Marianne Martinez
Oxtails can be cooked in a crock pot, and they are often cooked in this way to create a Southern-style dish. The long cooking time allows the flavours to meld, creating a rich and savoury dish. The oxtails are usually cooked in a gravy made from ingredients such as onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, tomato paste, and wine. The crock pot is set to a high temperature for 4-6 hours, until the oxtails are tender and fall off the bone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crock Pot Temperature | High |
| Cooking Time | 5-6 hours |
| Ingredients | Oxtail, onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, tomato paste, wine, vinegar, brown sugar, carrots, potatoes, oxtail soup powder, rice, mashed potatoes |
| Garnish | Parsley |
| Sides | Dirty rice, white rice, collard greens, green beans, potatoes, cornbread, sweet potato pie, peach cobbler |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
Ox tails can be cooked in a crock pot, also known as a slow cooker, and this method of cooking them is recommended to create a tender and flavourful dish. The cooking time for oxtails in a crock pot can vary depending on the specific recipe and desired level of doneness. However, it typically ranges from 4 to 6 hours or even overnight.
For a basic oxtail recipe, the crock pot should be set to high. First, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the oxtails for about 4 minutes on each side until browned. Then, transfer the oxtails to the crock pot, along with the other ingredients, such as onions, garlic, oregano, thyme, tomato paste, and wine. Set the crock pot to high and cook for about 4 hours.
If you are using a multi-cook slow cooker, you can set it to saute mode to cook the onions and garlic. Otherwise, you will need to use a separate pot on the stove for this step. After adding the oxtails and other ingredients to the crock pot, cook on high for another 2 to 3 hours. This additional cooking time ensures that the oxtails become tender and that any vegetables included are soft.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your crock pot, as well as the number of oxtails you are cooking. If after 5 to 6 hours, your oxtails are not tender, it may be because your slow cooker is not hot enough, or you have too many oxtails in the pot. In this case, it is recommended to increase the temperature to high and allow more time for cooking.
For a faster cooking option, you can use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, which can reduce the cooking time by more than half. With this method, cook the oxtails on high pressure for about 45 to 50 minutes, followed by a natural release for 10 to 15 minutes.
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Crockpot settings
Oxtails can be cooked in a crockpot or slow cooker. The cooking time for oxtails in a crockpot is between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the desired tenderness and the model of crockpot.
If your crockpot has a browning setting, you can use this to brown the oxtails and cook the onions. If not, you can use a heavy pot on the stove. To brown the oxtails, heat oil in the pot and add the seasoned oxtails. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, undisturbed, until a light crust forms on the surface. Then, turn the meat and repeat until all sides are browned.
Once the oxtails are browned, set them aside and add the onions and garlic to the pot. Cook until soft and fragrant, then season with oregano and fresh thyme. Add tomato paste and wine, and stir. Let the wine reduce by half. If you want a thicker gravy, you can add cornstarch, arrowroot, or flour to the sauce and stir until it thickens.
Next, transfer the oxtails back to the slow cooker, along with the onion and wine sauce. Add broth and bay leaves, and set the timer for 4 hours on high or 7 to 8 hours on low heat. You can also leave the oxtails to slow cook overnight.
If you are in a hurry, you can cook the oxtails in a pressure cooker for 40 to 50 minutes on high pressure, or on the stove for 2.5 to 3 hours.
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Ingredients
Oxtails can be cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker. This cooking method results in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat smothered in a rich and savoury gravy. Here is a list of ingredients that you can use to cook oxtails in a crock pot:
- Oxtails: The oxtails can be sourced from well-stocked grocery stores, local butchers, Asian grocery stores, or Caribbean markets.
- Onions: Onions are a key ingredient, providing a deep savoury flavour when cooked with the oxtails.
- Garlic: Garlic cloves enhance the savoury flavour profile and can be added generously to taste.
- Spices and Herbs: Fresh thyme, oregano, and parsley are commonly used to season the dish. Additionally, paprika (smoked or regular) and cayenne pepper can be added for a spicy kick.
- Tomato: Tomato paste or tomato sauce is used to add a rich, umami flavour to the gravy. Some recipes suggest using whole tomatoes as a substitute.
- Wine: Red wine is an essential ingredient that deglazes the pot and enhances the beefy flavours.
- Vinegar: Vinegar is added to the crock pot to provide a tangy note to the dish.
- Sweetener: Brown sugar is used to balance the flavours and add a touch of sweetness.
- Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are commonly added to the crock pot. Other options include celery, green beans, and raisins.
- Broth: Beef broth or oxtail soup powder is used to thicken the gravy and add depth of flavour.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This condiment adds a savoury and slightly tangy flavour to the dish.
The long cooking time, typically 5-6 hours on high heat, allows the flavours to meld and create a rich and savoury oxtail dish. It is recommended to serve the oxtails with classic soul food sides like rice, collard greens, and cornbread to soak up the delicious gravy.
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Recipe variations
Oxtails can be cooked in a crock pot, and there are several ways to prepare them. Here are some recipe variations for cooking oxtails in a crock pot:
Southern Slow Cooker Smothered Oxtails:
- This recipe calls for oxtails to be cooked in a flavourful homemade onion and garlic gravy until they are tender.
- You can add some Southern soul food sides like collard greens, green beans, and potatoes, and finish the meal with cornbread to soak up the gravy.
- For a complete Southern experience, serve it with a slice of sweet potato pie or peach cobbler for dessert.
Red Wine Sauce Oxtails:
- This recipe variation involves cooking oxtails in a red wine sauce overnight in a slow cooker.
- The wine deglazes the pot and enhances the beefy flavours.
- You can garnish the dish with fresh parsley for presentation.
Oxtail Stew:
- This recipe includes additional ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, tomato sauce, beef broth, red wine, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika.
- You can also add cayenne and extra garlic cloves for more flavour.
- Before transferring the oxtails to the slow cooker, sear them in a skillet until browned on all sides.
Boiling Water and Vinegar Oxtails:
- Place the oxtails, sautéed onions, boiling water, vinegar, and brown sugar in the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 4 hours, then add carrots and potatoes and cook for another 2-3 hours until the vegetables are soft.
- You can also add Dutch potatoes, green beans, and raisins to this variation.
Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker Oxtails:
- For a quicker option, an Instant Pot or pressure cooker can be used to cook oxtails in less than half the time.
- Cook the oxtails on high pressure for about 45 to 50 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 to 15 minutes.
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Serving suggestions
Oxtails can be cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker and are often paired with classic soul food and comfort food sides. They are best served with sides that can soak up their rich, savoury gravy.
For a complete Southern experience, serve oxtails over a bed of dirty rice or white rice for a hearty base. You can also add a side of collard greens or green beans and potatoes, then finish the meal with cornbread to soak up the sauce.
Alternatively, serve oxtails with southern-style potato salad, mixed greens, and corn muffins. For dessert, a slice of sweet potato pie or peach cobbler is a perfect finish.
You can also add oxtails to homemade beans or serve them with creamy polenta. Most polenta recipes are made with water, but you can add milk for an extra creamy texture.
Oxtails can also be cooked with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery. You can also add tomato sauce, beef broth, red wine, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika for extra flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, ox tails can be cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker.
It takes between 4 to 6 hours to cook ox tails in a crock pot.
Common ingredients include onion, garlic, tomato paste, wine, vinegar, brown sugar, and oxtail soup powder.
For a Southern-style meal, serve ox tails with rice, collard greens or green beans and potatoes, and finish with cornbread and sweet potato pie or peach cobbler for dessert.
Allow the ox tails to cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking. For short-term storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
