Recipes

Braised Oxtail

Our Dutch Oven is perfect for braising this cold weather classic.

By Peter Nguyen
Oct 19, 2022
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A bowl of beef stew with carrots and a sprig of herbs, accompanied by a fork on a light background.
100 Minutes
4 Servings
Easy

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

100 Minutes
4 Servings
Easy
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch flat leaf parsley, leaves and stems separated
  • 3 rosemary sprigs
  • 3 thyme sprigs
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 10-15 whole black peppercorns
  • 3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil, such as grapeseed
  • 5 pounds oxtail
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 1 fennel bulb, sliced, fronds reserved for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 2 quarts (8 cups) low-sodium beef stock or broth
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Potatoes, rice, polenta, or grits, for serving
Instructions
    1.

    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.

    2.

    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.

    3.

    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.

    4.

    Deglaze with red wine and let the liquid reduce by half. Add parsley leaves, beef stock, and balsamic vinegar, stirring to combine.

    5.

    Cover with lid and place in the oven. Cook until the meat is tender, checking after about 60 minutes, for about 90 minutes total.

    6.

    Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with reserved fennel fronds. Serve with potatoes, rice, polenta, or grits.