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Ultimate Comfort Oxtail Stew

Ultimate Comfort Oxtail Stew

Today, we're making the Ultimate Comfort Oxtail Stew, a dish that's not just good, it's soul-good. This hearty stew is packed with flavors that will make your heart sing and your taste buds dance.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 475

Ingredients
  

  • Oxtails and Marinade:3 pounds of oxtails¼ cup soy sauce¼ cup white vinegar2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce1 tablespoon ground cumin2 teaspoons dried oregano1 teaspoon paprika1 teaspoon adobo seasoning1 packet of Sazon½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to tasteSalt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 pounds of oxtails
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
  • 1 packet of Sazon
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Caramelization:1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Vegetables and Aromatics:1 large onion chopped1 large bell pepper, chopped (red or green)6 cloves garlic, minced2-3 stalks green onions (scallions), chopped1 large tomato, chopped2 tablespoons tomato paste2 tablespoons sofrito (Sofrito)
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper chopped (red or green)
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2-3 stalks green onions scallions, chopped
  • 1 large tomato chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons sofrito Sofrito
  • Cooking Liquid:4 cups beef stock or water enough to cover the oxtails2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups beef stock or water enough to cover the oxtails
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Garnish:Fresh cilantro choppedChopped scallions
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Chopped scallions
  • Other:2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the oxtails with soy sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ground cumin, dried oregano, adobo seasoning, Sazon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss the oxtails to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns golden brown. Add the marinated oxtails in batches, searing them in the caramelized sugar until well-browned on all sides. Remove the browned oxtails and set them aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until they start to soften. Stir in the chopped tomato, tomato paste, and sofrito. Cook for a few minutes until the tomato breaks down and the mixture becomes fragrant.
  4. Add the browned oxtails back to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and enough water to cover the oxtails. Add the bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours until the oxtails are tender and falling off the bone.
  5. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and green olives. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve the oxtail stew hot over white rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.