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Close up of thick, dark mahogany-brown bone-in oxtail pieces coated in glossy gravy for a Jamaican Oxtail Recipe.

The Ultimate Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Recipe with Butter Beans

Master this authentic Jamaican Oxtail Recipe featuring slow-braised bone-in oxtail pieces, thick glossy brown gravy, pale yellow butter beans, and fluffy seasoned rice and peas. A visually stunning, flavor-packed Caribbean dinner.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Calories: 850

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 lbs bone-in oxtail Cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp browning sauce Essential for color
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger Grated
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil For searing
  • 1 medium yellow onion Chopped
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper Do not pierce
  • 3 sprigs fresh green thyme Plus extra for garnish
  • 1 can butter beans 16oz / 450g, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch Mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 can dark red kidney beans 15oz / 425g, undrained
  • 0.5 cup coconut milk
  • 3 whole fresh green scallions Diagonally sliced for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Cast-Iron Dutch Oven Essential for maintaining even heat during the slow braise.
  • 1 Medium Saucepan with Lid Used for cooking the authentic rice and peas.

Instructions
 

Preparing the Dish
  1. Place the 3 lbs of bone-in oxtail pieces in a large bowl. Add the browning sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Massage until fully coated and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the oxtails in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until a dark mahogany-brown crust forms. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté the chopped yellow onion in the same pot for 2 minutes. Return the oxtails to the pot, pour in the beef broth, add the Scotch bonnet pepper, and drop in 3 sprigs of fresh thyme.
  4. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is fork-tender but still clinging to the bone.
  5. While braising, combine the rinsed long-grain rice, undrained kidney beans, coconut milk, 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and steam for 20 minutes until fluffy and light brown.
  6. Once oxtails are tender, stir the cornstarch slurry directly into the pot. Simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes until the liquid reduces to a thick, glossy brown gravy.
  7. Gently fold in the drained butter beans. Simmer for 3 minutes until heated through, maintaining their pale yellow color.
  8. Serve the oxtails and glossy gravy over the rice and peas. Garnish with diagonally sliced fresh green scallions and a sprig of fresh green thyme.

Notes

Tip 1: Do not pierce the Scotch bonnet pepper, or the stew will become incredibly spicy.
Tip 2: Skim any excess fat off the surface of the gravy before serving to maintain a perfectly glossy, non-greasy finish.
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