A Flavorful, Time-Saving Comfort Meal
Oxtail is a beloved dish in Caribbean kitchens, known for its rich, savory flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Traditionally slow-simmered for hours, this Instant Pot version delivers the same depth of flavor in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy midweek meals or a hearty Sunday dinner, this stewed oxtail is a true comfort food that comes together effortlessly. See my Orginal Stewed Oxtail Recipe(Stovetop) here.
Table of Contents
This recipe was inspired by a recent meal shared with guests. My cousin, who was helping with some construction work, still craved the oxtail we had last Thanksgiving. To save time, I turned to my Instant Pot, and the results did not disappoint! The dish was rich, tender, and packed with flavor—so much so that my cousin went back for seconds.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
- Authentic Taste: Browning the sugar and sautéing at the end mimics the slow-simmered stovetop method.
- Rich & Savory: The combination of green seasoning, tomatoes, bell peppers, and allspice infuses the meat with deep, bold flavors.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
Health and Nutrition Information
Oxtail is a great source of protein, collagen, and essential minerals like iron and zinc. When paired with nutrient-rich sides like boiled or fried plantains and watercress, this dish becomes a well-balanced meal.
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot (or other pressure cooker)
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients You Will Need
To Season the Oxtail:
- Oxtail – The star ingredient, rich in collagen and flavor.
- Green seasoning – Infuses the meat with fresh, aromatic herbs.
- Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
- Adobo (optional) – Adds an extra depth of flavor.
- Dried oregano (optional) – Enhances the seasoning blend.
- Ketchup – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
For Cooking:
- Extra virgin olive oil – Used to brown the sugar.
- Brown sugar – Caramelized to give the oxtail its signature deep color and rich flavor.
- Tomatoes – Adds acidity and balance.
- Onion & scallions – Provide a base of savory flavor.
- Green seasoning – Boosts the depth of flavor during cooking.
- Thyme sprigs – Essential for that signature Caribbean taste.
- Carrot & celery (optional) – Adds a subtle sweetness and texture.
- Bell pepper – Brings a mild sweetness and color.
- Allspice berries – A key ingredient for warm, earthy notes.
- Hot water – Helps create a rich sauce.
- Hot pepper – For heat, optional based on preference.
This Instant Pot Stewed Oxtail recipe delivers deep, rich flavors with a fraction of the cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods. By caramelizing brown sugar and sautéing at the end, the dish achieves an authentic, slow-cooked taste. The combination of green seasoning, fresh vegetables, and allspice creates a bold, savory experience. Serve with classic Caribbean sides like rice, plantains, or a fresh salad for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
- Use Less Liquid: This helps create a rich, thick sauce that clings to the meat.
- Marinate Overnight: For the most flavorful results, let the oxtail marinate overnight.
- Sauté at the End: This enhances the depth of flavor and creates a glossy sauce.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper for extra heat.
- Herb Infused: Add bay leaves for a deeper herbal note.
- Extra Vegetables: Include potatoes or green beans for added texture and nutrients.
What to Serve with Stewed Oxtail
This dish pairs beautifully with classic Caribbean sides:
- Rice and Peas: A hearty, flavorful complement. See Mummy’s Holiday Rice and Beans recipe here.
- Boiled or fried Plantains or tostones: Adds a natural sweetness to balance the savory oxtail.
- Steamed Cabbage: Adds a spicy pickled veggie element on the side.
- Watercress Salad: A fresh, slightly peppery contrast to the rich stew.
Quick & Tasty Instant Pot Stewed Oxtail
Equipment
Ingredients
To Season the Oxtail:
- 4 lbs oxtail
- 4 tbsp green seasoning
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp allspice berries
- 1 tsp adobo optional
- 1 tsp dried oregano optional, or other dried spices
- 1/3 cup ketchup
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp brown sugar up to 6 tbs for richer result
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 4 scallions chopped
- 2 tbsp green seasoning
- 4 thyme sprigs
- 1 carrot chopped
- 1 celery stalk chopped (optional)
- 1 bell pepper seeds removed, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper optional
Instructions
- Prep the Oxtail: Soak the oxtail in vinegar and water for a few minutes. Clean off any excess fat, rinse and drain well.
- Season the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the oxtail with green seasoning, salt, black pepper, all spice berries, any dried spices you are using, and ketchup. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. When hot, add brown sugar and let it bubble, froth, expand, and darken. Alternately, this can be done in a pot (or the pot of the instant pot if stainless steel) on the stove to save time.
- Brown the Oxtail: Add the seasoned oxtail and stir to coat. Sauté for about 3 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in tomatoes, onions, scallions, green seasoning, thyme, carrot, celery, bell pepper, hot pepper(if using) and hot water. Mix well to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Cover and set the Instant Pot to the “Meat” setting for 35-60 minutes. 35 mins worked for thin pieces of oxtail. If your oxtail pieces are larger or very large, it may require more time up to 60 minutes.
- Quick Release & Thicken: Perform a quick release, then switch to sauté mode and cook until the sauce thickens, stirring continuously to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Blot out any excess fat with a paper towel or use a spoon to scoop out and discard. If you desire it more tender, continue to cook –add additional time – per your preference.
- Serve & Enjoy: Enjoy with rice or rice and peas or beans, boiled or fried plantains, steamed cabbage, and watercress for a complete meal.
Nutrition
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If you have any questions, concerns, issues, or suggestions about this recipe or any other recipes, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or reach out via email at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you and am here to help make your cooking experience as enjoyable and successful as possible. Happy cooking!
