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If you think oxtail is just another cut of meat, think again. The Instant Pot transforms this rich, flavorful option into tender and comforting meals that delight the senses. From classic stews to inventive tacos, there's a world of possibilities waiting for you. Curious about how to elevate your cooking game with these satisfying dishes? You'll want to explore these 10+ recipes that promise to impress.
Key Takeaways
- Explore various Instant Pot oxtail recipes, including classic stews, spicy soups, honey garlic dishes, and unique taco fillings for diverse flavor profiles.
- Each recipe uses the Instant Pot to significantly reduce cooking time while ensuring tender, melt-in-your-mouth oxtail.
- Incorporate simple ingredients like vegetables, spices, and broths to enhance the depth of flavor in your oxtail dishes.
- Customize recipes with optional garnishes, such as fresh cilantro or avocado, to elevate the presentation and taste of your meals.
- Utilize key cooking techniques like browning and natural pressure release for optimal tenderness and flavor development in your oxtail recipes.
Classic Instant Pot Oxtail Stew
Classic Instant Pot Oxtail Stew is a luxurious and hearty dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. The rich, succulent meat and flavorful broth make it a perfect choice for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
With the Instant Pot, you can cut down on cooking time while still achieving that deep, slow-cooked flavor that oxtail is known for. This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
To prepare this delicious stew, you'll need a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish that's satisfying and full of depth. The Instant Pot will help to tenderize the oxtail, allowing all the flavors to meld perfectly in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional cooking methods.
Get ready to savor every bite of this classic comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs oxtail, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil, and once heated, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the oxtail pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot, browning on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step is essential for building flavor.
- Once the oxtail is browned, add the beef broth, carrots, celery, potatoes, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 45 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Carefully open the lid, and stir the stew. Adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider searing the oxtail in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can prevent proper browning.
Additionally, if you prefer a thicker stew, you can make a slurry with cornstarch and water, adding it in at the end and simmering for a few minutes until thickened.
This dish can also be made a day ahead, as the flavors develop even more overnight in the fridge. Enjoy your hearty Instant Pot oxtail stew!
Spicy Instant Pot Oxtail Soup
The Instant Pot makes this recipe incredibly efficient, considerably cutting down on cooking time while still delivering that slow-cooked taste. With just a few simple ingredients and a hands-off approach, you can have a delicious bowl of soup ready in no time. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds oxtail, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2-3 fresh Thai chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Heat the vegetable oil and add the chopped onion, cooking until it becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped Thai chilies, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the oxtail pieces, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the oxtail evenly.
Next, pour in the soy sauce and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes, then secure the lid on the Instant Pot.
Set it to cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider using bone-in oxtail, as it will impart additional depth to the broth.
If you prefer a less spicy soup, you can substitute the Thai chilies with a milder pepper or reduce the quantity.
Additionally, feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference; mushrooms or bell peppers make excellent additions.
Enjoy your Spicy Instant Pot Oxtail Soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal!
Honey Garlic Instant Pot Oxtail
This dish isn't just about incredible taste; it's also an excellent source of collagen and nutrients, making it a hearty choice for family dinners.
Pair it with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious sauce, and you'll have a satisfying meal that will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds oxtail, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by seasoning the oxtail pieces with salt and black pepper.
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add the sesame oil. Once hot, sear the oxtail pieces until browned on all sides, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the oxtail from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Then, add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
Return the browned oxtail to the Instant Pot, ensuring they're well-coated with the sauce.
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 45 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Carefully open the lid and serve the oxtail with the sauce poured over it, garnished with chopped green onions.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the oxtail in the honey and soy sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
You can also add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the Instant Pot for a complete one-pot meal.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preferences.
Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Instant Pot Oxtail!
Instant Pot Oxtail Tacos
Oxtail tacos are a delightful twist on traditional tacos, offering a rich, savory flavor that will impress even the most discerning palates. Cooking oxtail in an Instant Pot considerably reduces the time it takes to achieve tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat, making this dish not only delicious but also convenient for a busy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.
The combination of spices and slow-cooked oxtails wrapped in warm tortillas creates a satisfying meal that's perfect for sharing with family and friends. To prepare these mouthwatering oxtail tacos, you'll need to gather a few essential ingredients to enhance the flavor profile. The Instant Pot helps to infuse the meat with spices while also keeping the cooking process efficient.
Once you have everything ready, you'll be able to assemble your tacos and enjoy a hearty meal in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds oxtail, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sliced radishes, for topping
- Avocado, for topping
Instructions:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add the olive oil and heat it for a minute before adding the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Next, add the oxtail pieces to the pot and season them with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Brown the oxtails on all sides for about 5 minutes. Once they're browned, pour in the beef broth and lime juice, ensuring that the oxtails are submerged in the liquid.
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook at high pressure for 45 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 15 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
Once done, remove the oxtails and shred the meat from the bones with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir to combine with the remaining liquid. Serve the flavorful oxtail filling in warm tortillas and top with fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and avocado.
Extra Tips:
For an added flavor boost, consider marinating the oxtails in the spices and lime juice for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This step will enhance the depth of flavor in your tacos.
Also, feel free to customize your toppings with pickled onions, diced tomatoes, or your favorite salsa to create a personalized taco experience. Enjoy your delicious oxtail tacos!
Red Wine Braised Instant Pot Oxtail
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. The slow-braising effect of the Instant Pot allows the oxtail to become meltingly tender, while the red wine enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 pounds oxtail, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
- Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" mode and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the oxtail pieces in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the oxtail and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Return the oxtail to the pot, then add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Once done, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10-15 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check the oxtail for tenderness. If necessary, you can cook it for an additional 10 minutes on high pressure. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
Extra Tips:
For even more flavor, consider marinating the oxtail in red wine overnight before cooking. This not only enhances the taste but also helps to tenderize the meat.
Additionally, you can thicken the sauce after cooking by setting the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and simmering the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Oxtails in These Recipes?
You can absolutely use frozen oxtails in these recipes. Just remember to thaw them first for even cooking, adjust your cooking times slightly, and enjoy the rich flavors that develop during the process.
How Do I Store Leftover Oxtail Dishes?
To store leftover oxtail dishes, let them cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat thoroughly before serving again. Enjoy your leftovers!
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Oxtail?
When you savor oxtail, think of it as a warm hug on a plate. Creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant sautéed greens, or fluffy rice perfectly complement its richness, enhancing the meal's harmony and depth. Enjoy!
Can I Substitute Oxtails With Another Meat?
Yes, you can substitute oxtails with other meats like beef shanks or short ribs. These alternatives will provide a similar rich flavor and texture, ensuring your dish remains hearty and satisfying. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
How Long Does It Take to Cook Oxtail in a Regular Pot?
Oxtails often require a lengthy leisurely cook. In a regular pot, you're looking at around three to four hours on low heat. Patience pays off, allowing flavors to meld beautifully and meat to tenderize.
