The Perfect Instant Pot Oxtails: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
Oxtails are a must-have for anyone who loves rich, tender, and flavorful meals. This underappreciated cut of meat transforms into a melt-in-your-mouth dish with the right cooking technique. In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes oxtails so special, how to cook them effortlessly using an Instant Pot, and why this recipe is destined to become a favorite.
What Are Oxtails?
Oxtails, as the name suggests, are cuts of meat taken from the tail of a cow. Once considered a lesser-known ingredient, oxtails have gained popularity for their incredible flavor and versatility. The bone-in cut is rich in collagen, which turns into gelatin when cooked, creating a luscious, silky texture. This makes oxtails perfect for stews, soups, and braises.
Though traditionally cooked slowly over hours, modern kitchen tools like the Instant Pot make preparing oxtails quicker and just as delicious.
Why Oxtails Are So Delicious
Oxtails have a unique combination of meat, fat, and bone, offering a depth of flavor you can’t find in many other cuts. When cooked low and slow—or pressure-cooked—the meat becomes incredibly tender, and the marrow inside the bone infuses the dish with richness. This culinary magic is why oxtails are a staple in cuisines worldwide, from Jamaican stews to Korean soups.
The Perfect Instant Pot Oxtails Recipe
Here’s how to create a simple yet mouthwatering dish using just a few ingredients and your Instant Pot.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef oxtail (including bone)
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 3/4 cup water
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the Oxtails: Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the ghee and let it melt. Once hot, brown the oxtail pieces on all sides for 4-5 minutes per side. This step enhances the flavor by caramelizing the surface.
- Add Water and Seasoning: Once the oxtails are browned, add 3/4 cup of water to the pot. Sprinkle in sea salt to taste. Stir gently to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 50 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before carefully opening the lid.
- Serve: Remove the oxtails from the pot and serve them hot. You can enjoy them as is or pair them with your favorite sides, such as cauliflower mash or sautéed greens.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe highlights the natural flavors of oxtails without overwhelming them with too many spices or ingredients. The ghee adds a buttery richness, while the pressure cooking method ensures the meat is tender and juicy in less time than traditional methods.
Tips for Cooking Oxtails in the Instant Pot
- Brown the Meat First: Don’t skip this step! Browning adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Season to Taste: Start with a moderate amount of salt, and adjust after cooking if needed. The flavor intensifies during pressure cooking.
- Add Vegetables: For a complete one-pot meal, throw in some low-carb vegetables like carrots, celery, or radishes during the pressure cooking phase.
- Save the Broth: The liquid left in the pot is packed with flavor and nutrients. Use it as a gravy or base for soups.
Why Use an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for cooking tough cuts of meat like oxtails. Traditional methods often require hours of slow cooking to break down the collagen and achieve tenderness. With the Instant Pot, you get the same results in under an hour. The sealed environment also locks in moisture and flavor, making every bite irresistible.
Health Benefits of Oxtails
Not only are oxtails delicious, but they’re also nutritious:
- Rich in Collagen: Great for skin, hair, and joint health.
- High in Protein: Supports muscle repair and growth.
- Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Oxtails are a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Pair this dish with nutrient-dense sides to maximize the health benefits.
Serving Suggestions
While oxtails are delicious on their own, they pair wonderfully with:
- Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Steamed Vegetables: Think Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or broccoli.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a keto-friendly twist on pasta.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (though they’re so good, you might not!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. The flavors often deepen after a day, making leftovers even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
Cooking oxtails doesn’t have to be intimidating. With this simple Instant Pot recipe, you’ll create a dish that’s rich, tender, and full of flavor. Whether you’re new to this kind of meat or a seasoned fan, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy this exceptional cut of meat.
Try it today and savor the magic of oxtails made easy with the Instant Pot!
The Perfect Instant Pot Oxtails: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs oxtail (including bone)
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Oxtails: Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the ghee and let it melt. Once hot, brown the oxtail pieces on all sides for 4-5 minutes per side. This step enhances the flavor by caramelizing the surface.
- Add Water and Seasoning: Once the oxtails are browned, add 3/4 cup of water to the pot. Sprinkle in sea salt to taste. Stir gently to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 50 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before carefully opening the lid.
- Serve: Remove the oxtails from the pot and serve them hot. You can enjoy them as is or pair them with your favorite sides, such as cauliflower mash or sautéed vegetables.
