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Stewed oxtails on a red soup pot on stove

Slow‑Braised Coconut Oxtail Stew with Navy Beans

This coconut-stewed oxtail recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of Caribbean cooking with the creamy richness of coconut milk. Slow-braised until tender, the oxtails are infused with aromatic herbs and spices, making this dish a true island comfort food.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Rice & One-Pot, Soups & Stews
Cuisine: Jamaican

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb oxtail trimmed and cut into even pieces
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1/3 scotch bonnet pepper seeded and diced
  • 6 grape tomatoes halved
  • 1 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
  • 2/3 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspon tomato ketchup
  • 2-4 drops Angostura bitters optional
  • 1 tablespoom vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup navy beans soaked, drained
  • 1 stalk scallion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 1/2 cupes water
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the oxtails with diced onion, grape tomatoes, diced scotch bonnet pepper, Caribbean green seasoning, salt, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, black pepper, and Angostura bitters (if using). Mix well to coat the oxtails evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
    Cleaned oxtail in a glass bowl
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a heavy, oven-safe pot, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the brown sugar and stir continuously with a dry spoon until it melts, becomes frothy, and turns an amber color.
    Frothy brown sugar in a large red oven safe pot
  3. Quickly add the marinated oxtails to the pot, including any marinade juices. Stir well to coat the oxtails in the caramelized sugar. Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for about 7 minutes.
    Browned oxtail in large red pot
  4. Remove the lid and increase the heat to high. Cook until the liquid reduces and the oxtails are evenly browned. This process enhances the flavor and color of the dish. to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
  5. Add the soaked navy beans (discard soaking water), chopped scallion, minced garlic, thyme sprigs, water, coconut milk, and allspice berries to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil.
    Add in water and beans
  6. Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 3.5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid. If necessary, add up to 1/2 cup of water or coconut milk to maintain the desired consistency.
    Check the liquid after being in the oven
  7. Once the oxtails are tender and the beans are cooked, remove the pot from the oven. Discard the thyme sprigs and allspice berries. Skim off any excess oil from the surface. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
    Checking the oxtails again as they rest on the stove in a large pot

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