Long before I got interested in the BBQ culture, oxtails were a part of my roots. Not just a delicacy in Jamaica, but also a staple. The coming together of Oxtail, from my culture with my newfound passion in BBQ, really solidified, to me, the reason to blend the two.
The first time preparing smoked oxtails was in 2020 when I was just learning about offset cooking. My smoked oxtails video on YouTube was one of my first cooks where I started practicing fire management the way I do today. The results then were amazing, and the results on this recent cook were even better.
The smoking of the oxtails just simply amplifies the beef flavor with a kiss of smoke that somehow carries through the braise. This creates a complex robust flavor that will always elevate any beef dish. Smoked oxtails can’t be finished this way completely over smoke without braising as it tends to be a very tough cut. A short smoke and a good braise ought to do the trick.
Ingredients:
3lbs Beef oxtails
Dry Jerk Seasoning
1 clove fresh garlic(rough chopped)
½ yellow onion
2 green onions(chopped)
3 sprigs of thyme
Cinnamon stick
3 cans butter beans
2 large carrots(medallion)
1 large russet potato(cubed)
2 medium sweet peppers(cut up)
Season oxtails with jerk seasoning overnight. Lock into a container with the garlic and thyme for maximum flavor. Next day, fire up the smoker to 225-250 and smoke the oxtails low and slow for 2 hours. 30 minutes before the oxtails are set to come off the smoker, start a pot with some beef stock, about 1½ quarts. Add the remaining potatoes, onions, garlic, thyme, beans and dry rub. Bring to a boil. Add Smoked oxtails to boiling brother and let simmer over medium high heat for 1 hr. At this time, check the flavor and then add what’s needed. Add carrots and peppers at this point and cook on medium heat until meat is fork-tender.
This cook will bring a lot of bold flavors together to create a Jamaican party with your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to throw some extra spice in if you want to Amp up the flavor. Also, a little salt and pepper for balance won’t hurt anyone.
