Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Simple Stovetop Oxtails! There’s something immensely satisfying about a dish that practically cooks itself while filling your home with the most wonderful aroma. I remember the first time I tried making oxtails; I was a bit intimidated by their appearance! But once I took that first bite of tender, flavorful meat, I realized I was completely wrong. This dish is not only easy to make but also brings a touch of warmth and heartiness that makes it perfect for family gatherings or simply a cozy night in.
What makes my stomach rumble for oxtails is the way they become meltingly tender over hours of simmering. Plus, you can’t beat the rich, savory sauce that comes together as the oxtails cook down. Trust me; you’re going to want something to soak all that deliciousness up—whether it be fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Let’s dive into the details of this fantastic dish, shall we?
What’s in Simple Stovetop Oxtails?
Oxtails: This is the star of the show! Typically sold cut into sections, they’re best known for their rich flavor and tender quality when cooked low and slow.
Vegetable Oil: Just a bit of oil for searing, it helps lock in the juices of the oxtails right from the start.
Onion: A large onion, chopped to perfection, adds that essential sweetness and depth of flavor to our dish.
Garlic: You can never have enough garlic! Three cloves minced will give that irresistible aroma as it cooks alongside the vegetables.
Carrots: Sliced carrots add a bit of color and sweetness—plus, who can resist the charming crunch they give when you bite into them?
Celery: Chopped celery contributes to the classic mirepoix base, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Beef Broth: I prefer using low-sodium beef broth to control the flavor. It’s the base of the sauce that will pool at the bottom of your bowl!
Tomato Paste: Just two tablespoons will add a rich, umami kick and a wonderful color to the sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: A little bit goes a long way in bringing complex flavors to your dish. You’ll just need a tablespoon.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is my go-to for this recipe, but if dried is all you have on hand, that works too!
Bay Leaf: This ingredient is often a hidden hero in many stews, bringing a robust layer of flavor to the broth.
Salt and Pepper: Always handy to season your dish to taste, don’t be shy!
Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the dish just before serving.
Is Simple Stovetop Oxtails Good for You?
Now, as delicious as oxtails are, let’s chat about their health perks!
Oxtails: They are rich in collagen, which is excellent for joint and skin health. Super tender and tasty, they can be a great source of protein in your diet. Just keep in mind that they are higher in fat, so many might want to balance them out with a side of veggies!
Vegetable Oil: While I use this for searing, consider opting for healthier oils like olive oil if you prefer.
Beef Broth: It can be a salty affair, depending on the brand you choose. Look for low-sodium options to keep your sodium levels in check while still enjoying the deep flavor.
Ingredients List
– 3 lbs oxtails, cut into sections
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferably)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
This recipe serves about 4 people, but honestly, leftovers (if you have any) are the best part!
How to Make Simple Stovetop Oxtails?
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season the oxtails generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pot until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once they’re beautifully browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until it’s fragrant and oh so tempting!
5. Return the oxtails to the pot and then add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring this delightful blend to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 2.5 to 3 hours. The goal is for the oxtails to be fork-tender and for the meat to fall off the bone easily.
7. Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Taste your broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if you like a pop of color!
Oxtail Tips & Pairings
If you’re feeling fancy, you can thicken the gravy by removing the oxtails after they’ve cooked and simmering the sauce uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. This way, you’ll be left with a beautiful, rich sauce that clings to whatever you’re serving it with. Trust me; your guests will be requesting this dish for every occasion!
And remember, this dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Just imagine the sauce soaking into those sides—pure bliss!
I genuinely hope you give this Simple Stovetop Oxtails recipe a try; I promise it will become a staple in your household. When you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even your favorite side dishes to serve alongside! Happy cooking!
