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    Main Dish » Smoked Oxtail

    Smoked Oxtail

    Posted On October 9, 2022 By Mirlene Last updated March 25, 2023 12 Comments

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    Smoked Oxtail Pinterest Pin

    This rich  smoked oxtail recipe includes straightforward step-by-step instructions to leave you with an ultra-tender, juicy, rich and succulent oxtail dish. 

    juicy oxtail recipe

    Known as a delicacy in many cultures, oxtail is one of the most luscious and succulent meats that a meat lover can try. 

    It is known for its luscious flavor and rich mouthful – many people compare it to beef chunks, but the meat is fatty ad soft. With its beefy flavor, it can also acquire a deep rich flavor when cooked properly.

    Oxtail is widely compared to short ribs. This Smoked oxtail recipe one of the most popular methods of preparing this cut. 

    It is slow cooked in the smoker with added carrots and fresh herbs to enhance the flavor. 

    Smoked Oxtail

    Smoked oxtail is made from the tail of a cow that’s cut into pieces. The long tail is cut into smaller parts and the flesh remains connected to the tailbone. 

    Because of the connective tissues in the cut, this causes the oxtail to take longer to cook. 

    This smoked oxtail is prepared by exposing the oxtail to indirect heat in the smoker –wood smoke is used. Smoking the meat results in a smoky and savory flavor in the meat. 

    Do you have to brown oxtails before you cook them?

    No need to brown the oxtails before cooking them in the smoker. If you decide to do so, you can sear or brown the oxtail for a about 5 minutes per side in the skillet before transferring it to the smoker. 

    How to smoke meat?

    For this recipe we used charcoal and actual hickory wood. By using both the charcoal and wood together, will enhance the flavor of the meat to create a robust flavor.  

    smoked oxtail in blue bowl

    Why is my oxtail so tough?

    Your oxtail meat can be tough for many reasons. If it is not cooked properly, it can cause the meat to be tough.

    On average oxtail take about 2 hours or longer to cook depending on the method. Be sure to cover the oxtail with a lid or aluminum foil to secure the moisture. 

    Does oxtail get more tender the longer you cook it?

    Yes, the longer the oxtail cook, the more tender it will become. Remember, oxtail contain a lot of connective tissues, all of which requires longer cooking time to break down the collagen.

    How do u know when oxtails are done?  

    You know the meat is done when it falls off the bone, and when you can separate it without a fuss by using a fork. 

    Is oxtail healthier than beef?

    Oxtail is the tail of a cow; therefore, both are very similar. Oxtail is considered healthier because it contains higher amount of protein, iron, and collagen. 

    Oxtail with herbs and carrots in Bowl

    How To Make Smoked Oxtail 

    Start by cleaning the oxtail. Pat dry and set it aside. 

    Prepare the ingredients. 

    In a large bowl, add the oxtail. Next, add in the salt, fresh chopped parsley, fresh chopped thyme and basil. Then add in black pepper and cayenne pepper. 

    Add in carrots chunks, onion powder, minced garlic cloves, red wine, cumin, ginger, lemon juice, celery seed, and tomato paste. 

    Mix well to combine and allow to marinate for a minimum of two hours but best overnight. 

    When ready to cook, bring the smoker temperature to 350 degrees. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and cook for 2 hours. 

    Remove the cover and add the water, mix well, and smoke for an additional 15 minutes. 

    How To Serve Smoked Oxtail 

    cooked smoked oxtail in bowl

    Traditionally, this recipe would be served with rice and peas, a dish made with rice and kidney beans, you can see how to make This Haitian red beans and rice here.

    You can also serve it with this Instant Pot Haitian White Rice and this Jamaican cabbage. 

    You can also serve it with this southern style mashed potatoes, instant pot collard greens, and with this instant pot carrots. 

    After you are done making this recipe, we recommend you try this Instant Pot Oxtail recipe, this curry goat recipe, and this oven baked turkey wings.

    oxtail cooked in the smoker

    How To Store Leftovers

    Transfer your leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days. 

    When ready to eat, reheat the meat in the microwave, or on the stovetop over medium heat in a skillet. 

    You can also freeze your smoked oxtail for up to 12 months in the deep freezer. Be sure to place it in a freezer safe bag. 

    Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

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    smoked oxtail in blue bowl

    How To Make Smoked Oxtail

    Rich, juicy and ultra-tender smoked oxtail recipe. Cooked to perfection to leave you with an incredibly delicious meat dish.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: American, Caribbean
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
    Total Time: 3 hours
    Servings: 4 Servings
    Author: Savory Thoughts

    Equipment

    • Smoker
    • Cast Iron Skillet

    Ingredients

    • 2 ½ lbs. Oxtail
    • 4 Tbsp. Olive Oil
    • 2 tsp. Kosher Salt; Or to taste
    • 1 Pk Fresh Parsley; About 8 Sprigs
    • 1 Pk Fresh Thyme; About 3 Sprigs
    • 6 Fresh Basil Leaves
    • 1 tsp. Fresh Ground Black Pepper; Or to taste
    • 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
    • 2 Large Carrots; Cut in chunks
    • 1 Tbsp. Onion Powder
    • 4 Garlic Cloves; Minced
    • ¼ cup Red Wine; Best to use a wine you enjoy drinking. We used Merlot. You can also use red cooking wine.
    • 2 tsp. Cumin
    • 1 tsp. Ground Ginger
    • Juice from 1 Lemon
    • ½ tsp. Celery Seed
    • 1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
    • 1 Cup Water

    Instructions

    • Start by cleaning the oxtail. Pat dry and set it aside. 
      Prepare the ingredients. 
      In a large bowl, add the oxtail. Next, add in the salt, fresh parsley, fresh thyme and basil. Then add in black pepper and cayenne pepper. 
      Add in carrots chunks, onion powder, minced garlic cloves, red wine, cumin, ginger, lemon juice, celery seed, and tomato paste. 
      seasoning and meat in bowl
    • Mix well to combine and allow to marinate for a minimum of two hours but best overnight. 
      When ready to cook, bring the smoker temperature to 350 degrees. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and cook for 2 hours. 
      Remove the cover and add the water, mix well, and smoke for an additional 15 minutes. 
      Cooked Smoked Oxtail

    Video

    Notes

    **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
     
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ieva

      October 28, 2022 at 6:47 am

      5 stars
      Oxtail is not very popular in the UK, but we occasionally get it from butchers, and really enjoy it! Your recipe was one of the best we’ve tried to far! Deliciously flavoured, but not overpowering the meat itself. Just perfect! 5-star recipe for sure 🙂

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        October 29, 2022 at 10:02 pm

        Thank you, Leva.

        Reply
    2. Shashi

      October 28, 2022 at 3:35 am

      Oh my gawsh! I am salivating over here and I don’t even eat meat! Your dish looks so delicious, so flavorful and the oxtail looks so tender and juicy!

      Reply
    3. Jill

      October 28, 2022 at 2:55 am

      5 stars
      I’ve seen oxtail in the store, but didn’t know how to prepare it. I definitely like short ribs. So this comparison makes me want to try it. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    4. MacKenzie

      October 28, 2022 at 2:18 am

      5 stars
      I have never tried oxtail before but this recipe makes me want to try it. I’m adding this to my menu for the weekend. This dish looks so comforting and delicious.

      Reply
    5. Beth

      October 13, 2022 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      This looks wonderful and with an overnight marinade – you can’t go wrong with the flavor – delish!

      Reply
    6. Kathleen

      October 11, 2022 at 8:52 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds incredible. Loving the low and slow cooking that makes the meat so tender.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        November 15, 2022 at 6:49 pm

        Thank you, Kathleen!

        Reply
    7. Dana

      October 11, 2022 at 8:33 pm

      5 stars
      What a fantastic recipe this is. It’s simple enough to follow and the result is so wonderful, cozy, and perfect for a nice Sunday dinner with family or guests!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        November 15, 2022 at 6:50 pm

        Thank you, Dana!

        Reply
    8. Sara Welch

      October 11, 2022 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      This was everything a gourmet meal should be, and then some! Turned out perfectly tender, bold and hearty; easily, a new favorite!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        November 15, 2022 at 6:50 pm

        Thank you, Sara

        Reply

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