed.

14
15:30

Add remaining onions, sweet pepper, tomato, carrot, and scallion.

15
17:05

Add butter beans and let simmer for 20 minutes.

17:08

Tip: Let the oxtail simmer for at least 20 minutes after adding the remaining ingredients.

16
18:01

Remove the lid and check the gravy consistency.

17
20:34

Serve the oxtail with rice and peas.

18
21:23

Plate the oxtail and enjoy.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Garlic4 cloves
Onion1
Carrot1
Thyme2 tbsp
Scotch Bonnet Pepper1 tsp
Butter Beans1 can
Tomato1
Sweet Pepper1
Jerk Seasoning1 tsp
Paprika1 tsp
All-Purpose Seasoning2 tbsp
Black Pepper1 tsp
Ketchup2 tbsp
Browning Sauce2 tsp

Nutrition

Calories
550
kcal per serving
Protein
40
per serving
Carbs
30
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Advanced
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Oxtail is a flavorful cut of meat that becomes tender when slow-cooked.
  • Marinating oxtail overnight enhances its flavor and tenderness.
  • Adding butter beans to oxtail gravy thickens it and adds richness.
  • Scotch bonnet peppers provide a unique heat and flavor to Jamaican dishes.