Oxtail?! That can’t possibly be a cut of meat that they sell for human consumption! Well it is and it is a really delicious cut of meat. Well, we have given away what oxtail is, but there is so much more that we can tell you about this tasty cut of meat.
Which is why we have written this article. To give you the inside scoop on what oxtail is in every capacity. So, let’s dive right in and get started!
What Exactly Is Oxtail?
Oxtail is exactly what it sounds like. It is the tail of the cow which is then skinned and cut into segments for human or animal consumption. Before an oxtail is skinned and processed it will weigh between seven and eight pounds.
This cut of meat is well known for its rich flavor and high gelatin (see also: Rainbow Jello Easter Eggs)content. The reason for the high gelatin content is that there is a lot of collagen in this part of the cow. Oxtail will come in a range of different sizes as the tail of a cow will get narrower as you go further down.
There are many cooks around the world who make use of oxtail in their cooking. As long as you are cooking this meat on a low heat for a long amount of time you should end up with a delicious and flavorsome meat.
What Is The Best Way To Cook Oxtail
As we have said above, oxtail must be cooked in a specific way to get the best results. This meat is mostly bone and only has a little meat which is why you need to cook it for a long time on a low heat. This meat is largely used in soups and stews.
By cooking oxtail slowly in a braising liquid is the preferred way to get your meat super tender and flavorsome. By cooking the meat slowly you can turn your bone and cartilage on this cut of meat into gelatin which enriches the flavor of meals made using oxtail.
You should braise your oxtail for at least three hours in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. In fact there are several great recipes that you can reference if you want to cook a tasty oxtail dish for yourself.
We have listed some options down below for you to peruse at your leisure:
- Insanely Good Oxtail Stew – If you want to make a delicious oxtail stew for yourself, this recipe is a great place to start. You can’t go wrong with this tasty dish!
- Rioja-Braised Oxtail – If you want to add a little extra flavor to your oxtail dish, this recipe is going to be right up your alley.
- Jamaican Oxtail – If you love the flavor of Jamaican cuisine, you are going to love this recipe. It is easy to follow and absolutely delicious.
- Homemade Oxtail Soup – If you want to enjoy a rich and flavorsome soup, this oxtail recipe is going to be ideal for you.
- Hawaiian Oxtail Soup – If you want to enjoy a delicious tropical style oxtail soup this tasty Hawaiian dish will be perfect for you.
With the right recipe, you will be able to make and enjoy a tasty oxtail dish of your choice. It really is easy, and the meat is delicious. You won’t regret making a tasty oxtail dish like this.
What Flavor Does Oxtail Have?
But what does oxtail actually taste like? This meat may not look tasty but it is worth making a meal with it. Oxtail has a rich beefy flavor. This taste has been described as being quite similar to short rib.
It will taste better, and the texture will become more silky the longer it cooks.
Where Can You Purchase Oxtail Meat?
Oxtail is used to be referred to as a ‘throwaway’ meat, it was often free if you asked for it. But this is not usually the case today. Oxtail now is a higher priced meat which can cost several dollars for just one pound of meat.
That is quite a price, especially when you consider that most of a piece of oxtail is made up of bone.
Oxtail will be sold skinned and cut into segments, there will be thicker and thinner pieces as the tail tapers as you go further down. There is not a lot of meat on oxtail, so bear in mind that you need to purchase quite a bit to make a large stew.
What Is The Best Way To Store Oxtail?
The best way to store oxtail, if you want to store the raw meat, is to refrigerate it. But only if you want to cook and consume it within three to five days. Alternatively you could wrap the meat and freeze it for a year or more.
As for cooked oxtail, it would be best to store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. Much like the raw oxtail this should only be for between three and five days. You could also freeze the meat for a few months to a year if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and learning all about oxtail and what exactly this delicious beefy meat is. In our opinion this meat is best enjoyed in a flavorsome stew. The rich beefiness of the flavor really is like nothing else you have ever tried.
So if you are feeling brave enough to try this sidelined cut of meat, make sure to make yourself a delicious stew with it. You will certainly be going back to the store to get more oxtail time and time again.
If you have enjoyed reading this article, you should undoubtedly check out our website. We have a range of fascinating and insightful articles there. Some of which you are likely to enjoy reading.
When I gave birth to my first kid, I could no longer skip dinner, or just cook easy meals.
This is what inspired me to create EatThinkBeMerry.com.
I hope you will get to find your own inspiration for your next meals and have as much fun as we do looking out for you!
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