How to cook oxtail on a budget

Meat forms a centrepiece of main dishes and with a delicacy like an oxtail, it's hard to savour the rich and tender goodness of oxtail without straining your wallet. Don't worry, this article is here for you as your ultimate guide to cooking oxtail in a budget-friendly way. Discover wallet-friendly buys, clever techniques, and delicious recipes to make the most of this flavorful meat while keeping costs in check. Get ready to indulge in budget-friendly oxtail dishes that will leave both your taste buds and your bank account satisfied.

What is Oxtail?

In case you didn't know, Oxtail refers to the meat taken from the tail of a cow. Despite its name, oxtail is not exclusively sourced from oxen but can come from cattle of both genders. The meat is gelatinous and flavorful, known for its rich, fatty, and succulent characteristics. Oxtail is a mix of meat, fat, and connective tissue, which leans it more to slow cooking methods that break down the collagen and result in a tender end product.

Where to find Affordable Cuts of Oxtail

Finding low-price meat can be a bit tricky, you want to be sure you don't get meat at an extortionate price that'll strain your pockets. You can visit the local butcher shops or meat markets around you, to get oxtail, at competitive prices especially if you have a good relationship with the seller. Another great type of shop to look out for is Ethnic Grocery Stores, which sell food items inclined to a certain tradition. One great place you can try while being in the UK is our store here at Niyis where we sell oxtail at a very affordable price.

How much Oxtail should you buy?

One thing any great thrifter will tell you is that sales day is a green flag to buy more. Especially on days when there's a slash in prices, which would mean you'll be getting value if you buy more than buying less when the price is more.

Buying oxtail in larger quantities also enables you to plan multiple meals around it, something that's vital if you have a tight budget. Oxtail also freezes exceptionally well, making it convenient to store for future use. Right now we're having a slash price of oxtail on Niyis, which is worth checking out as well.

What is Braised Oxtail?

It is important to know what braised oxtail means as it is the cooking method that will be used to cook most of these recipes. Braised Oxtail refers to the method of cooking oxtail low and slow in a flavorful liquid until it becomes tender and succulent.

Braising involves searing the oxtail to develop a rich brown crust, then simmering it in a covered pot with liquid, often a combination of broth, wine, or other flavorful liquids, along with aromatic vegetables and seasonings.

The process of braising allows the oxtail to cook low and slow, breaking down the tough connective tissues in the meat and resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

As the oxtail simmers, the collagen in the meat breaks down and transforms into gelatin, creating a luscious, rich browning sauce. This is usually done before the meat is used in an oxtail stew or oxtail recipe, this slow process of braising oxtail can take anywhere from 2 hours to 3 hours.

Budget-Friendly Oxtail Recipes

Now to the main course! Here are some budget-friendly recipes you can make with oxtail and the steps to making a great oxtail recipe.

How to make Oxtail Stew

Oxtail stew is a hearty dish rich in flavour that is made with oxtail meat, vegetables, and a rich broth. The Oxtail stew is prepared by browning the oxtail pieces to enhance their flavour and then simmering them with vegetables and seasonings until the meat becomes tender and falls off the bone.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds of oxtail
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef stock
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

• Add the oxtail pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. This will help develop flavour. Remove the browned oxtail and set aside.

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

• Return the browned oxtail to the pot and add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2-3 hours or until the oxtail becomes tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.

• After the oxtail is tender, add the butter beans to the pot and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes to heat the beans through.

• Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed with salt and pepper.

• Remove the bay leaf before serving.

• Serve the oxtail stew with butter beans, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

The butter beans add a creamy texture and additional flavour to the oxtail stew, making it a hearty and delicious meal. 

How to make the Jamaican Oxtail Stew

Jamaican oxtail is a popular and beloved dish in Jamaican cuisine. It consists of oxtail pieces, which are the tail sections of beef, cooked slowly until they become tender and flavorful.

Jamaican oxtail is a popular and beloved dish in Jamaican cuisine. It consists of oxtail pieces, which are the tail sections of beef, cooked slowly until they become tender and flavorful. This oxtail recipe takes a Jamaican spin to the original oxtail stew dish, making use of Jamaican jerk seasoning and spices to inject more flavour into your oxtail dish.

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds of oxtail
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
• 2 teaspoons thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons allspice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup water
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail pieces on all sides. Remove the browned oxtail and transfer it to a slow cooker.

• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

• Add the Jamaican jerk seasoning, dried thyme, allspice, paprika, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.

• Transfer the seasoned onions and garlic to the slow cooker with the oxtail.

• Pour the beef broth and water into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

• Add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker.

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours, or until the oxtail becomes tender and the flavors meld together.

• About 30 minutes before serving, check the stew for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

• Serve the Jamaican oxtail stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. It is traditionally served with rice and peas, fried plantains, or steamed vegetables.

Using a slow cooker allows the oxtail to become tender and flavorful while requiring less active cooking time.

How to make Oxtail Curry

Oxtail curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with oxtail meat and a blend of spices and seasonings. It is a popular dish in many cuisines, including Caribbean, Asian, and African. To make oxtail curry, the oxtail pieces are typically browned and then simmered in a thick and fragrant curry sauce until the meat becomes tender and infused with the flavours of the spices.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 pounds of oxtail, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons of curry powder
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) of coconut milk
• 2 cups of beef stock or vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Cooked rice or naan bread for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot oven over medium heat. Add the oxtail pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the oxtail from the pot and set them aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions with the spices, and cook for a couple of minutes to enhance their flavours.
4. Return the browned oxtail to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Stir to combine the oxtail with the onion and spice mixture.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes (including the juice) and coconut milk. Add the beef or vegetable broth. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the curry simmer gently for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the oxtail becomes tender and starts to fall off the bone. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.
7. Once the oxtail is tender, taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.

How to make oxtail sandwich 

An oxtail sandwich is a flavorful and hearty sandwich made with tender oxtail meat. The oxtail is typically slow-cooked until it becomes tender and easily falls off the bone, then shredded or chopped before being used as the filling for the sandwich.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 pounds of oxtail, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup of barbecue sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 to 6 sandwich rolls or buns
• Optional toppings: sliced cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions

Instructions

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot oven over medium heat. Add the oxtail pieces and brown them on all sides. This helps enhance the flavour. Remove the oxtail from the pot and set them aside.
2. In the same pot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.
3. Return the browned oxtail to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover the pot and simmer the oxtail on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and easily falls off the bone. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.
5. Once the oxtail is tender, remove the pieces from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Discard any excess fat or bones.
6. Return the shredded oxtail to the pot and add the barbecue sauce. Stir well to coat the meat evenly. Simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
7. Slice the sandwich rolls or buns and lightly toast them if desired. Place a generous amount of the oxtail mixture onto each roll.
8. Optional: Add toppings such as sliced cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, or onions to customize your sandwich.

How to make Oxtail Hash

Oxtail hash makes for a satisfying breakfast or brunch option. The combination of tender oxtail meat, potatoes, and flavorful vegetables creates a delicious and comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 pounds of oxtail, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of diced potatoes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Optional: chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish
• Optional: fried or poached eggs for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the oxtail pieces and brown them on all sides. This helps enhance the flavour. Remove the oxtail from the pan and set them aside.
2. In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the diced potatoes and diced bell pepper to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cover the pan and cook the mixture over medium heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. While the potatoes are cooking, remove the meat from the oxtail bones and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat or bones.
6. Once the potatoes are tender, add the shredded oxtail meat to the pan. Stir well to combine the ingredients and heat the meat through.
7. Continue cooking the hash for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
8. Taste the hash and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Serve the oxtail hash hot, either on its own or with a fried or poached egg on top. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.

Cooking oxtail on a budget doesn't mean compromising on flavour and satisfaction. The versatility of oxtail allows for a range of budget-friendly recipes that can be enjoyed by all. From hearty stews to savoury curries and mouthwatering sandwiches, the recipes in this article prove that delicious meals can be created without breaking the bank. If you're looking for a place to get the ingredients in these recipes why not try our online grocery store?