Olivia Carter
Oxtail stew is a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for those cold winter nights. The meat is incredibly tender and falls off the bone, while the vegetables become soft and infused with the delicious flavors of the stew. Traditionally, oxtail stew requires long hours of slow cooking on the stovetop or in the oven, but with a pressure cooker, you can achieve the same mouthwatering results in a fraction of the time.
A pressure cooker is a handy kitchen appliance that uses steam pressure to cook food quickly and efficiently. It speeds up the cooking time by up to 70% and locks in the flavors, making it ideal for tenderizing tough cuts of meat like oxtail.
In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking oxtail stew in a pressure cooker. We will share our tried-and-true recipe and provide helpful tips to ensure that your stew turns out perfect every time. So, grab your pressure cooker and let’s get cooking!
Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking oxtail stew in a pressure cooker, it is essential to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
1. Oxtail
Choose high-quality oxtail from your local butcher or grocery store. Aim for around 3-4 pounds of oxtail, depending on how many servings you want to make.
2. Vegetables
You will need a variety of vegetables to add flavor and texture to your stew. Some common choices include carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and potatoes. Chop the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Herbs and Seasonings
To enhance the flavors of your oxtail stew, gather spices and herbs such as bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. These ingredients will add depth and richness to your dish.
4. Liquid
To create the stew’s liquid base, you will need beef stock or broth. You can also use red wine or a combination of both for extra flavor. Measure around 4 cups of liquid for the recipe.
After gathering all the ingredients, make sure to clean and organize your workstation. This will ensure a smooth cooking process and prevent any cross-contamination.
Cut and Season the Oxtail
In order to prepare the oxtail for cooking in a pressure cooker, you will need to cut it into smaller pieces. Start by using a sharp knife to separate the tailbone joints. This will make it easier to handle and will allow the meat to cook more evenly.
Tip: It’s important to have a good cutting board and a sturdy knife when working with oxtail, as it can be quite tough to cut through.
Once the oxtail is cut into pieces, it’s time to season it. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, and any other spices or herbs of your choosing. Mix them together well.
Tip: Oxtail has a rich, beefy flavor, so you don’t want to overpower it with too many strong spices. A simple seasoning blend with salt and pepper works well to enhance the natural flavors.
Take the seasoning mixture and rub it all over the oxtail pieces, making sure to coat them evenly. Use your fingers to press the seasoning into the meat, ensuring that it gets into all the nooks and crannies.
Note: It’s a good idea to let the seasoned oxtail sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Now that the oxtail pieces are properly cut and seasoned, they are ready to be cooked in the pressure cooker. The next step is to sauté the oxtail to develop a deep, rich flavor before proceeding with the stew.
Sear the Oxtail Pieces
Before starting the pressure cooking process, it’s important to sear the oxtail pieces. This step will enhance the flavor of the stew and give the meat a nice brown crust.
To sear the oxtail, heat some oil in the pressure cooker on medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the oxtail pieces. Season the oxtail with salt and pepper, then carefully place it into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot – sear the oxtail in batches if necessary.
Let the oxtail cook undisturbed for a few minutes until it develops a rich brown color on one side. Use tongs to flip the pieces over and sear the other side as well. This process should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Once all the oxtail pieces have been seared, remove them from the pressure cooker and set them aside. Do not discard any brown bits left in the pot, as they will contribute to the flavor of the stew.
The searing step is an essential part of the cooking process, so don’t skip it. It’s an extra step that will make your oxtail stew taste even more delicious!
Add the Vegetables and Liquid
Once the oxtail is tender and cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the vegetables and liquid to the pressure cooker. This will help infuse the stew with extra flavor and create a rich, hearty broth.
1. Add the Vegetables: Begin by adding your choice of vegetables to the pressure cooker. Popular options include carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes. These vegetables will provide a delicious contrast to the tender meat.
2. Add the Liquid: Next, pour in enough liquid to cover the oxtail and vegetables. This can be a combination of beef broth, red wine, and water. The liquid will help to create a flavorful base for your stew.
3. Season the Stew: Season the stew with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs of your choice. This will enhance the overall taste and aroma of the dish.
4. Close the Lid: Securely close the pressure cooker lid and ensure that it is properly sealed.
5. Cook the Stew: Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and cook the stew for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on your pressure cooker model, so it’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious oxtail stew in no time. The pressure cooker will help to lock in the flavors and ensure that the meat is tender and succulent. Serve the stew hot with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Cook the Oxtail Stew in a Pressure Cooker
To cook the oxtail stew in a pressure cooker, follow these simple steps:
- Start by preparing all the ingredients. Cut the oxtail into pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat some cooking oil in the pressure cooker over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned oxtail pieces and brown them on all sides. This will help enhance the flavor of the stew.
- Remove the browned oxtail pieces from the pressure cooker and set them aside. In the same cooker, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become softened and slightly golden.
- Return the oxtail pieces to the pressure cooker and mix them with the sautéed vegetables. Add any additional seasonings or herbs that you desire, such as thyme or bay leaves.
- Pour in enough beef broth or stock to cover the oxtail pieces. The liquid should reach about two-thirds of the way up the ingredients.
- Securely fasten the lid onto the pressure cooker and set the cooking time according to your pressure cooker’s instructions. Typically, oxtail stew takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook under pressure.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure from the cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be cautious of the hot steam.
- Open the lid of the pressure cooker and check the consistency of the stew. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can use a slotted spoon to remove some of the oxtail pieces and vegetables, then blend them with a hand blender or mash them with a fork before returning them to the stew.
- Adjust the seasoning of the stew with salt and pepper, if needed. You can also add any final touches, such as freshly chopped herbs or a splash of Worcestershire sauce, to enhance the flavor.
- Serve the delicious oxtail stew hot with your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Enjoy!
Serve and Enjoy
Once your oxtail stew is done cooking, it’s time to serve and enjoy this mouthwatering dish. Here are a few tips to make sure your meal is perfect:
1. Ladle the oxtail stew into bowls, making sure to distribute the meat and vegetables evenly.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of freshness and color.
3. Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious flavors.
4. Take the time to savor each bite and appreciate the tender, succulent meat and hearty vegetables.
5. Don’t forget to pair this rich and flavorful stew with a glass of red wine or your favorite beverage.
6. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Now that you know how to cook oxtail stew in a pressure cooker and how to enjoy it, gather your ingredients and get cooking. This comforting and delicious stew is sure to become a family favorite.
FAQ
Why should I cook oxtail stew in a pressure cooker?
Pressure cooking oxtail stew helps to tenderize the meat and infuse the flavors more quickly. It also reduces the cooking time, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.
How long does it take to cook oxtail stew in a pressure cooker?
The cooking time for oxtail stew in a pressure cooker is usually around 45 minutes to 1 hour. This may vary depending on the size of the oxtail pieces and the desired tenderness of the meat.
What ingredients do I need to make oxtail stew in a pressure cooker?
To make oxtail stew in a pressure cooker, you will need oxtail pieces, onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Can I cook oxtail stew in a regular pot instead of a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can cook oxtail stew in a regular pot. However, it will take longer cooking time to achieve the same tenderness as when cooking in a pressure cooker. You may need to simmer the stew for 2-3 hours on the stovetop or in the oven.
