Instant Pot Jamaican Oxtail Recipe

Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of Jamaican oxtail filling your kitchen, but without hours of slow cooking!

Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you can now enjoy this Caribbean classic in a fraction of the time.

Let’s dive into the world of Instant Pot Jamaican Oxtail and transform your weeknight dinners into a tropical escape!

What is Jamaican Oxtail and Why Use an Instant Pot?

Jamaican Oxtail is a beloved dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Traditionally, oxtail – the tail of cattle – is slow-cooked until the meat becomes tender and falls off the bone.

This process usually takes several hours, but with the Instant Pot, we’re revolutionizing the cooking method!

The Instant Pot, a modern multi-cooker, allows us to achieve the same melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep flavors in significantly less time.

It’s like having a time machine for your taste buds! By using high-pressure cooking, the Instant Pot tenderizes the tough oxtail meat in about an hour, compared to the 3-4 hours it would take on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

But don’t worry – we’re not sacrificing any of that authentic Jamaican flavor. The sealed environment of the Instant Pot actually helps to intensify the tastes, ensuring every bite is packed with Caribbean goodness!

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Instant Pot Jamaican Oxtail

To create a truly authentic Jamaican Oxtail experience, you’ll need a blend of spices and ingredients that capture the essence of Caribbean cuisine. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Oxtail: The star of the show! Look for pieces with a good meat-to-fat ratio.
2. Allspice: Also known as pimento, this is crucial for that authentic Jamaican flavor.
3. Thyme: Fresh or dried, it adds a wonderful herbaceous note.
4. Scotch bonnet peppers: For that signature Jamaican heat. Handle with care!
5. Onions and garlic: The aromatic base of our dish.
6. Scallions: Also called green onions, they add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
7. Beef broth: To create a rich, flavorful sauce.
8. Soy sauce: Adds depth and umami to the dish.
9. Browning sauce: For that beautiful dark color and extra flavor.
10. Butter beans: Optional, but traditional and adds lovely texture.

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Jamaican Oxtail Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for oxtail perfection:

1. Start by trimming excess fat from the oxtail pieces. Some fat is good for flavor, but too much can make the dish greasy.
2. Season the oxtail generously with salt, black pepper, and allspice. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes if you have time.
3. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, brown the oxtail pieces in batches. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavor.
4. Remove the browned oxtail and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using) until fragrant.
5. Return the oxtail to the pot and add beef broth, soy sauce, browning sauce, thyme, and any additional seasonings. Stir to combine.
6. Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
7. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for 15 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
8. Open the lid and if you’re using butter beans, add them now. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken the sauce and heat the beans.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor

• Don’t skip the browning step! It’s essential for developing that deep, rich flavor we’re after.
• If the sauce is too thin after cooking, simmer it on sauté mode to reduce and thicken.
• For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of rum towards the end of cooking.
• Remember, oxtail has a lot of collagen which turns into gelatin when cooked. This is what gives the sauce its luxurious texture!

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

Jamaican Oxtail is traditionally served with rice and peas (which are actually kidney beans!). The rich sauce from the oxtail is perfect for soaking into the rice. You might also want to serve it with:

• Fried plantains for a sweet contrast
• A side of steamed vegetables for some freshness
• Jamaican hard dough bread to sop up every last bit of sauce

For an authentic Jamaican experience, pair your oxtail with a cold Red Stripe beer or a fruity rum punch!

Storing and Reheating Your Instant Pot Jamaican Oxtail

Good news – Jamaican Oxtail tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat:

• Cool the oxtail completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days.
• To reheat, gently warm in a pot on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• You can also freeze oxtail for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use a different cut of meat instead of oxtail?

While oxtail is traditional, you could use beef short ribs or chuck roast for a similar texture.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted. For a milder version, use less scotch bonnet pepper or omit it entirely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, many people find it tastes even better the next day.

What if I don’t have browning sauce?

You can make a quick substitute by caramelizing sugar in a pan until it’s dark brown, then adding a bit of water to create a sauce.