Braised Oxtail
Our Dutch Oven is perfect for braising this cold weather classic.
Braising has long been used as a way to tenderize tough cuts of meat. Oxtail is the perfect candidate for the low and slow treatment. The meat is rich in collagen, so as it cooks down, the sauce becomes thick and rich, infused with deep, meaty flavors. Chef Peter Nguyen adds fennel to the braise along with onions and carrots for a slight sweetness. After searing the meat on the stove, our Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven transfers seamlessly to the oven for 90 minutes of oven braising. This dish pairs well with any type of starch, from mashed potatoes to soft polenta.
Braised Oxtail
Our Dutch Oven is perfect for braising this cold weather classic.
Peter Nguyen
Preheat oven to 400F. Place parsley stems, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and black peppercorns in a piece of cheesecloth to make a bouquet garni. Tie with string and set aside.
Pat oxtail dry and season with salt and pepper. Place Dutch Oven over medium-high heat and add oil. Sear oxtail for 3–4 minutes per side, then remove from pan and set aside.
Add the onion, carrots, and fennel bulb. Using the rendered fat, sweat the aromatics until tender, 5–8 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, then return the seared oxtails to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste turns slightly darker red.
Deglaze with red wine and let the liquid reduce by half. Add parsley leaves, beef stock, and balsamic vinegar, stirring to combine.
Cover with lid and place in the oven. Cook until the meat is tender, checking after about 60 minutes, for about 90 minutes total.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with reserved fennel fronds. Serve with potatoes, rice, polenta, or grits.
