If you’re craving a deeply comforting and heartwarming dish, this Simple Homemade Oxtail Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. With luscious, tender oxtail simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth infused with garlic, onions, and bay leaves, it’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Perfect for gathering around with family or friends, this recipe takes just a handful of humble ingredients and transforms them into a bowl of pure soul food magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each one is carefully chosen to build layers of taste and texture that make this soup truly unforgettable. From the robust flavor of oxtail to the brightness of lemon, these components come together to craft a broth that’s both rich and inviting.
- 1.5 kg oxtail: The star of the show, delivering tender meat and gelatin-rich broth that gives the soup its velvety body.
- 1 lemon: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the meaty richness and helps tenderize the oxtail during the initial boil.
- Salt (to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors and seasoning the broth perfectly.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Provides just the right amount of warmth and depth to complement the other spices.
- 5 bay leaves: Infuse the broth with a delicate herbal aroma that’s classic and comforting.
- 1 whole garlic head: Roasted and simmered with the soup, offering a mellow sweetness and a rich undertone of flavor.
- 2 large onions, chopped: Give sweetness and body to the broth as they cook down slowly.
- 1.5 cups chopped spring onions: Fresh and zesty garnish to add a pop of color and a mild onion crunch.
How to Make Simple Homemade Oxtail Soup Recipe
Step 1: Salt and Boil the Oxtail with Lemon
This initial step is key to tenderizing the oxtail and prepping it for that rich soup base. Salt the oxtail generously and drop it into boiling water with the lemon. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This not only helps soften the tough meat but also imparts a subtle citrus brightness that will make your broth sing. After boiling, rinse the oxtail under cold water to remove any impurities and excess fat, ensuring a cleaner taste.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup with Aromatics
Transfer the oxtail into a large pot and add the garlic head, chopped onions, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Cover everything generously with water. Let it simmer on medium heat for a full three hours. This slow cooking process extracts every ounce of flavor and richness from the bones and meat, leaving you with a deep, hearty broth and tender, falling-off-the-bone oxtail pieces. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is utterly irresistible.
Step 3: Strain and Serve
Once your soup has simmered to perfection, carefully remove the meat from the pot and strain the broth to ensure it’s silky and clear. Divide the broth and oxtail pieces into serving bowls. Don’t forget to sprinkle those chopped spring onions on top—they add freshness, a dash of color, and that final flavorful touch. Traditionally, this soup pairs beautifully with warm, fluffy rice, completing a comforting, satisfying meal.
How to Serve Simple Homemade Oxtail Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped spring onions really elevates this soup by adding a vibrant green pop and a mild crunch. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a slightly different flavor profile. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a few slices of fresh chili or a dash of chili oil on top can add an exciting kick.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup shines alongside steamed white rice, which soaks up the rich broth beautifully. For added texture and variety, try serving it with crusty bread to mop up every last drop. A side of lightly sautéed greens or a fresh salad can provide a crisp contrast to the soup’s richness, rounding out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Simple Homemade Oxtail Soup Recipe in individual rustic bread bowls for an impressive presentation. You might also offer a topping bar with options like fried shallots, extra herbs, or a wedge of lemon for guests to customize their bowls. It’s these little touches that make the meal feel special and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Oxtail soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and safety.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy nights. Allow it to cool, then pour into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your oxtail soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. This slow warming helps the broth stay clear and prevents the meat from drying out. Add a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use beef bones instead of oxtail for this soup?
While beef bones can work, oxtail brings a unique gelatinous richness and tenderness that really defines this soup. Using oxtail is highly recommended for that authentic texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to boil the oxtail with lemon in the first step?
Boiling with lemon helps tenderize the oxtail and adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the meat. It also helps skim off impurities for a cleaner broth, so it’s a valuable part of the process.
How long does it take to cook oxtail soup properly?
Oxtail is tough and requires slow simmering to break down the connective tissue. This recipe’s three-hour simmer ensures tender meat and a deeply flavorful broth that’s well worth the wait.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After the initial boiling step, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow method will also yield wonderfully tender meat and rich broth.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover oxtail soup without losing flavor?
Gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling it again to preserve the soup’s delicate flavors and tender meat texture.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Homemade Oxtail Soup Recipe is a beautiful reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With patience and love, a handful of simple ingredients transform into a bowl of warmth and nourishment that’s perfect any time of year. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your home—trust me, this soup is pure soul food magic!
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Simple Homemade Oxtail Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Description
This Simple Homemade Oxtail Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender oxtail slow-cooked with aromatic spices and vegetables. The rich broth is infused with garlic, bay leaves, and onions, making it perfect for serving alongside rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 kg oxtail
- 1 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 5 bay leaves
- 1 whole garlic head
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 1.5 cups chopped spring onions
- Water, enough to cover the ingredients in the pot
Instructions
- Salt and boil oxtail: Salt the oxtail generously and place it in a pot with the whole lemon. Boil for 30 minutes to help tenderize the meat and remove impurities. Then, rinse the oxtail thoroughly under cold water.
- Simmer soup ingredients: In a large pot, combine the rinsed oxtail, whole garlic head, chopped onions, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Add enough water to cover all the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer gently for 3 hours until the meat is tender and the broth is flavorful.
- Prepare and serve: Remove the oxtail meat from the pot and strain the broth to remove solids. In serving bowls, place the meat and ladle the clear broth over. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot alongside cooked rice.
Notes
- Boiling the oxtail initially with lemon helps to tenderize the meat and reduce the gamey flavor.
- Slow simmering is key to achieving tender meat and rich broth.
- Straining the broth ensures a clean, clear soup without bits of onion or garlic.
- Serving with rice complements the soup and makes for a filling meal.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste throughout cooking.
