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Authentic Jamaican oxtail recipe with tender braised beef in rich brown gravy served over white rice

Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Recipe: Perfect Tender Results Every Time

This authentic Jamaican oxtail recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tenderness and bold Caribbean flavors through traditional seasoning, proper searing, and slow braising. A true comfort food classic, this dish brings the richness of island cooking straight to your kitchen.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Caribbean
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef oxtail cut into 2–3 inch pieces
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper whole
  • 2 large carrots sliced
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp pimento seeds allspice
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil for searing

Method
 

  1. Rinse oxtail pieces with lime juice and cold water. Pat dry. Season with salt and pepper; let sit 10 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear oxtail pieces 4–5 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, and thyme 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add carrots, brown sugar, soy sauce, broth, pimento seeds, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Return oxtails to pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for 3–4 hours until meat is tender and falling off the bone. Add broth as needed.
  6. Remove from heat, let rest 10 minutes, then serve with traditional sides.

Notes

Always sear oxtail for rich flavor. Maintain a gentle simmer—never boil. Dish improves after resting overnight. For quicker results, use a pressure cooker (35–45 minutes).