Introduction

If you love rich Caribbean comfort food, Jamaican oxtail is one dish you must try. Slow-braised until tender and simmered in a deeply seasoned gravy, this classic Jamaican recipe is packed with bold flavor. In this recipe from Ven’s Kitchen, I’ll show you how to make authentic Jamaican oxtail that is fall-off-the-bone tender with thick, flavorful gravy.

Perfect for Sunday dinner or special occasions, this dish pairs beautifully with rice and peas, steamed cabbage, or fried plantain.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Jamaican flavor
• Slow-braised until tender
• Rich, thick gravy
• Perfect with rice and peas
• Easy step-by-step instruction

Ingredients for green seasoning

• 1 cup scallions (green onions)
• ½ cup fresh parsley
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp lime juice or vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup water (to help blending)

Ingredients

• 3 lbs oxtail, trimmed
• 1 tbsp all purpose seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp Green seasoning
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp browning sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup butter beans (optional)
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole)(optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

How to Make Jamaican Oxtail

1️⃣ Season the meat

Wash and pat dry the oxtail.

Season with:

• all purpose seasoning
• browning sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• cajon seasoning
• green seasoning

let it sit for at least 2 hours or best overnight

2️⃣ Brown the oxtail

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Brown the oxtail pieces for 3–4 minutes on each side until nicely caramelized.

This step builds the deep flavor of the gravy.

3️⃣ Slow cook

Add beef broth to the pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer covered for 2–2½ hours until the meat becomes tender.

4️⃣ Simmer

Add butter beans and the whole Scotch bonnet pepper if needed.

add ketchup , fresh thyme and more all purpose or Cajun seasoning g if needed /

adjust salt to taste.

Simmer another 20–30 minutes until the gravy thickens.

5️⃣ Serve

Serve hot with:

• Rice and peas
• White rice
• Steamed vegetables
• Fried plantains

Tips for the Best Jamaican Oxtail

✔ Brown the meat well for deeper flavor

✔ Cook low and slow for tender meat

✔ Don’t cut the Scotch bonnet pepper if you want flavor without too much heat