5 Delicious Cajun Oxtail Recipes to Try Now

Why Choose Oxtail?

Oxtail, once considered a humble cut of beef, has risen to culinary stardom, especially in Cajun cuisine where flavor reigns supreme. Known for its rich, gelatinous texture when slow-cooked, oxtail provides a deep, beefy taste that pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of Cajun spices. Here’s why you should try cooking with oxtail:

• Rich in Flavor - Oxtail is full of fat and connective tissue, which, when cooked slowly, breaks down into a silky, flavorful broth.
• Nutritional Value - It’s a good source of collagen, which can benefit skin health, and it’s also rich in iron and B vitamins.
• Affordability - Often less expensive than premium cuts, oxtail offers a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore hearty meals.

Recipe 1: Classic Cajun Oxtail Stew

Let’s dive into a traditional Cajun stew that brings out the best in oxtail:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs oxtails
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• Oil for searing

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Season the oxtails generously with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat oil in a large, oven-proof pot or Dutch oven. Sear the oxtails until they are browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
4. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers, and celery until onions are translucent.
5. Add tomatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and cook for another minute.
6. Pour in the wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
7. Return the oxtails to the pot. Add the broth, ensuring oxtails are submerged.
8. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours or until oxtails are tender.
9. Remove from the oven, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot with rice or cornbread.

🍲 Note: Oxtails need to cook low and slow to break down the collagen for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Patience is key!

Recipe 2: Spicy Cajun Grilled Oxtail Skewers

Here’s a twist on traditional oxtail dishes, turning this hearty ingredient into a BBQ favorite:

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs oxtails, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp Cajun spice mix
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning)

Instructions

1. Mix Cajun spice, brown sugar, smoked paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl to create a marinade.
2. Marinate the oxtail pieces in this mixture for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the oxtails onto the skewers, leaving some space for even cooking.
5. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Recipe 3: Cajun Oxtail Gumbo

Gumbo is a soul-warming dish, and oxtail elevates this classic to new heights:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs oxtails
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) okra
• 2 bay leaves
• Cooked white rice for serving
• Green onions and parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot, add flour, and cook, stirring constantly, to make a dark roux. This process can take up to 30 minutes.
2. Once the roux is a rich brown color, add onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until vegetables are soft.
3. Add oxtails and sausage, cook until the oxtails are browned.
4. Gradually stir in the stock, then add Cajun seasoning, cayenne, Worcestershire, okra, and bay leaves.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions and parsley.

🌶 Note: The color of your roux is crucial for the flavor of your gumbo. Aim for a deep chocolate color but be cautious not to burn it.

Recipe 4: Smoked Cajun Oxtail Pasta

Oxtail doesn’t always have to be served with traditional sides; here’s how to incorporate it into a decadent pasta dish:

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs oxtails
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup smoked paprika
• 1 lb pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season oxtails with Cajun seasoning, garlic, and paprika. Smoke or grill until tender (smoking for 2-3 hours at 225°F works well).
2. Once cooked, shred the oxtail meat off the bone, keeping it warm.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
4. In a large skillet, heat the cream, then add the shredded oxtail and cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted.
5. Drain pasta, add to the skillet, and toss to coat with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe 5: Oxtail Étouffée

Étouffée, meaning “smothered” in French, is a dish that envelops the ingredients in a rich, flavorful sauce, making oxtail a perfect match:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs oxtails
• ¹⁄₂ cup butter
• 1 cup onions, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup celery, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup bell pepper, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• Hot sauce to taste
• Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions

1. Season oxtails with half of the Cajun seasoning.
2. In a large pot, melt butter, add oxtails, and sear them. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until vegetables are soft.
4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to create a roux.
5. Gradually add broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Add tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and remaining Cajun seasoning.
6. Return oxtails to the pot, reduce heat, and let simmer for 2-3 hours until oxtails are tender.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and hot sauce, then serve over rice.

Incorporating oxtail into your culinary repertoire not only adds a unique flavor but also brings a taste of tradition and comfort to your table. Each of these recipes showcases the versatility and depth of flavor that oxtails can provide, from hearty stews to smoked pasta dishes, embodying the spirit of Cajun cuisine. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply want to explore new flavors, these oxtail recipes are sure to delight and satisfy.