📝 About This Recipe
This recipe elevates the humble oxtail from a rustic stew to a centerpiece of roasted elegance. By utilizing a low-and-slow roasting technique followed by a high-heat glaze, we transform the collagen-rich meat into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy with a deeply caramelized exterior. Infused with red wine, fragrant herbs, and the essence of roasted marrow, this dish offers a sophisticated depth of flavor that celebrates the best of nose-to-tail cooking.
🥗 Ingredients
The Meat
- 4 pounds Beef Oxtails (cut into 2-inch segments, trimmed of excess outer fat)
- 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Black Peppercorns (freshly cracked)
The Roasting Base
- 3 large Carrots (peeled and cut into thick chunks)
- 2 medium Yellow Onion (quartered)
- 3 pieces Celery Stalks (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 Garlic Head (halved crosswise)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
Braising and Glazing Liquid
- 2 cups Dry Red Wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah)
- 3 cups Beef Bone Broth (high quality or homemade)
- 6 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 3 pieces Bay Leaves (dried)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar (for the final glaze)
👨🍳 Instructions
-
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the oxtails completely dry with paper towels; moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
-
2
Season the oxtails generously on all sides with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
-
3
In a large heavy-bottomed roasting pan or Dutch oven, sear the oxtails over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Work in batches to avoid crowding, browning every side until a deep mahogany crust forms (about 4 minutes per side).
-
4
Remove the meat and set aside. In the same pan, add the carrots, onions, and celery. Roast the vegetables in the rendered beef fat for 5-7 minutes until softened and browned.
-
5
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to darken to a rusty color. This 'pinsage' technique develops deep umami.
-
6
Deglaze the pan with the red wine, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release all the flavorful browned bits (fond).
-
7
Nestle the oxtails back into the pan among the vegetables. Add the garlic head, thyme, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce.
-
8
Pour in the beef broth until the liquid reaches halfway up the sides of the oxtails. Do not submerge them completely; we want the tops to roast, not boil.
-
9
Cover the pan tightly with a lid or double layer of foil. Transfer to the oven and roast for 3 hours, or until the meat is tender but not yet falling off the bone.
-
10
Remove the lid, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Carefully baste the meat with the pan juices and roast for another 30-45 minutes uncovered to caramelize the exterior.
-
11
Transfer the oxtails to a warm platter. Strain the remaining liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan, discarding the solids.
-
12
Simmer the liquid over medium heat, skimming off excess fat. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and reduce until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
-
13
Pour the glossy reduction over the roasted oxtails and serve immediately while piping hot.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the best results, season your oxtails 24 hours in advance and leave them uncovered in the fridge to dry out the surface. Don't rush the searing process; that deep brown crust is where 50% of your flavor comes from. If the sauce is too thin after reducing, whisk in a small knob of cold butter (beurre monté) for a professional, velvety finish. Always choose oxtails with a good ratio of meat to bone; the larger 'center' cuts are usually the most succulent for roasting. Avoid using 'cooking wine'; use a bottle you would actually enjoy drinking with the meal.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve over a bed of creamy, buttery polenta or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the rich jus. Pair with a bold, tannic red wine like a Malbec or a Bordeaux to cut through the richness of the beef fat. A side of roasted bone marrow and crusty sourdough bread adds a luxurious textural contrast. Balance the plate with a bright, acidic garnish like a gremolata (lemon zest, parsley, and garlic) or a simple watercress salad. Roasted root vegetables like parsnips or rutabaga make for a heartier, rustic presentation.