Savory Oxtail and Gravy Infused with Jamaican Spices: A Taste of the Islands
Few dishes capture the essence of Jamaican cuisine like oxtail and gravy—a rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful dish that warms the soul. Infused with a bold blend of Jamaican spices, slow-cooked to perfection, and smothered in a thick, savory gravy, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’ve enjoyed it before or are looking to make it for the first time, this post will guide you through everything you need to know about making authentic Jamaican-style oxtail and gravy.
What Makes Jamaican Oxtail Special?
Oxtail is a beloved dish in Jamaican households, often reserved for special occasions due to its slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone tenderness. What sets Jamaican oxtail apart from other versions is the distinctive seasoning profile—a mix of scallions, thyme, pimento (allspice), Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, ginger, and browning sauce. These ingredients create a deeply spiced, slightly smoky, and irresistibly rich dish.
Traditionally, oxtail is slow-braised with butter beans (lima beans), which absorb the flavorful gravy and add a creamy texture to the dish.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Jamaican Oxtail
To get that signature Jamaican taste, you’ll need:
For the Oxtail:
✔ 2.5 lbs oxtail (cut into medium-sized pieces)
✔ 1 tbsp salt
✔ 1 tsp black pepper
✔ 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
✔ 1 tbsp garlic powder
✔ 1 tsp paprika
✔ 1 tbsp browning sauce (for rich color and depth)
✔ 3 cloves garlic (minced)
✔ 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
✔ 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (chopped, optional for heat)
✔ 3 sprigs thyme
✔ 2 stalks scallion (chopped)
✔ 1 tbsp pimento (allspice)
✔ 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)
For the Gravy:
✔ 2 cups beef broth
✔ 2 tbsp tomato paste
✔ 1 small onion (diced)
✔ 1 cup butter beans (canned, drained)
✔ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
✔ 1 tbsp soy sauce
✔ 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening
Step-by-Step: How to Make Jamaican Oxtail and Gravy
Step 1: Season the Oxtail
Wash and pat dry the oxtail. In a large bowl, mix oxtail with salt, black pepper, all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, browning sauce, garlic, ginger, Scotch bonnet, thyme, scallions, and pimento. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the oxtail pieces until browned on all sides—this locks in the flavor and creates a rich base for the gravy.
Step 3: Build the Gravy
Remove the seared oxtail and set aside. In the same pot, add onions, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Then, pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Return the oxtail to the pot. Cover and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is falling off the bone. Stir occasionally and add water if needed.
Step 5: Add Butter Beans
In the last 20 minutes of cooking, stir in the drained butter beans. Let them absorb the gravy and soften. If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with water and stir it in.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the oxtail is tender and the gravy is rich, remove from heat. Serve hot over rice and peas, with steamed cabbage or fried plantains on the side for a true Jamaican experience.
Tips for the Best Jamaican Oxtail and Gravy
✅ Marinate overnight – The longer the oxtail soaks in the seasoning, the deeper the flavor.
✅ Brown the meat well – A good sear enhances the richness of the dish.
✅ Simmer low and slow – Oxtail is tough meat, but slow cooking makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
✅ Use Scotch bonnet pepper – It gives an authentic kick, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
✅ Don’t skip the pimento (allspice) – This spice is essential for the signature Jamaican taste.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich, deeply flavorful, and completely satisfying, Jamaican oxtail and gravy is a must-try. The bold blend of spices, tender meat, and thick, savory sauce makes this dish unforgettable. Whether for a family dinner, special occasion, or weekend treat, this meal is bound to impress.
🔥 Have you ever tried Jamaican oxtail? Let us know in the comments! If you make this recipe, tag us on social media—we’d love to see your delicious creations.
