To cook oxtail in a pressure cooker, first season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and all-spice. Add onions, carrots, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper for a Jamaican twist. Pressure cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour at 250-270°F until tender. The pressure cooker tenderizes the meat quickly and infuses flavors deeply. Enjoy the hearty meal that’s ready in no time.
How to Select Ingredients for Pressure Cooked Oxtail
To choose the best oxtails for pressure cooking, look for pieces that include joints, as these are known to provide the best flavor and texture. Trim any excessive fat to keep the dish from becoming overly rich. Marinate the oxtails to enhance both flavor and tenderness. Season the meat with staples such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and all-spice for a robust taste.
Add onions, carrots, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper to the pressure cooker to stay true to the traditional Jamaican flavors. These ingredients not only contribute to the depth of taste but also infuse the dish with a variety of nutrients, making it a wholesome choice.
Why Cook Oxtail in a Pressure Cooker
To cook oxtail efficiently and with great flavor, use a pressure cooker. This method tenderizes the meat rapidly, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply while preserving nutrients.
It also saves energy and reduces cooking costs, making it a smart choice. Pressure cooking breaks down collagen in the oxtail, creating a rich, gelatinous texture ideal for stews and soups.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs oxtail cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pressure Cooker: Heat the olive oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Oxtail: Add the oxtail pieces to the pressure cooker and brown them on all sides, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pressure cooker, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then add red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Next, add beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Oxtail: Return the oxtail to the pressure cooker. Close the lid securely and bring the cooker up to high pressure. Once high pressure is reached, reduce the heat to maintain pressure and cook for 45 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Serve: Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all safety measures are followed when operating the pressure cooker.
- The oxtail can be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or with your favorite side of vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
This pressure-cooked oxtail recipe offers a delicious and efficient way to prepare a traditionally slow-cooked dish, making it ideal for a comforting meal any day of the week.
How Long to Cook Oxtail in a Pressure Cooker
To determine the ideal cooking time for oxtail, consult the guidelines relating to the size and thickness of the pieces. Pressure cooking oxtail for 45 minutes to 1 hour ensures tender results, as the process breaks down the collagen in the meat.
For fork-tender oxtail, adhere to a specific cooking duration. Thicker pieces may need more time to ensure they’re thoroughly cooked.
What Temperature Should Oxtail Be Cooked To?
To cook oxtail properly, use a pressure cooker set to a high temperature of about 250-270°F. The internal temperature of the oxtail should reach 180-200°F to ensure it becomes tender and that the tough connective tissues have broken down.
Cooking oxtail in a pressure cooker speeds up this process, allowing the meat to become tender and succulent more efficiently. Monitor the temperature carefully to prevent undercooking or overcooking the oxtail.
Video: How to Cook Oxtail in a Pressure Cooker
How to Store and Reheat
Store cooked oxtail in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.
For reheating, warm the oxtail gently in a saucepan on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, use the microwave for reheating in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
If you plan to freeze it, pack the oxtail in a freezer-safe container, pressing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Cooking Tips
To maximize flavor and texture when preparing oxtail, begin by searing the pieces until they’re well-browned. This step locks in the juices, creating a richer taste.
By trimming excess fat from the oxtails before cooking, you can avoid a greasy final dish.
Add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking to thicken the sauce, enhancing its silky texture.
Incorporate seasonings such as all-spice, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor profile.
Allow the pressure cooker to release pressure naturally after cooking; this method helps to tenderize the meat further.
How to Present and Serve
Serve the brown oxtail over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to improve its presentation. Garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor.
Include steamed vegetables to balance the meal. Use a deep dish for serving to emphasize the succulent meat and rich gravy.
Consider pairing with traditional Caribbean sides such as rice and peas or plantains to enhance the overall flavor and deliver a satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Pressure Cook Oxtail?
Yes, you can pressure cook oxtail. It’s a fantastic way to quickly tenderize the tough meat, locking in flavors and nutrients. Pressure cooking oxtail in an Instant Pot reduces cooking time, ensuring delicious and tender results.
How Long Does It Take for Oxtail to Be Cooked?
To cook oxtail until tender, it generally takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour in a pressure cooker. The cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of the oxtail pieces, ensuring a flavorful meal.
How to Cook Meat in a Pressure Cooker?
To cook meat in a pressure cooker, simply season the meat, add liquid for steam, set the cooking time, and let the pressure cooker work its magic. The high pressure and steam will tenderize the meat quickly for a flavorful dish.
Do You Have to Brown Oxtails Before Cooking?
You should brown oxtails before cooking to enhance flavor, create a rich crust, and develop a deeper taste in the dish. It’s not necessary, but browning adds color, contributes to flavor complexity, and helps seal in juices.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve mastered cooking oxtail in a pressure cooker, you can easily prepare this tasty dish. Whether you’re experienced in the kitchen or just beginning, this method guarantees tender, flavor-packed oxtail with minimal effort.
So, gather your ingredients and pressure cooker, and prepare to impress your friends and family with this exceptional meal. Remember to follow each step carefully to ensure the best results.
Enjoy the rich flavors and succulent texture of your perfectly cooked oxtail.