Southern Style Braised Oxtails Recipe – YummyHere

Introduction

Rich, savory, and irresistibly tender, Southern Style Braised Oxtails capture the heart of comforting soul food. This recipe is designed for flavor: slow-cooked oxtails develop a fall-off-the-bone texture, while aromatic vegetables and classic Southern seasonings create a luscious, deep gravy. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for Sunday dinners or celebratory gatherings, promising a big payoff for your time in the kitchen.

The Allure of Southern-Style Braised Oxtails

The magic of this dish lies in its deep, complex flavors, developed through the art of slow braising. Oxtails, once considered a humble cut, absorb every nuance of the spices and vegetables, creating a meltingly tender experience in every bite. The aromatic gravy practically begs to be soaked up with fluffy rice, buttery cornbread, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Essential Steps for Flavorful Braising

Begin by searing the oxtails to lock in juices and build a flavorful base. Then, a medley of onions, carrots, and celery—diced perfectly using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper—ensures every bite is packed with robust, balanced flavor. A slow simmer, enriched with broth and aromatics, transforms tough cuts into a fork-tender masterpiece.

Building Rich Gravy and Tender Oxtails

A well-seasoned cast iron skillet, like the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet, is ideal for browning your oxtails to perfection. After deglazing with beef stock and tomatoes, the oxtails braise gently in the oven. The result: a sumptuous gravy that thickens naturally and clings beautifully to the meat.

Monitor the internal temperature for perfectly cooked oxtails using the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking. Aim for a temperature around 200°F for that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Pair your braised oxtails with rice, cornbread, or grits for classic Southern flair. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep them fresh and ready to reheat without losing flavor or texture. This dish also makes for even more delicious leftovers, as the flavors deepen overnight.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings. Each serving provides roughly 450–550 calories, depending on the size and fattiness of the oxtails. While rich, this dish is a comforting treat, best enjoyed with family or for special occasions.

Southern Style Braised Oxtails (Recap)

With bold flavors and unforgettably tender meat, this Southern Style Braised Oxtails recipe embodies the essence of soulful home cooking. The simple but careful technique is rewarded with a dish that’s both hearty and elegant—perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat oxtails dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet over medium-high heat. Brown oxtails in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Add them to the skillet and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
4. Add the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.
5. Deglaze the skillet with beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in diced tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return oxtails and their juices to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Cover tightly with a lid or heavy-duty Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll under the lid for better moisture retention. Transfer to the oven.
7. Braise for 3–3½ hours, until the oxtails are truly fork-tender. About halfway, check the liquid level; add more broth, if needed.
8. Once done, remove oxtails to a plate. Skim excess fat from the gravy. Discard bay leaves. Simmer the sauce on the stovetop if you need to thicken further.
9. Return oxtails to the skillet and spoon gravy over. Garnish with chopped parsley, then serve hot over rice or with cornbread.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes

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Ready to impress? Southern Style Braised Oxtails deliver soul-satisfying flavor and unforgettable tenderness—a perfect dish for any occasion that deserves a touch of Southern warmth.