Dominica Stewed Oxtail
A rich and deeply flavorful stew, Dominica's Stewed Oxtail features tender oxtail slow-cooked in a savory broth with aromatic vegetables and spices. It's a hearty and comforting dish, often served with rice or ground provisions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 lbs Oxtails(cut into 1-2 inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp Lime or Vinegar(for rinsing)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/2 Green bell pepper(chopped)
- 1/2 Red bell pepper(chopped)
- 1/2 Cubanelle pepper(chopped (optional))
- 4 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3-4 cups Water or Beef Broth(enough to cover oxtails)
- 1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- to taste Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar(to balance acidity)
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- 3-4 whole Pimento berries or Allspice(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the oxtails thoroughly under cold water. You can also rinse them with lime juice or vinegar to help clean them, then rinse again with water. Pat them very dry with paper towels.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the oxtails with salt and pepper. Brown the oxtails on all sides until well-caramelized. This step is crucial for flavor. Remove oxtails from the pot and set aside.
- 3
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and Cubanelle pepper (if using). Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly.
- 5
Return the browned oxtails to the pot. Add water or beef broth, ensuring the oxtails are mostly submerged. Add adobo seasoning, oregano, pimento berries (if using), and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- 6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, or until the oxtails are very tender and the meat is falling off the bone. Check periodically and add more liquid if it gets too dry.
- 7
Once tender, remove the lid. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce it. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 8
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Serve hot with white rice, tostones, or boiled ground provisions like yams or dasheen.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Browning the oxtails is essential for developing deep flavor.
- ✓Low and slow cooking is key to achieving tender oxtails.
- ✓You can marinate the oxtails overnight with some of the seasonings for extra flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of red wine during the sautéing of vegetables for added depth.
- Some recipes include a bay leaf during the simmering process.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.