Olivia Carter
Oxtail is a delicious and tender meat that is perfect for slow cooking. However, if you don’t have hours to spare, you can also cook oxtail in a pressure cooker for a quicker meal. The pressure cooker helps to infuse the flavors of the spices and seasonings into the meat, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
So, how long does it take to cook oxtail in a pressure cooker? The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the oxtail and the desired tenderness. On average, it takes about 45-60 minutes of cooking time in a pressure cooker to achieve tender and fall-off-the-bone oxtail. However, if you prefer a more melt-in-your-mouth texture, you can increase the cooking time to 60-75 minutes.
Before cooking the oxtail in a pressure cooker, it is important to sear the meat to lock in the juices and enhance the flavor. Additionally, you can marinate the oxtail beforehand to further enhance the taste. Once the oxtail is cooked, you can serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or rice, and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal.
Preparation
Before cooking oxtail in a pressure cooker, it is important to properly prepare the meat and gather all the necessary ingredients. Here are the steps to follow:
- Trim the excess fat: Start by trimming any excess fat from the oxtail pieces. This will help reduce the amount of grease in the final dish.
- Season the oxtail: Generously season the oxtail pieces with salt and pepper. You can also add any other desired spices or herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the oxtail: Heat a little bit of oil in the pressure cooker on the sauté mode. Once hot, sear the oxtail pieces on all sides until browned. This step helps to lock in the juices and develop a rich flavor.
- Prepare the aromatics: While the oxtail is searing, prepare the aromatics. This usually includes onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Chop them into small pieces or use a food processor.
- Add the aromatics: Once the oxtail pieces are browned, remove them from the pressure cooker and set aside. Add the chopped aromatics to the cooker and sauté until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
- Deglaze the pressure cooker: To ensure that no flavor is lost, deglaze the pressure cooker by adding a small amount of liquid, such as beef broth or red wine. Scrape the bottom of the cooker to release any browned bits.
- Return the oxtail to the pressure cooker: Place the seared oxtail pieces back into the pressure cooker. This will allow them to cook in the flavorful liquid created by the aromatics and deglazing.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Add any other ingredients you desire, such as diced tomatoes, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, or thyme. These will add additional depth of flavor to the dish.
- Close the pressure cooker: Once all the ingredients are added, securely close the pressure cooker lid according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the steam vent is closed.
- Cook the oxtail: Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and cook the oxtail for the recommended amount of time. This can vary depending on the recipe and the size of the oxtail pieces.
- Release the pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, use the manufacturer’s recommended method to release the pressure from the cooker. This can be quick pressure release or natural release.
- Skim off any excess fat: If desired, skim off any excess fat that has accumulated on the surface of the dish. This step is optional but can help reduce the greasiness of the final result.
- Allow to rest: Let the oxtail rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become more tender.
- Serve: Serve the oxtail hot with your choice of side dishes, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Following these preparation steps will ensure that your oxtail is cooked to perfection in the pressure cooker, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for oxtail in a pressure cooker can vary depending on the size and thickness of the pieces, as well as personal preference for tenderness. Generally, oxtail takes about 45 minutes to an hour to cook in a pressure cooker.
It is important to note that the cooking time only begins once the pressure cooker has reached full pressure. This can take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the model and heat source.
Once the oxtail has been cooked for the recommended time, it is advised to let the pressure release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This helps to ensure that the meat is tender and not overcooked.
If you prefer your oxtail to be very tender and falling off the bone, you can increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes. However, be cautious not to overcook the meat, as it can become mushy.
It is always a good idea to check the oxtail for doneness by piercing it with a fork. If the meat is tender and easily pulls apart, it is ready to be served. If not, you can continue cooking for an additional few minutes until desired tenderness is achieved.
Overall, the cooking time for oxtail in a pressure cooker is relatively quick compared to other cooking methods, making it a convenient option for a flavorful and tender dish.
Release and Finishing
Once the cooking time has elapsed, it’s time to release the pressure from the pressure cooker. There are two methods for releasing the pressure: natural release and quick release.
Natural Release: With this method, you simply let the pressure cooker sit for a certain amount of time and allow the pressure to decrease on its own. This can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the recipe and the amount of pressure built up. Once the pressure has fully released, the float valve will drop and the lid can be safely opened.
Quick Release: If you’re short on time or can’t wait for the natural release, you can opt for the quick release method. To do this, carefully turn the pressure release valve to release the steam. Be cautious of the hot steam and keep your hand away from the valve as the pressure is released. Once the float valve drops, indicating that all the pressure has been released, it is safe to open the lid.
After releasing the pressure, it’s time to finish off the oxtail dish. Some recipes may call for skimming off any excess fat that has risen to the top of the cooking liquid. You can use a large spoon or a fat separator to remove the fat.
Finishing: At this point, you can choose to serve the oxtail as is, or you can thicken the cooking liquid to create a rich sauce. To do this, remove the oxtail pieces from the pressure cooker and set them aside. Turn on the sauté function on the pressure cooker and let the cooking liquid simmer until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. You can also add any additional seasonings or ingredients at this stage, such as fresh herbs or vegetables.
Once the sauce has thickened, return the oxtail pieces back into the pressure cooker and heat them through. Serve the oxtail hot with the thickened sauce and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
There are many delicious ways to serve oxtail cooked in a pressure cooker. Here are some serving suggestions:
1. Over Rice: Serve the tender oxtail pieces over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rich and flavorful oxtail gravy will soak into the rice, creating a mouthwatering combination.
2. With Mashed Potatoes: Pair the succulent oxtail with creamy mashed potatoes. The velvety texture of the mashed potatoes complements the tender meat and enhances the overall taste.
3. In Tacos: Shred the oxtail and serve it in warm tortillas for a delectable twist. Top with your favorite taco toppings like fresh salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a burst of flavors.
4. With Steamed Vegetables: Serve the oxtail alongside a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots. The vibrant colors and crisp textures of the vegetables provide a refreshing balance to the rich and hearty oxtail.
5. On a Sandwich: Pile the tender oxtail onto a crusty roll or soft bun and serve it as a hearty sandwich. Add some fresh greens and a tangy sauce for an irresistible meal.
6. With Pasta: Toss the cooked oxtail with al dente pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. The oxtail’s savory flavors will infuse the pasta, creating a satisfying dish.
7. Over Polenta: Serve the oxtail and its delicious gravy over creamy polenta. The creamy polenta acts as a perfect base for the rich and hearty oxtail.
8. In a Soup: Use the tender oxtail as a base for a flavorful soup. Add vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a comforting and nourishing soup that is perfect for colder days.
Note: Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and experiment with different flavors and ingredients based on your personal preferences.
Tips and Tricks
When cooking oxtail in a pressure cooker, it’s important to keep a few tips and tricks in mind to ensure the best results.
1. Browning the oxtail
Before cooking the oxtail in the pressure cooker, it’s recommended to brown the meat. Browning adds a depth of flavor to the dish and helps to seal in the juices. To brown the oxtail, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the oxtail until it forms a brown crust on all sides. This step is optional but highly recommended.
2. Adding aromatics
To enhance the flavor of the oxtail, consider adding some aromatics such as onions, garlic, and herbs or spices. These ingredients will infuse the meat with delicious flavors as it cooks in the pressure cooker. Sauté the aromatics before adding them to the pressure cooker for even more depth of flavor.
3. Proper liquid ratio
When cooking oxtail in a pressure cooker, it’s important to have enough liquid to create steam and build pressure. Generally, a ratio of 1:1 liquid to meat is recommended. You can use water, broth, or a combination of both as the cooking liquid.
For a more flavorful dish, you can also use wine, tomato sauce, or other flavorful liquids as part of the cooking liquid. Keep in mind that these liquids should still be combined with enough water or broth to meet the 1:1 ratio.
4. Adjusting cooking time
The cooking time for oxtail in a pressure cooker can vary depending on the size of the oxtail pieces and the desired tenderness. As a general guideline, cook oxtail in a pressure cooker for around 45 to 60 minutes on high pressure. This should result in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
If you prefer the meat to be even more tender, you can increase the cooking time by 10 to 15 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the specific pressure cooker model and altitude.
Overall, using a pressure cooker to cook oxtail is a great way to achieve tender and flavorful meat in a shorter amount of time. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a delicious oxtail dish that will impress your family and friends.
FAQ
What is the cooking time for oxtail in a pressure cooker?
The cooking time for oxtail in a pressure cooker is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Is oxtail tender after being cooked in a pressure cooker?
Yes, oxtail cooked in a pressure cooker becomes tender and flavorful due to the high pressure and shorter cooking time.
Can I cook oxtail in a pressure cooker for a shorter time?
Yes, you can cook oxtail in a pressure cooker for a shorter time, but the meat may not be as tender as when cooked for the recommended time.
What are the benefits of using a pressure cooker to cook oxtail?
Using a pressure cooker to cook oxtail allows for faster cooking times, tenderizes the meat, and infuses flavors more quickly.
Are there any tips for cooking oxtail in a pressure cooker?
Some tips for cooking oxtail in a pressure cooker include searing the meat before pressure cooking, using flavorful liquids like broth or wine, and allowing a natural release of pressure after cooking for better texture.
