Oxtail and Beans is a timeless favorite in Caribbean cuisine, known for its rich, slow-cooked flavor and deeply satisfying texture. Tender oxtail is simmered in a savory, spiced gravy and paired with creamy butter beans, creating a dish that is both comforting and full of bold island character.
Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish captures the essence of authentic Caribbean home cooking.
š½ļø Servings
Serves: 6
š Ingredients
- 3 lbs oxtail
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Ā½ tsp pimento (allspice) grains
- 3 stalks scallion (chopped)
- 2 medium onions (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp garlic (chopped)
- 2 tsp Tropical Spices All-Purpose Seasoning
- 2 tsp Tropical Spices Season to Di Bone
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (chopped, optional) š¶ļø
- Ā½ lb carrot (chopped)
- 1 large sweet pepper (cubed)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tin butter beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- Salt to taste
š©š³ Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oxtail
Trim excess fat from the oxtail. Wash thoroughly with vinegar and water, rinse, and set aside.
Step 2: Season & Marinate
In a large bowl, season the oxtail with:
- Half of the garlic, scallion, and onion
- Thyme and pimento grains
- Tropical Spices All-Purpose Seasoning
- Season to Di Bone
- Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
Mix well and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Oxtail
Heat olive oil in a pressure cooker or heavy pot over medium heat.
Remove excess seasoning (reserve it), then brown the oxtail pieces for about 8ā10 minutes, turning to ensure even color and flavor development.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Add the reserved seasoning and enough water to cover the oxtail.
- Pressure cooker: Cook for 25ā30 minutes
- Regular pot: Simmer for 2ā3 hours, until tender
Step 5: Add Vegetables & Build Flavor
Once tender, add:
- Carrots
- Remaining chopped seasonings
- Soy sauce
Simmer for 10ā15 minutes to allow flavors to deepen.
Step 6: Add Beans & Thicken
Stir in the butter beans and cook for 2ā3 minutes.
Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then gradually add while stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Final Touches
Add sweet peppers, turn off the heat, cover, and let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to fully develop.
š“ Serving Suggestions
Serve Oxtail and Beans with:
- Rice and peas š
- Mashed potatoes š„
- Fried dumplings š«
The rich gravy pairs perfectly with starchy sides that soak up all the flavor.
š” Pro Tips
- Marinate overnight for deeper, richer taste
- Brown the meat well ā this builds the base flavor
- Adjust Scotch bonnet to control heat š¶ļø
- Let the dish rest before serving for enhanced flavor
šæ Final Note
Oxtail and Beans is the ultimate comfort dish ā rich, hearty, and deeply rooted in Caribbean tradition. With Tropical Spices, you can recreate this authentic island classic right in your own kitchen.
