Jamaican Oxtail and Beans Recipe

Jamaican Oxtail and Beans Recipe is a true celebration of soul-soothing Caribbean comfort, brimming with tenderness, spice, and deep, unforgettable flavor. This dish transforms humble oxtails into fall-off-the-bone bites enveloped in a rich, aromatic gravy—rounding it off with hearty butter beans for the ultimate in stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction. From the gentle heat of scotch bonnet to the sweet shimmer of brown sugar, every spoonful feels like a hug from Jamaica itself. Get ready to fill your kitchen with tempting aromas and your table with happy faces!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Jamaican Oxtail and Beans Recipe adds a special touch—whether it’s the tenderness of the meat, the warmth of the spices, or the mellow sweetness from veggies and beans. Choose quality ingredients to let the true spirit of this classic dish shine through!

• Oxtails: Meaty and gelatin-rich, these are the star of the show, creating that signature rich texture in every bite.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and a mild tang to balance the richness of the stew.
• Brown sugar: A hint of molasses sweetness that rounds out the savory spices beautifully.
• Allspice: Gives that warm, fragrant note hinting at Jamaica’s culinary roots.
• Olive oil: Perfect for browning the oxtails and coaxing flavor from the aromatics.
• Onion: Chopped and sautéed, onions build the savory backbone of the stew.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic ups the aromatic intensity.
• Carrots: Sweetens the pot while lending vibrant color and heartiness.
• Bell peppers: Bring juicy crunch and cheerful pops of color.
• Scotch bonnet pepper: The soul of true Jamaican spice—a little goes a long way, so keep it whole for flavorful warmth without overwhelming heat.
• Bay leaves: Add aromatic depth that enhances the overall stew.
• Fresh thyme: Earthy and aromatic, supporting the stew’s complex flavor profile.
• Ketchup: A touch of sweetness and acidity to enrich the sauce.
• Apple cider vinegar: Gives a gentle acidic lift, brightening the dish.
• Beef broth: The liquid gold that melds all the flavors into a luscious gravy.
• Canned butter beans: Creamy, hearty, and the perfect traditional finishing touch.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the stew, making the gravy luxuriously silky.
• Chopped scallions: For a fresh, snappy green garnish at the very end.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors—be sure to taste as you go!

How to Make Jamaican Oxtail and Beans Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Oxtails

Start by placing your oxtails in a large baking dish. Douse them with Worcestershire sauce, sprinkle on the brown sugar, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the oxtail pieces are covered in that dark, sticky seasoning mix. Letting the meat marinate, even briefly, helps every bite soak up those beautiful island flavors—it’s worth taking this extra moment!

Step 2: Brown the Oxtails

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed saucepot over medium and swirl in the olive oil. When it’s shimmering, add half the seasoned oxtails. Brown each side for two to three minutes—this develops deep, caramelized edges and locks in the juices. Keep stirring, and don’t let the sugar turn bitter at the bottom. Once the first batch is golden all around, set those pieces aside and repeat with the rest. This step builds a base of rich, roasted flavor that will carry through your entire Jamaican Oxtail and Beans Recipe.

Step 3: Build the Stew Base

In the same pot, toss in onions and garlic. Sauté just until they’re golden and fragrant, scraping up all the savory bits left behind by the oxtails. Return all the browned meat to the pot, then blanket it with carrots, bell peppers, the whole scotch bonnet, bay leaves, and thyme. Dollop in the ketchup and apple cider vinegar, then pour beef broth over it all. Lock on the lid and let everything gently simmer on medium-low heat for two to three hours. The result? Oxtail so tender it falls off the bone, all in a thick, savory stew that smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 4: Add the Beans

Drain your butter beans and toss them with cornstarch before adding them to the pot. This simple trick thickens up the sauce to that perfect, glossy, cling-to-the-spoon consistency. Stir them in and let everything bubble gently together for five to ten minutes—the beans soak up all those rich flavors while adding their creamy heartiness, completing the Jamaican Oxtail and Beans Recipe.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, shower the whole pot with freshly chopped scallions for a burst of color and freshness. All that’s left is to dish it up—straight into bowls, over rice, or with whatever you love. Now it’s time to enjoy the magic you’ve created!

How to Serve Jamaican Oxtail and Beans Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly sliced scallions (green onions) are a must for a final flourish. You can also add a pinch of extra fresh thyme, or even a squeeze of lime for a zingy contrast. If you love a pop of color, sprinkle chopped parsley across the top just before serving for added freshness.

Side Dishes

This Jamaican Oxtail and Beans Recipe is begging for a scoop of fluffy white rice or classic rice and peas to soak up every drop of that velvety gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes or dumplings are also stellar companions. For a lighter meal, serve with sautéed greens or a crisp cabbage slaw for crunch and coolness alongside the hearty stew.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling the oxtail and beans into individual shallow bowls and topping with microgreens for a modern touch. For gatherings, serve it family-style in a big, rustic Dutch oven set in the center of the table so everyone can help themselves. Or, scoop the stew onto toasted flatbreads or inside baked sweet potatoes for a playful twist on a classic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Jamaican Oxtail and Beans Recipe actually gets even tastier after a day in the fridge, as all those flavors meld! Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days. The gravy thickens, so be sure to add a splash of water or broth before reheating if needed.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this stew freezes beautifully. Spoon cooled oxtail and beans into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion. Store for up to three months. For best texture, freeze without the scallion garnish and add fresh when serving after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering loosely and stirring halfway. Add a touch of liquid if the sauce thickens up too much in the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

What can I use instead of oxtails?

If you can’t find oxtails, beef short ribs or stewing beef with plenty of marbling work well. While nothing matches the signature unctuousness of oxtail, these substitutes still deliver a tender, flavorful result in your Jamaican Oxtail and Beans Recipe.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes! For a plant-based take, swap oxtails for jackfruit or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth. While the flavor profile shifts, the deep seasoning, allspice, beans, and hearty vegetables still make for a stew full of comfort and warmth.

Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?

Absolutely. After browning the oxtails and vegetables as in the recipe, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7–8 hours until the meat is fork-tender. Add the beans and cornstarch for the last 30 minutes to finish your Jamaican Oxtail and Beans Recipe to perfection.

Is it very spicy?

Not necessarily! The scotch bonnet is left whole which infuses the stew with flavor but little heat. For less spice, don’t break or slice the pepper—or remove it sooner. If you love fiery food, feel free to chop or pierce the pepper to release more heat.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Definitely! Soak dried butter beans overnight and cook them separately until just tender before adding to the stew. This adds a homemade touch and gives you control over texture and salt.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a bold and comforting dish that brings people together, make this Jamaican Oxtail and Beans Recipe part of your repertoire. It’s deeply satisfying, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes one of your own favorites too!

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