Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 3 pounds oxtail
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon beef base
- 4 cups water (or enough to cover the oxtails)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Season the oxtails: In a small mixing bowl, combine garlic salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Using gloved hands, thoroughly rub this mixture all over the oxtails to evenly coat them with seasoning.
- Brown the oxtails: Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a Dutch oven and heat over medium-high until shimmering. Brown the oxtails on all sides until a rich, golden crust forms. This step locks in flavor. Remove oxtails from the pot and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the dry red wine and stir vigorously, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil to concentrate flavors and evaporate alcohol.
- Add aromatics and liquids: Stir in minced garlic, diced celery, onion, carrots, ketchup, and beef base. Pour in 4 cups of water or enough to cover the ingredients and bring everything together.
- Return oxtails to pot: Using tongs, carefully nestle the browned oxtails back into the Dutch oven ensuring the meat is fully submerged. Add additional water if necessary to keep the oxtails covered.
- Add rosemary: Place the rosemary sprigs into the liquid and gently press them just beneath the surface to infuse the braising liquid with herbal aroma.
- Braise the oxtails: Cover the Dutch oven with its lid, reduce heat to low, and let simmer gently for 3 hours. Check halfway through to monitor liquid levels, adding hot water as needed to keep the meat covered without drying out.
- Finish and serve: Carefully remove the oxtails from the pot and tent with foil to keep warm. Skim excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid using a spoon or a fat separator. Serve the tender oxtails with the flavorful braising broth and vegetables.
Notes
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution and optimal braising results.
- If you have time, marinate the oxtails with the seasoning mixture for a few hours or overnight to enhance flavor penetration.
- Keep the simmer gentle to prevent toughening the meat and to allow collagen breakdown for a tender finish.
- Skimming excess fat from the braising liquid improves the flavor and texture of the sauce.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
- Replace red wine with beef broth if you prefer a wine-free version, keeping the depth of flavor intact.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American