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Jamaican Oxtail

The Soulful Comfort of Jamaican Oxtail: A Southern Gal’s Caribbean Love Affair

A rich and comforting Jamaican Oxtail recipe full of island spices and Southern soul. Inspired by travel and tradition, this slow-braised dish is perfect for cozy weekends or holiday gatherings.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4–6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 lbs oxtails, trimmed

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, optional)

  • 2 scallions, chopped

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 carrots, chopped

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 cup beef broth (plus more as needed)

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp browning sauce (optional)

  • 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Marinate: Combine oxtail with brown sugar, seasonings, and herbs. Let marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

  2. Brown: Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Brown oxtail on all sides in batches. Set aside.

  3. Sauté: In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, scallions, and carrots. Stir in tomato paste.

  4. Deglaze & Simmer: Return oxtail to pot. Add sauces, broth, and Scotch bonnet. Cover and simmer on low for 2.5 hours.

  5. Finish: Add butter beans during the last 20 minutes. Let gravy thicken.

  6. Serve: Remove Scotch bonnet. Serve hot over rice and peas.

Notes

  • If you’re short on time, a pressure cooker reduces cook time to under an hour.

  • Letting the dish rest overnight enhances flavor.

  • Control the heat by keeping the Scotch bonnet whole and removing before serving.

  • Author: Emilie Faivre
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Cuisine: Jamaican
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