southern styled oxtails

Delving into the rich tapestry of Southern cuisine unveils a treasure trove of hearty, soul-warming dishes, each with a story to tell. Among these culinary jewels, Southern-Styled Oxtails stand out as a testament to the tradition of transforming simple ingredients into a feast for the senses. This dish, with its roots deeply embedded in the history of Southern cooking, offers a glimpse into a world where every meal is a celebration of culture and community. It is more than just food; it’s a heritage dish that carries the essence of comfort and familial bonds, served up on a platter of warm, inviting flavors.

Preparing Southern-Styled Oxtails is akin to painting a picture with a palette of rich flavors and textures. The process begins with the humble oxtail, seasoned and browned to perfection, then slow-cooked in a savory gravy until it reaches fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Every step, from seasoning with Worcestershire sauce to the final slow cook, is infused with care and attention, echoing the Southern tradition of cooking with love. This dish doesn’t rush; it simmers and evolves, allowing the deep, complex flavors to meld together, creating a symphony of taste that resonates with the soulful essence of the South.

Serving this dish is an invitation to gather, share, and indulge in a culinary experience that goes beyond mere eating. It’s about celebrating the richness of Southern heritage, the joy of communal dining, and the deep, comforting embrace of flavors that have been passed down through generations. Whether it’s accompanied by mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides, Southern-Styled Oxtails offer a journey back to a simpler time when meals were a centerpiece of daily life. It’s a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to each other, and to the simple pleasures that make life truly flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 pounds beef oxtails
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, more to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked or ground black pepper, more to taste
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups beef broth or water
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

Instructions:

Preparing the Oxtails:

1. Season the Oxtails: Begin by laying the oxtails in a large bowl. Sprinkle them with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated. Drizzle the Worcestershire sauce over the oxtails, tossing them gently to make sure each piece is coated in this savory marinade.
2. Dust with Flour: Evenly sprinkle 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour over the seasoned oxtails. Toss them until each piece is lightly coated with flour. This layer will help in creating a deliciously crisp exterior when browned.

Browning the Oxtails:

3. Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a large, heavy pan and set it over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for frying.
4. Brown the Oxtails: Carefully place the oxtails in the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Brown them on all sides to a rich, golden hue. This process not only adds depth of flavor but also seals in the juices. Once browned, transfer the oxtails to a slow cooker, setting aside the pan with the remaining oil.

Making the Gravy:

5. Prepare the Roux: If there are burnt bits in the pan, consider straining the oil, cleaning the pan, then returning the strained oil to it. Gradually sprinkle in the remaining 1 cup of flour while whisking continuously over medium heat. Cook the mixture until it takes on the color and texture of chunky peanut butter.
6. Add the Liquids: Slowly pour in the beef broth or water, continuing to whisk to prevent any lumps from forming. The mixture should become smooth and start to thicken.
7. Boil and Simmer: Increase the heat to bring the gravy to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Stir well and let it simmer briefly. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Slow Cooking:

8. Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared gravy over the oxtails in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well-covered. This will infuse them with flavor and tenderize them over time. Set your slow cooker on high and cook for 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the meat to become remarkably tender and fall-off-the-bone.

Serving:

9. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is up, the oxtails will be tender, flavorful, and ready to serve. They pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite side dishes. This meal is sure to offer a comforting and hearty experience, embodying the essence of Southern cooking.

Enjoy your cooking journey with this expanded Southern-Styled Oxtails recipe, a dish that promises to deliver warmth, depth of flavor, and a delightful culinary experience.